C9617 - ECOLOGIA PER LA COMUNICAZIONE E LA DIDATTICA AMBIENTALE

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, the purpose of ecology, levels of ecological organization, spatio-temporal scales, ecology as a science, ecological methods

- The ecosystem: the ecosystem concept, ecosystem energetics, food webs, the abiotic environment and climate, nutrient cycling in ecosystems, terrestrial, aquatic, and transitional ecosystems

- Interactions between organisms and the environment: organism adaptations to the environment, natural selection, ecological niche and energy acquisition -

Biomes and terrestrial ecosystems

Module 2

- Overview of major aquatic ecosystems, with particular reference to marine and coastal ecosystems. Population dynamics. Biotic interactions and trophic webs.

- Ecosystem functioning. Concepts of disturbance and resilience. Impact of human activities on ecosystems. Impact of climate change. Interactions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Ecosystem goods and services. Methodologies for monitoring and assessing the status of populations and ecosystems.

- Conservation of populations and ecosystems. Integrated management of human activities.

For both modules, the various topics covered will be discussed with a focus on the pedagogical aspects relevant to secondary school classrooms.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Presentations and other teaching materials will be provided by the instructor during the course.

· Campbell, N., Reece, J.B., Urry, L. (2014). Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition, Pearson global edition.

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

· T.M. Smith, R.L. Smith. Elementi di Ecologia, 10th edition (2023), Pearson Education.

Teaching methods

The course comprises 6 CFU: 3 CFU will be taught by Prof. Enrico Tordoni (Module 1) and 3 CFU by Prof. Federica Costantini (Module 2). Of these, 1 CFU will be delivered in a blended format, providing information and guidance for the preparation of the final project.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is conducted through the evaluation and discussion of a final project, in which the candidate prepares a teaching unit based on the topics covered in the course. Evaluation criteria include the ability to reflect on and integrate knowledge, the capacity to organize and convey information, and critical reasoning skills. This will be followed by questions to verify foundational knowledge, covering all topics from both course modules. The exam is graded on a scale of 30. Five oral exam sessions are scheduled. Exam dates will be published on the Almaesami website. Students must register for exams exclusively via 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 academic 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.

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

Teaching tools

Teaching materials will be available on the "Insegnamenti OnLine" virtual platform (https://iol.unibo.it).

Students requiring compensatory tools due to disabilities, medical conditions, psychological disorders, or specific learning disorders (SLD) may contact the relevant University office directly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; however, these proposals must be submitted to the instructors for approval at least 15 days in advance, so that their appropriateness can be assessed in relation to the course's learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Federica Costantini

See the website of Enrico Tordoni