Ateneo - UPO

The integrated course provides knowledge and tools to understand the structure, functioning and dynamics of natural ecosystems and the role of animal biodiversity in the resilience of natural systems and in sustainability. The course combines principles of ecosystem ecology with the fundamentals of applied zoology for conservation, covering biocoenosis and biotope, trophic networks, energy flows, ecosystem services, animal biodiversity, human-driven pressures, biomonitoring, assessment of ecological integrity, and the use of ecological and faunal data in sustainability reports. Students will develop skills to interpret ecological phenomena, recognize major faunal groups, analyze biodiversity data and indicators, assess human impacts, and identify management, conservation and restoration strategies consistent with sustainability goals. The course includes blended learning activities, seminars, discussion of scientific papers, practical exercises, the use of software for data analysis, and field activities.

Optional textbooks and supporting materials:- Pusceddu, Sara, Viaroli (2020). Ecologia. UTET.- Primack R.B. (2014). Essentials of Conservation Biology. Oxford University Press.- Santini L., Cazzolla Gatti R., Chiarucci A., Di Marco M., Rondinini C. Biologia della conservazione. A selection of scientific papers, technical reports, case studies and other teaching materials will be made available on DIR to support individual study, practical exercises and applied activities.

The integrated course is worth 6 ECTS credits and consists of 48 hours of teaching activities, organized into two 3-ECTS modules: Animal Biodiversity and Zoological Principles and Natural Ecosystems: Structure, Functioning and Dynamics. Teaching hours include blended lectures, synchronous and in-person activities, practical exercises, field activities, guided discussion of scientific materials, and the use of software for the analysis of ecological and biodiversity data.

The course aims to enable students to: understand the fundamental principles of ecosystem ecology and animal biodiversity; describe the structure, functioning, dynamics and resilience of natural ecosystems; recognize the main animal taxonomic groups and their ecological role; identify the main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; interpret ecological and faunal data, biodiversity indicators and information included in sustainability reports; assess the role of human interventions in the management, conservation and restoration of natural systems; communicate clearly, using appropriate technical and scientific language, issues and phenomena related to biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainability.

There are no formal prerequisites. Basic knowledge of general biology, ecology and environmental sustainability is useful. The preliminary knowledge required to follow the course will be recalled at the beginning of the teaching activities, so that students can approach the contents of both modules appropriately.

The course adopts a blended learning approach combining asynchronous online lectures, synchronous online sessions and in-person activities. Lectures are aimed at acquiring fundamental theoretical concepts and include texts, images, diagrams, videos, case studies and scientific materials. Synchronous and in-person activities are designed to deepen understanding and support practical application. The course includes guided individual or group exercises, identification of faunal groups using dichotomous keys, field observations and possible field sampling, discussion of scientific papers, seminars by experts, and the use of software for processing and representing ecological and biodiversity data. Quizzes, self-assessment tests and exercises may be provided for formative purposes. Interaction and tutoring include in-person and online office hours and feedback on the activities carried out.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders or Special Educational Needs may request dedicated services and tools by contacting the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti and by consulting the dedicated University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. After contacting the University Staff, students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders or Special Educational Needs may contact the teacher responsible for the integrated course to discuss exam arrangements and teaching-related aspects.

A sufficient mark requires knowledge of the fundamental concepts, correct use of basic ecological and zoological terminology, and the ability to interpret simple examples or data discussed during the course. Higher marks are awarded when students demonstrate a more complete and integrated knowledge of the topics, the ability to connect taxonomic, ecological, functional, conservation and management aspects, and the ability to correctly interpret data, indicators, images or case studies related to biodiversity, natural ecosystems and sustainability.

. Introduction to natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Definition of ecosystem; biocoenosis and biotope; levels of biodiversity: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity; resilience, resistance and redundancy; main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. 2. Structure and functioning of ecosystems. Trophic networks, grazing food chain and detrital food chain; energy and matter flows; ecosystem services; role of biotic and abiotic components; ecological dynamics and ecosystem responses to natural and human-driven pressures. 3. Animal biodiversity and taxonomic groups. Main groups of invertebrates and vertebrates; ecological role of animal taxa; adaptations, distribution, threatened species, key species and indicator species; elements of wildlife monitoring and management. 4. Conservation, management and sustainability. Human-driven threats, invasive species, urbanization, climate change and habitat alteration; in situ and ex situ management; parks, reserves, ecological corridors, conservation and restoration techniques; assessment of human impact on ecosystems, with particular attention to water resources. 5. Ecological data, biomonitoring and sustainability reporting. Techniques and approaches for biomonitoring and the assessment of ecological integrity; collection, processing, graphical representation and interpretation of ecological and faunal data; biodiversity indicators in sustainability reports and corporate reporting. 6. Applied activities. Exercises for the identification of faunal groups using dichotomous keys; field observations and activities; use of software for processing ecological and biodiversity data; reading and discussion of scientific papers and case studies. Integration of the gender dimension: the course includes a moment of reflection on the role of the gender perspective in environmental sciences, biodiversity conservation and sustainability-related professions, with attention to examples of participation, representation and scientific communication.

Knowledge and understanding: know the fundamental concepts of ecosystem ecology, animal biodiversity, conservation and sustainability; understand the structure, functioning and dynamics of natural ecosystems; recognize the main animal taxonomic groups and their ecological role; understand the main techniques for studying, monitoring and assessing biodiversity and ecological integrity. Applying knowledge and understanding: apply the acquired knowledge to the interpretation of ecological phenomena and faunal data; identify useful data for conservation and sustainable management projects and retrieve them from reliable sources; use basic tools, identification keys and software to process and represent ecological and biodiversity data; critically read case studies, scientific papers and sustainability reports. Making judgements: critically analyze human-driven pressures on natural ecosystems and biodiversity; evaluate data, indicators and case studies related to species conservation, ecosystem management and sustainability; formulate reasoned assessments of the effectiveness of management, conservation and restoration interventions. Communication skills: use appropriate terminology in ecology, zoology and conservation; clearly and concisely describe phenomena, data and issues related to biodiversity, natural ecosystems, human impacts and possible solutions within sustainability management. Learning skills: independently deepen and update the acquired knowledge through textbooks, scientific papers, technical reports and teaching materials; use available sources for critical and reasoned study and for continuous updating of skills in ecology, zoology and conservation.