76285 - Ecology for Cultural Heritage

Learning outcomes

An overview of ecological principles, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem processes, goods and services provided by ecosystems to humans is provided. Connections between natural and cultural assets are stressed. The relationships between ecosystem structure and processes are analysed in a context of conservation and restoration of cultural and natural heritage. Case studies referring to ecological factors affecting the degradation of cultural and natural heritage in the framework of global environmental changes are analysed. At the end of the course the student will have the skills needed to assess the sustainable use of the cultural and natural heritage

Course contents

The course introduces the main concepts of ecology, highlighting the close relationship between natural and cultural heritage.

The first part of the course covers the fundamental principles of ecology, with particular emphasis on ecosystems, their structure and functioning, abiotic components, the atmosphere, climate, and biogeochemical cycles. Through a series of case studies, students will examine the effects of abiotic environmental factors (such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pollution) on the conservation of cultural heritage. The course will also explore the consequences of human-induced alterations to biogeochemical cycles, with particular attention to the impacts of ocean acidification on underwater cultural heritage and of climate change on cultural heritage.

The course further examines interactions between organisms and their environment, major biological interactions (including symbiosis, competition and parasitism), community ecology and the concept of biodiversity. These topics will be illustrated through case studies focusing, among other examples, on the biodeterioration of archaeological and historical-artistic heritage by living organisms and on the impacts of invasive alien species on cultural heritage.

The concept of ecosystem goods and services and their contribution to human well-being will also be addressed. Part of the course is devoted to the impacts of human activities on natural heritage, with particular reference to pollution, habitat degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change, as well as to the main strategies and policy instruments for environmental protection and conservation.

Finally, the course explores the concepts of sustainability and UNESCO World Heritage, highlighting the links between nature conservation and the protection of cultural heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings required for exam preparation:

Students are required to study one of the following three textbooks. The textbook to be adopted for the course will be announced at the beginning of the lectures.

Pusceddu, A., Sarà, G., Viaroli, P. (2020). Ecologia. UTET Università.

Cain, M. L., Bowman, W. D., Hacker, S. D. (2017). Ecologia. Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A.

Smith, T. M., & Smith, R. L. (2017). Elementi di ecologia. Pearson.

Students are also required to study a selection of scientific papers, which will be used as case studies throughout the course. The papers will be specified by the lecturer during the course, and the reading list will be made available on the University's Virtuale platform.

Students are also required to study the PowerPoint presentations used during the lectures, which will be made available on the University's Virtuale platform.

Additional reading materials and bibliographic resources, while not compulsory, will be recommended during the course for students wishing to explore the topics covered in greater depth.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, student-led seminars based on assigned readings, and discussions of case studies. Although attendance is not compulsory, students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes. Prior to selected lectures, students are expected to read the materials assigned by the lecturer and prepare brief notes, which will serve as the basis for classroom discussions.

As part of the seminar activities, groups of two or more students will prepare an 8–10-minute PowerPoint presentation on an assigned topic, based on the bibliography provided by the lecturer. Each presentation will be followed by a class discussion aimed at exploring the topics in greater depth and fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

PowerPoint presentations used during the lectures will be made available on the University's Virtuale platform.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination covering the topics addressed during the course. The examination comprises three questions. Where appropriate, students will be expected to support their answers by referring to the case studies discussed during the lectures.

The final mark will be based on the following assessment criteria:

• scientific accuracy and understanding of the topics covered in the course;
• ability to critically analyze and interpret the course content and to contextualize it within the field of cultural heritage, including through reference to the case studies discussed during the course;
• ability to establish interdisciplinary connections;
• appropriate use of scientific terminology;
• clarity, coherence and effectiveness of oral communication.

The final mark is expressed on a 30-point scale, with 18/30 being the minimum passing score.

The final mark will be awarded according to the following criteria:

• 30 cum laude: outstanding, comprehensive and fully integrated knowledge of the subject; excellent analytical, synthetic and critical thinking skills; full command of scientific terminology; outstanding ability to apply and contextualize the concepts covered with originality and academic accuracy.
• 30: comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the subject; excellent ability to apply the concepts covered and establish connections between the different topics; full command of scientific terminology and strong critical thinking and contextualization skills.
• 27–29: extensive and accurate knowledge; good understanding of the course content; ability to apply concepts and relate them to the field of cultural heritage; appropriate scientific terminology and good critical and argumentative skills.
• 24–26: sound knowledge of the main topics, although some aspects may not be fully developed; ability to apply concepts in familiar contexts and establish essential links with cultural heritage.
• 21–23: satisfactory but not in-depth knowledge; understanding of the fundamental concepts and partial ability to apply them; generally clear presentation, despite some inaccuracies.
• 18–20: basic knowledge limited to the essential concepts; partial understanding of the course content and mainly guided application of the knowledge acquired; some inaccuracies in both presentation and scientific terminology.
• Fail: fragmented or seriously inadequate knowledge; inability to understand and apply the fundamental concepts; failure to achieve the requested learning outcomes of the course.

Exam dates will be published on the AlmaEsami website. Students may register for exams exclusively using the methods provided by the AlmaEsami online system.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities will be supported by PowerPoint presentations, scientific papers and selected chapters from the prescribed textbook.

Students requiring specific services and adaptations to learning activities due to disabilities or specific learning disabilities (SLD) may contact the Service for students with disabilities and SLD directly to discuss the most appropriate adjustments.

Any concept maps authorized for use during the oral examination must be submitted to the lecturer at least 10 days before the examination date for approval.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Mikac