ZOOL 22042

>< Type/status : Compulsory course for the students who intend following Zoology as one of the main subjects. Elective course for the other biological science students.
>< Title : Animal Ecology Laboratory
>< Pre-requisites : G.C.E. (A/L) Biology
>< Co-requisite : ZOOL 21034
>< Objectives : By the end of this course the student will be able to demonstrate skills in the basic sampling techniques and measurement of physico-chemical parameters required for understanding ecosystem functioning in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
>< Course contents :

Sampling techniques for terrestrial, aerial, soil and aquatic animals, Study of soil ecosystems, Diversity indices, Soil analysis, Estimation of the size of animal populations, Determination of physico-chemical parameters of water, Effect of temperature on animals, Study of adaptations in brackishwater, freshwater and marine animals, Field studies on terrestrial, soil, freshwater, brackishwater and marine ecosystems.

>< Methodology : A combination of laboratory, field exercises and web based studies.
>< Scheme of evaluation : End-of course practical examination and continuous assessment
>< Recommended reading :
1. Krebs C.J. (1999). Ecological Methodology, Addison-Welsey Educational Publishers, New York
2. Southwood T.R.E. (1978). Ecological Methods; with particular reference to insect populations, 2nd edition, Chapman and Hall, London.
3. Chalmers N. and Parker P. (1996). Fieldwork and Statistics for Ecological Projects, The OU Project Guide, London.
4. Enger E.D. and Smith B.F. (2000). Field laboratory exercises in environmental sciences, 7th edition. McGraw-Hill, New Jersey.

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