vcc.ca
BIOL 2105: Introductory Ecology
Effective date
January 2026
Department
UT Sciences
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course introduces fundamental ecological concepts through both theoretical and experiential (lab/fieldwork) approaches. Students will learn about abiotic and biotic environmental relationships and dynamics; ecological concepts; population dynamics, variation, adaptation and evolution. Students will explore the distribution of organisms, food chain and food web dynamics, energy and matter flow and cycles. Additional topics include species interactions such as competition, predation and symbiosis, and behavioural ecology.
Credits
4.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
BIOL 1100 with a minimum 'C-' grade or equivalent, and BIOL 1200 with a minimum 'C-' grade or equivalent.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain patterns observed in nature by applying fundamental ecological theories.
- Communicate clearly about ecological systems and processes by applying appropriate ecological terminology.
- Describe the contributions of important ecologists and the historical development of the discipline in order to understand contemporary ecological issues in a modern context.
- Critically evaluate primary ecological literature and interpret case studies to formulate solutions to real-world ecological problems by applying ecological theory.
- Analyze ecological data using appropriate statistical methods, including calculating basic statistics, constructing graphs, and interpreting trends.
- Develop and present a research proposal (including a review of literature, statement of hypothesis and predictions, appropriate research methodology, and anticipated results) on an ecological topic.
- Apply fundamental lab and field ecology techniques and safety procedures including sampling methods, species identification, and habitat assessment.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret ecological field data to draw evidence-based conclusions about ecological relationships.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 120
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 120
Instructional Strategies
The course will have interactive lectures, case studies, class discussions, labs and field studies.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Lab Work |
40 |
Lab and field work/reports |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Research proposal/presentation |
|
Midterm Exam |
30 |
Two mid-term exams |
|
Final Exam |
15 |
Final exam |
Course topics
- Overview of modern ecology in an historical context
- Models predicting population distribution and abundance
- Island biogeography
- Biotic and abiotic effects on species distribution and dispersal
- Population ecology including demographics, growth, and metapopulations
- Interactions between species including competition and predation
- Ecology laboratory and field work techniques
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.