59020 - Ecology and Nature Conservation

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students are able to understand the possible interactions between the environment and living organisms, and how these shape the biological communities and their dynamics. They are also aware of the complexity of the factors to be considered for a sustainable management of human interventions. Students will gain an overall understanding of state of the environment, its resources and its biodiversity, and the problems resulting from human impacts. In addition, they acquire notions regarding the conservation of populations, species and ecosystems at risk.

Course contents

1) Introduction: definition and cultural roots of ecology, purpose of ecology, levels of ecological organization, spatio-temporal scales, ecology as a science, ecological methods.

2) The ecosystem: concept of the ecosystem, ecosystem energetics.

3) Interactions between organisms and the environment: ecological niche, life cycles, and energy acquisition.

4) Populations: demographic traits, growth models, carrying capacity, metapopulation concept.

5) Biotic interactions: competition, predation, parasitism, facilitation and other positive interactions, direct and indirect interactions.

6) Communities and biodiversity: community structure, ecological succession, distribution, community diversity and measurement indices, factors influencing biodiversity.

7) Ecosystem dynamics: food chains and food webs, functioning, trophic cascades, disturbance and resilience, regime shifts, alternative stable states.

8) The abiotic environment and climate: biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) and an overview of sampling and estimation methods.

9) Threats to biological diversity: habitat degradation and loss, pollution, eutrophication, overexploitation of resources, invasive species, climate change.

10) Introduction to conservation biology: why conserve and manage? Natural capital, ecosystem goods and services.

11) Conservation of populations and ecosystems: status and conservation outlook of species and populations, population reintroduction, protection and conservation status of ecosystems, importance of biodiversity hotspots, protected areas, restoration of ecosystems and their functions, spatial planning and sustainable development, examples of successful conservation.

Readings/Bibliography

- Ecologia - 2020 - A. Pusceddu, G. Sarà, P. Viaroli, UTET

- Elementi di Ecologia - 2023 - T.M. Smith, R.L. Smith. Pearson Education Resources Italia, 10th edition. Includes additional Italian case studies.

Additional relevant bibliographic references will be provided by the instructors during the lectures.

PowerPoint presentations and other teaching materials will be provided during the lectures.

Teaching methods

The course comprises 8 ECTS credits: 6 credits will be taught by Prof. Alberto Canarini and 2 credits by Prof. Federica Costantini.

Prof. Costantini primarily covers topics 1–3 and 9–11 (Module 1), while Prof. Canarini covers topics 4–9 (Module 2).

The course is conducted primarily through lectures, supplemented by discussions on selected topics and scientific papers, as well as in-class exercises.

Field trips will be organized during the course. Participation in this educational activity requires all students to have first completed Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the mandatory safety training for study environments [https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/ScienzeNaturali/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute].

Assessment methods

 

The exam aims to assess the knowledge acquired regarding the structure and functioning of natural systems (populations, communities, ecosystems), their conservation, and the management of anthropogenic pressures. The exam is graded on a scale of thirty.

Written exam sessions are scheduled (taking place from the end of the course, tentatively in January, and comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions). The exams will cover all topics addressed during the course. The final grade will be the weighted average—based on ECTS credits (CFU)—of the grades obtained in the two modules. The written test will be in Italian; however, international students may choose to take the exam in English.

Exam dates will be published on the AlmaEsami website. Students must register for exams exclusively through the AlmaEsami online system (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm), strictly adhering to the established deadlines. Students unable to register by the deadline must promptly notify the teaching office of the issue (and in any case, before the official registration lists close). Admission to the exam will be at the professor's discretion. The formal recording of the written exam grade takes place exclusively on the date scheduled and indicated in AlmaEsami. On that occasion, students may review their exam papers and ask for clarifications.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; these proposals must be submitted to the instructors for approval at least 15 days prior to the exam date, so that their appropriateness can be assessed in relation to the course's learning objectives.

Regarding the assessment of learning, limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (such as summarizing or rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the exam itself is not permitted.

Teaching tools

Whiteboard, video projector, PowerPoint presentations

Office hours

See the website of Federica Costantini

See the website of Alberto Canarini