Ateneo - UPO

The applied zoology course includes the basics of the faunistic sampling techniques, focusing on the main zoological groups (arthropods and vertebrates). The course is completed with an introduction to digital cartography in the computer lab, where GIS software will be used to produce thematic cartography applied to the zoological concepts covered in the course, and with two educational excursions in the field to apply the theoretical contents learned.

Sutherland W.J. (1996) Ecological census techniques. A handbook. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK. Gagliardi, A., & Tosi, G. (2012). Monitoraggio di Uccelli e Mammiferi in Lombardia. Tecniche e metodi di rilevamento. Regione Lombardia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Istituto Oikos, 136-137. QGIS user manual available here: https://docs.qgis.org/3.28/it/docs/user_manual/

Understand the theoretical and applied bases of faunistic sampling and how to decline them for the main zoological groups (arthropods and vertebrates). Understand the basics of digital cartography and how to use GIS software to produce thematic cartography in the zoological fields.

Zoology and Ecology courses (bachelor level).

Classroom lectures supported by slide presentations. Computer laboratory sessions focused on the use of thematic maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with practical training in QGIS. The course also includes two field excursions, during which students will apply the concepts and techniques learned in lectures and laboratory sessions. In addition, an innovative teaching activity based on the flipped classroom approach is included to develop students' ability to access, interpret, and critically use the scientific literature in zoology.

In itinere, exercises are assigned to be performed using GIS software, which are then resolved and discussed by the teacher. The control of learning in progress will be carried out with classroom discussions during the lessons and with the correction in the laboratory of cards for identifying animal species through dichotomous keys. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The examination consists of an oral exam preceded by a short practical exercise in cartography using the QGIS software. Successfully completing this exercise (at least at a passing level) is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination. The oral component consists of three questions covering the theoretical topics addressed during the course.To pass the oral examination, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and the main findings related to the course topics, and be able to explain them clearly and coherently. To achieve a high or excellent grade, students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and independent judgment regarding the subjects covered, presenting their conclusions in a clear, logical, and well-reasoned manner.The final grade is expressed on the Italian 30-point scale, with 18/30 as the minimum passing grade.

Introduction to Wildlife Censuses: Why census animals? Definition of count or census. Absolute vs. relative censuses. Spatially exhaustive vs. sample-based censuses. Random, regular, and aggregated distributions. Sample-based censuses. Census errors. Monitoring. Bird Censuses: Distribution studies. Sample censuses (transects and point counts). Capture-Mark-Recapture methods. Methods for studying migration. Censusing Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish. Censusing Insects and Other Invertebrates: Active search and capture. Traps and other non-selective capture methods. Extraction and filtration from the substrate. Euthanasia and preservation. Invertebrate marking techniques. GIS LABORATORY: Introduction to cartography. Base maps and thematic maps. Paper and digital formats. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications. GIS software and introduction to QGIS. Opening QGIS: interface overview, project menu, layer panel. Working with overlapping layers. Decorations. The Piedmont Regional Technical Map (CTR). Creating a thematic map using a predefined style. Plugins and quickmapservices. Introduction to vector files. The concept of shapefiles. Map projections and geodesy; Geographic coordinate systems. Working with the attribute table. Working with point vector files. Vector file properties. Working with symbology. Categorization and graduated symbols. Labels. Creating a new vector file from scratch. Modifying the reference system of a project. EPSG codes. Reprojecting a vector file using a different reference system. Calculating coordinates in degrees and meters. Understanding UTM zones. WMS layers. Linear and polygonal vector files. Geoprocessing. Raster files: use and management of raster images. The third dimension. Geoprocessing. Field data collection using GPS and mobile apps. Naturalistic databases. Print layout. Two field trips to apply the concepts and skills learned in class.

Knowledge and understanding: acquisition of knowledge of the fundamentals of faunal sampling and of the main techniques and methodologies of faunal surveys. Enrichment of the appropriate scientific terminology of the discipline. Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to identify and retrieve the data required for nature management projects and to obtain them from reliable sources; ability to interpret scientific data in the field of applied zoology. Making judgements: ability to critically analyse issues related to landscape and animal species management, threats to biodiversity, and independent judgement in the evaluation of environmental cartographic data or experimental data obtained from field studies of animal species.
Communication skills: improvement of the disciplinary terminology in the field of applied zoology. Ability to report on the topics presented during the course using appropriate scientific language, both orally and in writing.
Learning skills: acquisition of the ability to critically deepen and independently update the competences acquired through the reading of textbooks and scientific articles. Ability to use the teaching materials for critical and reasoned study.