Ateneo - UPO

The course provides a foundation in applied zoology for conservation, with particular attention to the meaning and value of animal biodiversity, the pressures and changes induced by human activities on wildlife populations, and the main conservation strategies. The course also examines the characteristics of major taxonomic groups and the biodiversity assessment methods used in environmental sustainability reports.Students will acquire skills in analysing environmental impacts, critically interpreting faunal data, and identifying effective measures for the conservation and resilience of natural systems. The course includes thematic seminars, the use of specialised software, practical laboratory exercises, and field activities.

Suggested book, optional: Primack R.B. (2014). Essentials of Conservation Biology. Oxford University Press.A selection of scientific papers, technical reports, and other teaching materials useful for exploring the course topics in greater depth will be made available on DIR to support study and practical activities.

The course, worth 3 ECTS credits and 24 teaching hours, aims to provide basic knowledge and tools for understanding animal biodiversity and its role in nature conservation and sustainability. The distribution of hours is: 20 hours of teacher-led activities and interactive teaching, 4 hours of practical activities.By the end of the course, students will be able to:- describe the concept of biodiversity at its different levels (genetic, species, and ecosystem levels) and recognise the main animal taxonomic groups;- identify the main threats to biodiversity and the main tools for species management and conservation;- recognise the role and consequences of human interventions in nature management and conservation;- interpret faunal data and indicators in relation to ecosystem resilience and sustainability reporting;- communicate phenomena and issues related to applied zoology and conservation using appropriate technical and scientific terminology.

There are no formal prerequisites. Basic knowledge of general biology, ecology, and environmental sustainability is useful.

The course adopts a blended learning approach that integrates asynchronous and synchronous online lessons, aimed at acquiring the fundamental theoretical content, with synchronous sessions and in-person activities designed to deepen understanding and support the practical application of the topics covered.Lessons include images, diagrams, videos, case studies, and scientific materials. Synchronous and in-person activities, scheduled in the second part of the course, include guided individual or group exercises for the recognition of selected wildlife groups, a field excursion, and the use of software for processing and interpreting biodiversity data.Self-assessment tests, quizzes, and exercises will be provided during the course for formative and consolidation purposes. Interaction and tutoring include in-person and online office hours and personalised feedback on the activities carried out.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and tools by contacting the University Staff for Career Development, Coordination and Student Services and by consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities.After contacting the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may contact the course instructor to discuss the adaptation of examination procedures and teaching-related aspects.

Student learning is assessed through a written examination 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 receive 0 points. The final mark is expressed out of 30; the examination is passed with a mark of 18/30 or higher. In the final version of the syllabus, it is advisable to specify whether the maximum raw score of 31 points will be converted into a mark out of 30 or whether the additional point will be used for honours.The examination covers the entire course programme, the materials made available on DIR, the practical activities, and the reference textbooks. The exam assesses: knowledge of the fundamental concepts of zoology, biodiversity, and conservation; the ability to recognise and describe the main taxonomic groups; the ability to interpret natural phenomena, ecological processes, and faunal data; and the understanding of the relationships between human activities, sustainable ecosystem management, and biodiversity conservation.A sufficient mark requires knowledge of the fundamental concepts, correct use of basic zoological and ecological terminology, and the ability to interpret simple examples or data discussed during the course. Higher marks are awarded when students demonstrate more complete and integrated knowledge of the topics, the ability to connect taxonomic, ecological, conservation-related, and management aspects, and the ability to correctly interpret data, indicators, or case studies related to biodiversity and sustainability.

1. Introduction to zoology and biodiversity: definition of biodiversity; levels of biodiversity (genetic, species, and ecosystem levels); main threats to biodiversity.

2. Major taxonomic groups and their ecology. Invertebrates: arthropods, insects, arachnids, crustaceans, molluscs, annelids, and other groups of ecological and conservation interest. Vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with attention to biodiversity, adaptations, threatened species, monitoring, and wildlife management.

3. Species management and conservation: in situ management; parks, reserves, and ecological corridors; field conservation techniques; ex situ management; zoos, breeding centres, and genetic conservation.

4. Biodiversity and sustainability: biodiversity and ecosystem services; invasive species, urbanisation, and climate change; keystone species and indicator species in biodiversity management; interpretation of biodiversity data in sustainability reports; key indicators and corporate reporting.

5. Practical activities: identification of local wildlife groups using dichotomous keys; field observations; use of software and tools for processing and interpreting biodiversity data.

Integration of the gender dimension: the course includes a reflection on the role of the gender perspective in natural sciences, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability-related professions, with attention to examples of participation, representation, and scientific communication.

Knowledge and understanding: know the main concepts of biodiversity, applied zoology, and conservation; recognise the main animal taxonomic groups; understand the most common techniques for studying fauna, particularly species of conservation and management interest.

Applying knowledge and understanding: identify useful data for nature conservation projects and retrieve them from reliable sources; use basic tools for identifying wildlife groups and interpreting zoological and ecological data; apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of case studies and sustainability reports.

Making judgements: critically analyse threats to biodiversity and issues related to species conservation; evaluate data and indicators obtained from field activities, museum collections, scientific literature, or environmental reports.

Communication skills: use the disciplinary terminology of zoology, ecology, and conservation appropriately; describe phenomena and issues related to biodiversity and sustainability clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Learning skills: deepen and independently update the knowledge acquired through the reading of textbooks, scientific papers, and technical reports; use teaching materials and available sources for critical and reasoned study.