Town ecology WF-OB-TE
The aim of the course is to characterize the functioning of ecosystems in small towns in contrast to large agglomerations, with particular emphasis on the rural-urban gradient. The course combines theoretical knowledge with fieldwork practice. A key element of the course is a nature inventory in the field and the creation of original audiovisual material documenting selected ecological phenomena. Students will learn to conduct observations, gather digital data (video/audio), and present results in a multimedia form. This prepares them for modern scientific communication and environmental education.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Course coordinators
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Term 2025/26_L: EN: Contact hours: 30 hours - 1 point ECTS
Self-study - AV material and presentation preparation: 30 hours - 1 point ECTS
Self-study - literature review and test preparation: 30 hours - 1 point ECTS
The course is worth a total of 3 ECTS points. | Term 2026/27_L: 1. Direct contact: participation in classes – 30 hours – 1 ECTS credit.
2. Independent work: preparation for the final written examination – 15 hours.
3. Independent work: preparation for classes (translation of materials, preparation of a multimedia presentation) – 15 hours.
Total workload: 60 hours – 2 ECTS credits.
Total for the course: 2 ECTS credits. |
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Learning outcomes
2026/2027:
2025/2026:
OB1_W01 - characterizes ecological processes specific to small towns, including differences in hydrological cycles and microclimate compared to large agglomerations.
OB1_W04 - describes the specificity of biodiversity at the urban-rural interface (ecotones) and the impact of anthropogenic pressure (noise, light) on organisms on a small scale.
OB1_W09 - identifies environmental threats typical for small towns (illegal dumping, low-stack emission) and defines methods for their field inventory.
Assessment criteria
The final grade for the course is based on a written colloquium (88%) and a multimedia presentation (12%) (preparation and delivery of the multimedia presentation).
Conditions for passing: Passing the individual presentation involves the analysis of a topic assigned by the lecturer, as well as the search and analysis of literature (at least 2 scientific articles). Note from the lecturer: The presentation must include original audiovisual material created during fieldwork. Knowledge of the issues from individual topics will be required during the written assessment. Passing the presentation is necessary to proceed to the final written assessment of the course. Passing requires obtaining a minimum of 60% correct answers from the written colloquium (a test consisting of 18 single-choice questions and 2 open-ended questions) concerning issues of town ecology, and preparing a multimedia presentation in accordance with the guidelines.
Grading criteria:
Description:
Very good (5.0): 90-100% - the student demonstrates in-depth knowledge of all issues, is able to analyze complex problems of town ecology and propose their solutions.
Good plus (4.5): 85-89% - the student correctly describes most issues and exhaustively explains the connections between phenomena in urban ecosystems.
Good (4.0): 75-84% - the student knows basic issues, is able to characterize the main components of the urban environment.
Satisfactory plus (3.5): 65-74% - the student knows basic concepts and phenomena in the field of town ecology.
Satisfactory (3.0): 60-64% - the student demonstrates basic knowledge in the field of town ecology.
Grade thresholds:
The written exam consists of multiple‑choice questions (18 questions, each worth 0–1 point, for a total of 0–18 points) and open‑ended questions (2 questions, each worth 0–2 points, for a total of 0–4 points). The presentation is graded on a 0–3 point scale and includes relevance to the topic (0–1 point), use of a scholarly source (0–1 point), and clarity and delivery of content (0–1 point).
The grading thresholds are as follows: Very good (5.0) corresponds to 90–100% (23–25 points);
Good plus (4.5) corresponds to 85–89% (22 points);
Good (4.0) corresponds to 75–84% (19–21 points);
Satisfactory plus (3.5) corresponds to 65–74% (17–18 points);
Satisfactory (3.0) corresponds to 60–64% (15–16 points);
Fail (2.0) applies to results below 60% (0–14 points).
Bibliography
Literature (English only) (Compulsory):
1. Forman, R.T.T. (2014). Urban Ecology: Science of Cities. Cambridge University Press.
2. Francis, R.A., & Chadwick, M.A. (2013). Urban Ecosystems: Understanding the Human Environment. Routledge.
Supplementary:
1. Gaston, K.J. (2010). Urban Ecology. Cambridge University Press.
2. Douglas, I., et al. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology. Routledge. (Section: "Ecology of towns and smaller cities").
3. Mulligan, M., & Creech, H. (2018). Storytelling for Sustainability in Higher Education.
4. Ilieva-Makulec, K., Kozacki, D., Makulec, G., 2016. The impact of roosting birds on the abundance of two groups of soil mesofauna. Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae 13, 117–133.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: