Course unit details:
Biotic Interactions

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL31511
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by School of Biological Sciences
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

All organisms live in an environment shared with many other species of microbes, animals and plants. This advanced ecology unit will introduce the different types of organismal interactions between animals, plants and microbes. Topics will include microbial communities in eukaryotic hosts, plant/pollinator interactions, parasitism and pathogenicity.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Ecology and Conservation EART25001 Pre-Requisite Recommended

Aims

Our reductionist approach to biology leads us to underestimate the influence that biotic interactions have on the physiology, development, ecology and evolution of a given organism. This unit will introduce the different types of organismal interactions between animals, plants and microbes. Particular emphasis will be placed on an integrated understanding of those interactions from the molecular to the ecological level, as well as an appreciation of parallels between similar processes across different kingdoms. We will discuss how knowledge of biotic interactions can be applied to agro-ecosystems, human health and conservation.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to

• Understand biotic interactions as a central evolutionary force

• Dissect communication, signalling, manipulation and coevolution in biotic interactions

• Explain the relevance of biotic interactions for human health, conservation and sustainable agriculture

In addition, students will be able to evaluate and discuss original research; summarize and contextualise research articles for a non-specialist audience.

Syllabus

  • Mutualism – Theories of mutualism evolution - Microbial communities in eukaryotic hosts - Insect endosymbionts - Mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses
  • Plant as partners in biotic interactions: Plant/pollinator interactions; Herbivory: Seed predation and dispersal
  • Competition - Predation - Modelling of population dynamics as influenced by biotic interactions (including one PC Cluster session)
  • Parasitism and pathogenicity - Cross-kingdom comparison of parasitic/ pathogenic strategies for animal and plant hosts and of innate immunity
  • Biotic interactions in agro-ecosystems: Invasive species 

Employability skills

Analytical skills
The modelling lab session involves the exploration, analysis and interpretation of mathematical models of ecological processes. The synoptic essay requires the analysis of current research literature (not covered in the course) using key lecture concepts as a framework.
Innovation/creativity
Both of the smaller coursework options allow for creativity in style and expression.
Oral communication
Lectures encourage questions and discussions of key concepts in-class. Coursework option A is a screencast of a journal club style discussion of a research paper. This allows for engaging but professional delivery in a concise format.
Research
Lectures are largely based on current research. The synoptic essay requires a considerable amount of literature search, analysis and discussion.
Written communication
Coursework option B involves writing a short summary of high-impact research paper, loosely based on style of "News & Views" in the journal Nature. The writing style should be accessible for a non-specialist audience and summarize background, novel findings and wider relevance/impact. The synoptic essay requires expert-level communication of a topic chosen by the student from several options.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 75%
Written assignment (inc essay) 25%

Synoptic Coursework Essay (75%).  

Coursework option A: Screencast of a journal club-style discussion of a research paper (25%)

Coursework option B: ‘News and Views’ style research paper review (25%) 

Feedback methods

Formative feedback is available for the smaller coursework formats.  

Past exam and examiner report exemplar available.  

Recommended reading

Begon M, Townsend, C & Harper, J (2006) Ecology : from individuals to ecosystems (4th edition). Wiley-Blackwell

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 18
Independent study hours
Independent study 82

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Thomas Nuhse Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £38,000 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Additional expenses

 

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

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