Back
| Semester | fall semester 2021 |
| Course frequency | Every 2nd fall sem. |
| Lecturers | Philip Greenwood (philip.greenwood@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The structure and function of ecosystems arise as a result of previous and current environmental conditions and their dynamics in both space and time. This lecture series will provide an introduction to the ecology of Africa and will be given in three separate, 3-day blocks, with a 2-hour lecture each day. The lecture series will initially focus on processes that have led to the formation of the African continent, as well as outline its geomorphology and climate. We will then focus on key ecology principles, before looking at some of the more prominent ecoregions of Africa. These will include hyper-arid and semi-arid deserts, savanna, fynbos, rainforests and mangroves. Throughout the series, we will focus on adaptive strategies associated with key flora and fauna from respective ecosystems. The course will then finish by looking at key drivers of land degradation and rehabilitation measures, the benefits of citizen science in society, and certain strategies that could contribute to offering food-security in Africa. There will be a 1 hour written exam (in English) consisting of 11 questions (answer 10 of them), requiring paragraph-length answers. Course Content - Lecture I: Course overview & content, Geology, Geomorphology & Climate of Africa; - Lecture II: Principles of Ecology & Major African Ecoregions; - Lecture III: Desert Ecoregions; - Lecture IV: Semi-Arid Ecoregions; - Lecture V: Savanna Ecoregions; - Lecture VI: Savanna contd. & Fynbos - Lecture VII: Tropical Rainforests & Mangroves; - Lecture VIII: Land Degradation & Rehabilitation Mechanisms; - Exam: 1 hr. Written. |
| Bibliography | ADAMS W.M., GOUDIE A.S. & ORME A.R. (Eds.), 1999. The Physical Geography of Africa. Oxford University Press. BURGESS N., et al., 2004. Terrestrial Ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar. A Conservation Assessment. Washington, Covelo, London: Island Press, KINGDON J., 1990. Island Africa. The Evolution of Africa's Rare Animals and Plants. London: Collins. KRICHER J., 2011. Tropical Ecology. Princeton University Press, Princeton & Oxford. READER J., 1997. Africa. A Biography of the Continent. Hamish Hamilton Ltd., London. ESLER K.J., MILTON, S.J. & DEAN, W.R. (eds.) 2010. Karoo Veld: Ecology & Management. Briza Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa. READING, A.J., THOMPSON, R.D., MILLINGTON, A.C. 1995. Humid Tropical Environments. Blackwell Publishing, UK. VAN OUDTSHOORN, F. 2015. Veld Management: Principles & Practices. Briza Publications, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Weblink | Physiogeographie und Umweltwandel |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | Der Dozent wird in die Schweiz kommen und die V in Präsenz (drei Wochen an drei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen mit je 2h) durchführen. |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 12.10.2021 | 16.00-18.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Wednesday 13.10.2021 | 12.00-14.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Thursday 14.10.2021 | 08.00-10.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Tuesday 09.11.2021 | 16.00-18.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Wednesday 10.11.2021 | 12.00-14.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Thursday 11.11.2021 | 08.00-10.00 | Geographie, Hörsaal 5-01 |
| Tuesday 07.12.2021 | 16.00-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Wednesday 08.12.2021 | 12.00-14.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Thursday 09.12.2021 | 08.00-10.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Modules |
Modul: Basics: Environment (Master's degree program: African Studies) Modul: Fachkompetenz Globaler Wandel (Master's degree subject: Geography) Modul: Fields: Environment and Development (Master's degree program: African Studies) Module Electives: Geography and Climatology (Bachelor's Studies: Geosciences (Start of studies before 01.08.2020)) Module: Landscape Systems (Master's Studies: Geosciences) Module: Professional Competence: Geography and Climatology (Bachelor's Studies: Geosciences (Start of studies before 01.08.2020)) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance & passing a 1 hr. written, end-of-lecture exam (you will not be assessed on your English) |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Geowissenschaften |