OEKB302312 Ecology and management of invasive alien species

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
4
Lecturer (assistant)
Unfer, Günther , Vitecek, Simon , Sheppard, Christine
Organisation
Botany
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Biological invasions are highly relevant from both a fundamental science perspective (understanding ecological mechanisms) and an applied perspective (conservation, ecosystem management). This module covers concepts and hypotheses in invasion biology, focusing on alien species that were introduced to new biogeographic regions accidentally or intentionally by humans.

Contents include: i) factors and ecological processes that contribute to an alien species’ successful invasion (both the alien species invasiveness and native community invasibility); ii) types of impacts invasive species have on native biodiversity, ecosystems, human health and the economy; iii) the dynamic nature of the invasion process and the multifaceted considerations required to evaluate and manage alien invasive species; and iv) an overview of the most important alien invasive species in the European Union and globally. The main focus is on alien invasive plants (including both plant invasions in (semi-)natural habitats as well as weeds in agricultural and other human-disturbed landscapes), but the module will also include aquatic invasions and animal invasions.
Previous knowledge expected

The students of this module should have basic knowledge in ecology and in statistical analyses, preferably using R.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing this module, the students understand the ecological mechanisms associated with biological invasions. They are able to apply theoretical knowledge in invasion biology to understand and assess invasiveness of alien plant and animal species and to recommend management approaches. The students can evaluate and discuss scientific information sources critically and they advance their oral and written skills for presenting scientific findings. They develop skills in plant ecological experiments and deepen their analytical skills for interpreting ecological data using statistical methods. They practise their organizational, self-reliant and co-operation skills through independent work (seminar, presentation) and group work (seminar, experiments).
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.