Ateneo - UPO

The course covers the fundamental aspects and basic concepts of Ecology required to understand the structure and functioning of ecosystems. In particular, it focusses on at the ecosystem level, including its following features: the energetic pathway in the trophic chains, the ecosystems services, and the most-used techniques to evaluate the ecological integrity of natural ecosystems.

Suggested text book: Pusceddu, Sarà, Viaroli, 2020. Ecologia. UTET.
Scientific papers and other resources will be provided during the course to supplement the book.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply the basic concepts and theories in Ecology;
- Provide specific knowledge on the organization and functioning of natural ecosystems;
- Develop the ability to collect, process, graphically represent, and interpret data gathered in the field;
- Recognize the role and consequences of different human-drive impacts on ecosystems;
- Promote and facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources

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The course follows a blended learning approach, combining asynchronous online lessons with synchronous in-person sessions.
Lectures in the classroom with presentations of texts, images, diagrams, and videos to illustrate core concepts.
Expert seminars focusing on specific topics in ecology, zoology, and conservation.
Reading and in-class discussion of scientific articles to develop critical analysis and interpretation skills.
Computer lab sessions using software to analyses ecological data.
Field trips and practical exercises, where students apply techniques and knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world environments.

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.

Written examination: Student learning will be assessed through a written exam lasting 1 hour, consisting of multiple-choice questions.
The exam will evaluate:
- knowledge of fundamental concepts in ecology and ecosystem-based ones;
- the ability to interpret natural phenomena and ecological processes;
- understanding of the interactions between human activities and sustainable ecosystem management.
The final grade will be based on the number of correct answers.

Ecosystem: definition and features, with a special emphasis on the role of biocenoses and abiotic variables. Differences in the energy pathways between grazing food chain and detritus food chain. Resilience and Resistance of ecosystems. The concept of ecological redundancy. Ecosystems services: definition and examples. Techniques and approaches for evaluating the anthropogenic impacts on natural ecosystems, with a special emphasis on the water resources.

Knowledge and comprehension: Acquisition of knowledge about ecosystems and their components. Knowledge and understanding applied skills: Identify useful data for nature conservation projects and be able to find them from reliable sources; ability to interpret scientific data in applied ecology. Autonomy of judgment: ability to critically analyze the elements related to the study and conservation of natural ecosystems.Communication skills: ability to clearly and concisely describe phenomena and issues related to anthropogenic impacts and as well as potential solutions for the sustainability management. Learning skills: ability to deepen critically and independently update the skills acquired, through reading texts and scientific articles. Ability to use teaching material for a critical study.