Biodiversity and ecology (3rd Cycle)
Module Coordinator
Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, PhD
Research Fellow at Jovan Hadži Institute of Biology ZRC SAZU and lecturer at 2nd and 3rd level study programmes at Postgraduate School ZRC SAZU.
+386 1 470 63 33
Biodiversity is a sign of a healthy environment, but it is declining rapidly worldwide. That’s why the world needs people with the knowledge and skills to address ecological and environmental challenges at local, national and global levels. The Biodiversity and Ecology module will provide you with theoretical knowledge that will enable you to look for ways to solve ecological problems in practice.
In the Biodiversity and Ecology module you will learn about organisms, the relationships between them and their natural habitats. Importantly, you will also learn how species, communities and habitats respond to human altered environments, activities, the spread of alien species and, of course, climate change, and why biodiversity is so important to humanity. You will gain the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge in ecology, biodiversity research, evolution, conservation biology, behaviour, speleobiology and ecotoxicology. Our ecology and biodiversity study courses will provide you with a comprehensive view of conservation practice, where we integrate the environment and human factors. This means that you will develop the skills to influence ecological and environmental challenges now and in the future.
Basic objectives of the Module Biodiversity and Ecology are to enhance the students’:
- General knowledge of natural sciences.
- In-depth knowledge in the fields of biodiversity, ecology and nature conservation.
- Practical experience in scientific research (from the conception of the study to the presentation of results and the writing of a scientific article).
- Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in practice; e.g. the use of knowledge in the context of nature conservation.
- Networking with international researchers in a specific field of interest.
- Evolution and arachnology, knowledge of scientific concepts and research methods in biology.
- Knowledge of the application system for research and applied projects; autonomous preparation of project application.
The lecturers of the Biodiversity and Ecology module are the researchers mainly employed at the Institute of Biology at ZRC SAZU. The main topic of their research is biodiversity, in the broadest sense of the word.
They study patterns of biodiversity and the processes that change this diversity. Knowledge of patterns and processes allow making predictions about changes in biodiversity in response to environmental changes. The knowledge gained is the basis for research in conservation biology, through which they contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Slovenia and worldwide. Their research is partly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various national and international basic and applied projects. The lecturers have a broad international network in research and mentoring. They have teaching experience at Slovenian universities and abroad, they supervised numerous students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. Their students are familiarised with current methodology and latest findings.
Module elective courses with the course principals
Arachnology: introduction to field and laboratory research
Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, Ph. D. ,
ECTS: 6
Shallow subterranean habitats: ecology, evolution, and conservation
Prof. Tanja Pipan, Ph. D. ,
ECTS: 6