Subject Datasheet

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I. Subject Specification

1. Basic Data
1.1 Title
Ecology
1.2 Code
BMEEOVKMI52
1.3 Type
Module with associated contact hours
1.4 Contact hours
Type Hours/week / (days)
Lecture 2
1.5 Evaluation
Midterm grade
1.6 Credits
3
1.7 Coordinator
name Dr. Kozma Zsolt
academic rank Associate professor
email kozma.zsolt@emk.bme.hu
1.8 Department
Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering
1.9 Website
1.10 Language of instruction
english
1.11 Curriculum requirements
Compulsory in the Infrastructure Engineering (MSc) programme
1.12 Prerequisites
1.13 Effective date
1 September 2017

2. Objectives and learning outcomes
2.1 Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide appropriate ecological knowledge for civil engineering student, so that (i) they will be able to identify and solve simpler ecological challenges, and (ii) when dealing with more complex problems they are able to formulate adequate questions for ecological experts and can utilize the given answers.
A further goal is to provide a deeper insight into difficult ecological problems through case studies.
2.2 Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student:
A. Knowledge
  1. knows and understands the main concepts and tools of ecology
  2. knows the fundamental ecological laws and processes
  3. through case studies she/he knows the different field, methods and tools of applied ecology
  4. understands the ecological impacts of human activity
B. Skills
  1. she/he is able to use the concepts of ecology
  2. able to understand certain ecological systems
  3. able to evaluate the ecological effects of engineering activities (design, construction and maintenance of engineering structures)
  4. can identify and solve simpler ecological problems, or find and communicate with the appropriate experts
  5. is capable to communicate her/his thoughts and ideas in relation with ecology in a clear and structured way
C. Attitudes
  1. strives to get familiarized with the tools and methods necessary to deal with ecological issues
  2. aims to enforce the principles of energy efficiency and environmental awareness in her/his work
D. Autonomy and Responsibility
  1. formulates and works out the solution of ecological problems on her/his own
  2. applies the system theory paradigm on her/his own
2.3 Methods
Lectures, calculation exercises, verbal communication, usage of IT tools
2.4 Course outline
HétElőadások és gyakorlatok témaköre
1.Comparison of temporal, spatial scales of ecological processes and engineering activities. Similarities and differences in engineering and ecological expertises. The main characteristics of ecological processes.
2.Fundamental concepts, definitions and ideas of ecology.
3.General behavior of ecological systems. Primary production, nutrient cycles, material and energy flows.
4.Interactions in ecology (1): intra- and interspecific interactions. Patterns in ecology.
5.Interactions in ecology (2): The interactions between populations and their environmental. Principle of limitation and its applications.
6.Biogeochemical flows. The hydrological cycle. Human impacts on natural cycles.
7.Overview of the first six lectures.
8.Bioindication, biomagnification, biomonitoring. Case studies.
9.Ecological aspects of water management. Wetlands and their characteristics. Engineering impacts on wetlands, ecological effects of hydraulic structures.
10.Ecological aspects of hydromorphological interventions. Aims and design principles. Technological solutions, international case studies. Comparison of classical engineering and ecological solutions.
11.Nature based solutions in wastewater management.
12.Ecological and environmental problems from human activities (1): agriculture, forestry, industry and mining. Possible solutions.
13.Ecological and environmental problems from human activities (2): infrastructure and tourism. Possible solutions.
14.Final test

The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
2.5 Study materials
  • Lecture slides and recordings. Supplementary materials on the course webpage.
  • Ellis, E.C., Kaplan, J.O., Fuller, D.Q., Vavrus, S., Goldewijk, K.K., Verburg, P.H (2013) Used planet: A global history. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 2013, 110 (20) 7978-7985; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1217241110
  • Ellis, E.C. (2015) Ecology in an anthropogenic biosphere, Ecological Monographs, 85(3), 2015, pp. 287–331, https://doi.org/10.1890/14-2274.1
2.6 Other information
2.7 Consultation

After appointment with the lecturers.

This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
Inactive courses

II. Subject requirements

Assessment and evaluation of the learning outcomes
3.1 General rules
The learning results listed in section 2.2 will be checked in a final test on the last week of the semester.
3.2 Assessment methods
Teljesítményértékelés neve (típus)JeleÉrtékelt tanulási eredmények
final testT1A.1-A.4; B.1-B.5; C.1, C.2; D.1, D.2

The dates of deadlines of assignments/homework can be found in the detailed course schedule on the subject’s website.
3.3 Evaluation system
JeleRészarány
T1100%
Összesen100%
3.4 Requirements and validity of signature
Students must reach at least 50% on the final test in order to get the signature.
3.5 Grading system
ÉrdemjegyPontszám (P)
jeles (5)80%<=P
jó (4)70%<=P<80%
közepes (3)60%<=P<70%
elégséges (2)50%<=P<60%
elégtelen (1)P<50%
3.6 Retake and repeat
The retake of the final test is only possible on the retake week.
The first retake attempt is free. Always the last result count.
There is a fee for the second retake attempt.
3.7 Estimated workload
TevékenységÓra/félév
attendance at the lectures14×2=28
preparation for the test62
Összesen90
3.8 Effective date
1 September 2021
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
Inactive courses