The learning objectives of the course are intended to introduce students to the Ecology, i.e. Populations, Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology.

The topics covered include the typologies of Environments, ecological genetics, population concepts, species interaction properties, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, ecological biogeography and human ecology.

Lectures will emphasize the modern approaches of methodologies for the comprehension of ecosystem functioning. Marine aquatic ecosystems will be particularly traited. 

-The nature of Ecology

 -The Physical Environment

Climate. Aquatic Environment. Terrestrial Environment.

 -The organisms and environment

Ecological genetics: adaptation and natural selection. Plant adaptation. Animal Adaptations.

 -Populations

Properties of populations. Population Growth. Life History. Intraspecific Population Regulation. Metapopulations.

 -Species Interactions

Species Interactions, Population Dynamics, and Natural Selection. Interspecific Competition. Predation. Parasitism and Mutualism.

 -Community Ecology

Community structure. Factors influencing the Structure of Communities. Community Dynamics.

-Ecosystem Ecology

Ecosystem Energetics. Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling. Biogeochemical Cycles.

-Ecological Biogeography

Terrestrial Ecosystems. Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems. Aquatic Ecosystems. Large –Scale Patterns of Biological Diversity.

-Human Ecology

Population Growth, Resource Use, and Sustainability. Global Climate Change.

D1-Knowledge and understanding When the course is over, to pass the exam, students must demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge regarding the properties and population dynamic; the population growth patterns; the metapopulation concepts; interactions between species; structure and dynamic of communities; energy ecosystems; biogeochemical cycles; various environments and ecosystems; Genetic ecological adaptation and natural selection; loss of habitat; conservation policies.

D2-Applying knowledge and understanding The student will demonstrate the ability to recognize and reflect upon the principles of the dynamic of populations and communities.

D3-Making judgements The student will have acquired knowledge needed for the knowledge of ecology bases on population, species and community dynamics in the various aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

D4-Communication skills The student will have the ability to relate in a professional and competent way with institutional bodies and private structures responsible for protecting and safeguarding the environment. The student will have the ability to transmit the knowledge acquired in a clear, understandable and accessible to unqualified people.

D5-Learning skills The student will be able to examine and understand scientific texts, in order to use them in everyday contexts for the profession and for research.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Lectures.

Lab experiences, and marine sampling trip by boat according with the Professor. Use of basic oceanographic instruments (CTD, Niskin bottle, Secchi's disk, phytoplankton net).

Teaching

Lectures using  slide material.

Attendance

Students are highly advised to attend the course.

Course books

-ELEMENTI DI ECOLOGIA. T.M. Smith and R.L. Smith., PEARSON Nona Edizione 2017.

- LEZIONI DI ECOLOGIA. Almo Farina, UTET 2004

- FONDAMENTI DI ECOLOGIA   E.P. Odum - G.W. Barrett, PICCIN 

- A PRIMER OF ECOLOGICAL STATISTICS. N. J. Gotelli, A.M. Ellison, SINAUER Ass. Inc. USA  2004

-Introduzione all' Ecologia Applicata. Dalla teoria alla pratica della sostenibilità. S. Galassi, I. Ferrari, P. Viaroli. Città Studi Edizioni 2014

 

Assessment

Oral examination.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Lectures. Lab experiences, and sampling trip by boat according with the Professor.

Attendance

Students are highly advised to attend the course.

Course books

-Ecology and our endangered life-support systems. E.P. Odum, Sinauer Associates, Sunderlands, mass., 1989
-Introduzione all' Ecologia Applicata. Dalla teoria alla pratica della sostenibilità. S. Galassi, I. Ferrari, P. Viaroli. Città Studi Edizioni 2014

-Ecologia e protezione dell'ambiente marino costiero. N. della Croce, R. Cattaneo Vietti, R. Danovaro (Eds.). Utet, Torino 1997.
-Armi, acciaio e malattie. J. Diamond, Einaudi, 1997
-Environmental restoration. Science and strategies for restoring the earth. J.J. Berger (ed.), Inland Press, Washington,1990
-Introduzione all'ecologia marina, Barnes R.S.K. & Hughes R.N., Piccin, 1990
-Ecologia Applicata, Cunningham,W.P., Cunningham M.A., Saigo B., McGraw-Hill, 2004

Assessment

Oral exam.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Some lessons will be held in English.

The student can request to sit the final exam in English.