By the end of this course, students will be able to:
· Understand the fundamental principles of evolution, adaptation, and functional traits in organisms.
· Analyze, interpret, and discuss scientific literature related to functional and adaptive biology.
· Develop skills to read, digest, and present scientific research findings.
· Apply functional biology concepts to real-world examples, linking form and function in biological systems.
· Gain hands-on experience in studying organisms in a laboratory setting, including recognizing different tissues, organs, and their functions.
The course aims to:
· Provide a thorough foundation in the main aspects of functional and adaptive biology.
· Introduce students to scientific literature, helping them develop skills to critically engage with academic research.
· Explore how organisms function and adapt to maximize survival and reproduction.
· Demonstrate the interplay between adaptation, evolution, and functional traits, using key examples from across the tree of life.
· Equip students with practical skills for biological observation and experimentation, particularly in the context of functional morphology and adaptation.
This course explores how organisms function and adapt to environmental challenges, emphasizing the link between adaptation, evolution, and functional traits. Through case studies, students will investigate key processes shaping biodiversity and functional diversity at multiple biological levels.
Key topics include:
· Biodiversity and biological organization
· Microevolution and speciation
· Functional traits and adaptation
· Trade-offs and constraints in evolution
· Functional ecology and ecological roles
· Case studies of key taxa illustrating adaptation and function
Students will regularly engage with scientific literature, learning how to critically analyze, summarize, and present research findings.
The course is structured into three main parts:
1. Biodiversity and Evolution – Understanding biological organization, evolutionary mechanisms, and the processes that generate functional diversity.
2. Adaptation and Functional Traits – Exploring how traits evolve, trade-offs, and their role in shaping organismal performance.
3. Functional Ecology and Applications – Examining how traits influence ecological interactions, biodiversity patterns, and responses to environmental change.
Theoretical concepts will be reinforced through scientific literature discussions and practical sessions that link structure to function.
Students will:
· Examine plant and animal specimens to distinguish different tissue types and organs.
· Analyze functional traits across different taxa, linking structure to ecological role.
· Compare adaptations in organisms from various environments, assessing trade-offs and constraints.
· Apply laboratory techniques for biological observation and functional analysis.
· Engage with primary scientific literature, summarizing and presenting findings in a group setting.
· Lectures (online or in-person) covering key concepts in functional and adaptive biology.
· Q&A sessions (online or in-person) to reinforce understanding and allow for discussion.
· Reading and discussing scientific literature, helping students critically analyze research.
· Seminars by invited experts, providing insights into current research and applications.
· Supervised lab exercises, where students study functional traits in plant and animal specimens.
The final grade is based on:
1. Theoretical Part (50%) – Written exam assessing understanding of fundamental concepts.
2. Practical Part (50%) – Evaluation of:
· Practical work reports.
· Practical work exam covering both animal and plant components.
Grading Policy:
· The final grade is the average of the theoretical and practical components.
· If the final grade is below 10/20, the student must only retake the failed part in the second session (if one part is above 10/20, it is exempt from retaking).
· Partial exemptions apply only within the same academic year—grades do not carry over to the next year.
· Both practical components (animal and plant) must be passed together; there are no exemptions for one without the other.
· Exam registration applies to both parts—students cannot register for only the theoretical or practical part.
The following resources will support student learning:
· Scientific papers relevant to course topics.
· Lecture slides (PowerPoint) provided on WebCampus.
· Scientific websites specified in the course plan.
· All materials are accessible via WebCampus.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Geology | Standard | 0 | 5 | |
| Bachelor in Geography : General | Standard | 0 | 5 | |
| Bachelor in Geography : General | Standard | 2 | 5 | |
| Bachelor in Geology | Standard | 2 | 5 |