07943 - Elements of Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - possesses a solid knowledge of the fundamental principles of ecology and environmental education is able to apply the acquired theoretical foundations to understand the dynamics and complexity of the interactions occurring within the Biosphere, with particular reference to the identification of cause–effect relationships in environments belonging to everyday experience; - is capable of analysing the environment in order to identify the interactions among different systems within a dynamic framework that varies over time and space;-bis able to critically reflect on the principles of environmental sustainability and on the scientific foundations of evolutionary ecology; - is able to employ the knowledge and competences acquired to design and develop educational pathways aimed at fostering the early formation of environmental awareness within primary and early childhood education.

Course contents

The topics covered during the course will include:

• The biosphere

• Responses to environmental changes: environmental variability; temperature fluctuations; changes in water availability; energy sources; autotrophy; metabolic pathways of photosynthesis; heterotrophy

• Interactions among organisms

• Ecosystems

• Conservation biology

For each topic, particular emphasis will be placed on identifying the key aspects that should be adapted into teaching units appropriate for primary and early childhood education, along with suitable pedagogical approaches.

Readings/Bibliography

Ecology by Michael L. Cain, William D. Bowman, and Sally D. Hacker. Published by Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A., 2017.

Elements of Ecology by Thomas M. Smith and Robert L. Smith. Published by Pearson, 2017.

Teaching methods

Lectures with presentation and discussion of individual topics.

Design of teaching units related to the topics covered in class.

Assessment methods

The final exam for the Elements of Chemistry and Ecology (C.I.) course includes a WRITTEN TEST for both the Chemistry and Ecology modules (SEE WEB GUIDES). This applies to both current and past students.

Students cannot take the exam without having first attended both the Workshop on Processes, Models, and Interactions in Physics and Sciences and the Transdisciplinary Workshop in Natural Sciences.

Final score based on ../30 (18/30 is considered the minimum to pass the exam); the evaluation of the final product for the Interdisciplinary laboratory of Nature Sciences will be included in the final score.

Students must register for the exam via Almaesami, adhering strictly to the registration deadlines. Those unable to register before the deadline must promptly notify the academic office (and in any case before the registration list officially closes). The instructor may, at their discretion, allow the student to take the exam.

The evaluation can be recorded without the student being present, following the guidelines available on the AlmaEsami website [http://www.unibo.it/Portale/Guida/AlmaEsamiInformazioniDocenti.htm] .
Skipping an exam session is not allowed.

ERASMUS Students and other INTERNATIONAL exchange programmes :substitute assignment for workshop attendance

For Erasmus and International students, the evaluation methods and exam program are the same as those for non-Erasmus  students. However, Erasmus and International students enrolled in the Elements of Ecology course are not required to attend the workshop. Instead, they must prepare a written experimental project on water.

An experimental project consists of a series of activities designed for a preschool or primary school class, aimed at exploring and discovering the various properties of water from different perspectives. The proposed activities must include a detailed presentation of the required materials, timelines, and protocols followed. Additionally, the objectives of the project must be briefly discussed.

The project must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam and will be evaluated by the Elements of Ecology course instructor. The evaluation of the project may add or subtract one point from the final exam grade (or leave it unchanged). Failure to submit the project will result in a one-point deduction from the exam grade.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Personal computer, projector, power-point presentations, educational equipment for laboratory

Office hours

See the website of Irene Maja Nanni