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.

The module, corresponding to 3 ECTS credits and 24 hours of teaching activities, aims to provide the theoretical and methodological foundations of ecology needed to understand the structure, functioning and dynamics of natural ecosystems. The distribution of hours is as follows: 16 hours for lessons, 8 hours for practical/laboratory or field activity, in addition to the self-study activities required for the acquisition of the ECTS credits.
The module provides tools for analysing biocenosis and biotope, energy flows, trophic networks, ecosystem services, resilience, resistance and ecological integrity, with particular attention to the collection, processing and interpretation of ecological data and to the assessment of anthropogenic impacts on natural ecosystems.

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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.
During synchronous activities, exercises, discussion of scientific papers, use of software and possible field activities, students will actively engage in the collection, processing, graphical representation and interpretation of ecological data, testing techniques useful for assessing ecological integrity and anthropogenic impacts.

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.
To prepare for the written test, students should refer to the materials available on DIR, slides, scientific papers or reports discussed during the course, practical exercises and the recommended texts. Visual materials, datasets, exercises and practical activities are particularly relevant for applied and interpretative questions.

Learning is assessed through a written test on the Moodle platform lasting 1 hour and consisting of 31 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer is worth 1 point; incorrect or unanswered questions are worth 0 points. The final mark is expressed out of 30; the examination is passed with a mark of 18/30 or higher.
The test covers the entire module programme, the materials available on DIR, the activities carried out during the course and the reference texts. The examination assesses knowledge of the fundamental concepts of ecosystem ecology, the ability to interpret natural phenomena and ecological processes, understanding of the interactions between human activities and sustainable ecosystem management, and the ability to read and interpret ecological data, graphs or case studies.
A sufficient mark requires essential but correct knowledge, appropriate use of basic ecological terminology, and the ability to interpret simple examples discussed during the course. Higher marks are awarded when students demonstrate more complete and integrated knowledge, the ability to connect ecosystem structure and functioning, anthropogenic pressures, ecosystem services and conservation strategies, and the ability to correctly interpret data or applied case studies.

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.
The learning outcomes refer to the ecological-environmental area and support the training of graduates able to analyse the functioning of natural ecosystems, interpret ecological data and contribute to sustainable management, biomonitoring and impact assessment processes.
Minimum passing level: knowledge of the fundamental concepts of ecosystem ecology; understanding of biocenosis, biotope, trophic networks, ecosystem services and resilience; correct use of basic ecological terminology; interpretation of simple examples or data discussed during the course.
Advanced level: ability to connect ecological processes, anthropogenic pressures, biomonitoring and sustainable management; critical interpretation of ecological data and case studies; ability to autonomously discuss implications and possible solutions for the conservation and resilience of natural ecosystems.