Ateneo - UPO

The teaching of APPLIED ZOOLOGY includes the basis 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 excursiona 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 ecological and zoological fields.

Zoology and Ecology courses (bachelor level).

Lectures. Computer laboratory exercises for the use of thematic cartography and GIS software (e.g. QGIS). There will be an excursion in the field to apply what was learned in class and the computer lab.

In itinere are assigned exercises 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.

Oral exam. The test consists of three questions on the theoretical topics covered in the course and a short cartography exercise to be carried out using QGIS software.
To pass the oral exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts and their main related results, and must be able to present the topics in a clear and comprehensible way.
To achieve a high/excellent grade, the student must demonstrate independent judgment and critical thinking regarding the topics discussed, presenting their conclusions clearly and logically.
The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty (minimum passing grade: 18).

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 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. Field trips to apply the concepts and skills learned in class.

Knowledge and understanding: acquisition of knowledge on the basics of faunal sampling and the main techniques and methodologies of ecological investigation in wildlife. Enrichment of the appropriate scientific language of matter. Applied knowledge and understanding: identifying and finding data necessary for nature management projects and knowing how to find them from reliable sources; ability to interpret scientific data in the field of applied zoology. Independent judgment: the ability to critically analyze elements related to landscape and animal species management, threats to biodiversity, and independent judgment in the evaluation of environmental cartography data or experimental data derived from the study of species in the field. Communication skills: improvement of the disciplinary lexicon in the field of applied zoology. Ability to report on the topics presented during the course with appropriate scientific language, both oral and written. Learning skills: acquisition of the ability to critically deepen and update independently the acquired skills, by reading scientific texts and articles. Ability to use teaching material for critical and reasoned study.