94205 - Basics and Teaching Tools of Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge i) of the structure and functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, ii) of population dynamics and ecosystems and their relationship with those of human society, iii) of the multiple disturbing factors that act on ecosystems, iv) ecosystem goods and services, v) monitoring and conservation of the planet's natural heritage; he will also be able to vi) critically discuss, through formally correct exposures, ecological issues derived from different sources and vi) provide suggestions for didactically address these delicate and current issues, which regulate the life of organisms, including man, on Earth.

Course contents

Module 1
- Introduction: definition and cultural roots of ecology, aim of ecology, hierarchical ecological organisation, spatio-temporal scales, ecology as a science, methods in ecology


- The ecosystem: the ecosystem concept, ecosystem energy, food networks, abiotic environment and climate, life cycle in ecosystems, aquatic, terrestrial and transition systems


- Interactions among organisms and the environment: adaptation of organisms to the environment, natural selection, ecological niches and energy acquisition


- Biomes


Module 2


- Main aquatic ecosystem types with particular reference to marine and coastal ecosystems, population dynamics, biotic interactions and food networks


- Ecosystem functioning, disturbance and resilience concepts, impact of anthropic activities on ecosystem, impact of climate change, interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, ecosystem services, monitoring methodologies and evaluation of population and ecosystem status


- Population and ecosystem conservation, integrated management of anthropic activities, European Directives on aquatic environments (CFP, MSFD e WFD).


For both modules the different arguments will be subject to discussion with students about peculiar didactic aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

All the presentations as well as additional didactics material will be provided by the Professor, during each lecture. Suggested books:


Campbell, N., Reece, J.B., Urry, L. (2014). Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition, Pearson global edition.
A Pusceddu, G Sara’, P Viaroli (2020). Ecologia, UTET.
TM Smith, RL Smith. Elementi di Ecologia nona edizione- 2017 - Pearson Education.
Antonio Pusceddu, Gianluca Sarà, Pierluigi Viaroli Ecologia - 2020 - UTET Università.

Teaching methods

The course is composed by 6 CFU (4 lecture-based CFU and 2 didactics lab exercises). 3 CFU will be carries out by
Prof. Duccio Rocchini (Module 1) and 3 CFU by Prof. Michele Casini (Module 2). The proposed exercises are conceived as a practical tool to analyse theoretical concepts in Ecology from a didactics point of view.

Assessment methods

The final exam is based on the discussion of a presentation in which each student will prepare a didactical unit on the themes proposed during the Course. The capability of students to integrate and present different arguments, as well as the capability of structured reasoning and communication, will be evaluated. Additional questions will be done to evaluate the general knowledge on the ecological aspects proposed during the course. The exams of the two modules will be done on the same date. The final evaluation will be done considering 30 as a maximum. Five dates on a yearly basis will be provided on the Almaesami site (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm). Students can book their own date directly using the Almaesami site. For any technical problem, students can refer to the didactics office.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, projector, LaTeX and Powerpoint presentations, scientific papers and additional books for group-discussions.

Office hours

See the website of Duccio Rocchini

See the website of Michele Casini