Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Moduli: Andrea Monti (Modulo Mod 1) Miguel Angel Altieri (Modulo Mod 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo Mod 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo Mod 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (cod. 9235)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire adequate scientific preparation related to agroecology, with particular reference to the relationships between environmental factors, ecology and resilience to extreme climatic events.


In particular, the student is able to: understand the main ecological factors that regulate agro-ecosystems and how these factors can influence plant production; to understand the main techniques for maintaining the ecological balance in the farm; to understand the different meanings of the term "agro-ecosystem" in reference to different production models and their relative intensification; to understand the different cognitive tools to interpret the ecological responses of agricultural systems according to applied agro-techniques.

Course contents

The course, entitled "Agroecology: Principles and applications"; is held by Professor Miguel Altieri (University of California, Barkley, USA), internationally renowned expert in the field of Agroecology.


The course describes the principles and practices of agroecology necessary to define resilient and productive agricultural systems, which are compatible with the environment, capable of promoting social justice and economic development while restoring a planet in crisis.


The course is divided into two parts: the first part (Principles of Agroecology - 8 hours) deals with the scientific background and bases of agroecology, while the second part (Applications of Agroecology - 7 hours) aims to highlight the main applications of agroecology in agricultural production systems. The addressed topics concern:


- definition of an agroecological production system


- principles of temporal and spatial design of agro-ecosystems


- requirements of agro-ecological agricultural systems


- potential of agroecological systems in terms of diffusion, productivity and food safety


- agroecology and ability to recover from extreme climatic events


-agroecological innovations


-agrogeology and resilience

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides and materials relating to the covered topics and case studies addressed during the lessons will be provided by the teachers.


The materials will also be available on "Insegnamenti online" - IOL (https://iol.unibo.it/)

Teaching methods

The course is divided into units developed in frontal lessons. In addition, case studies will be presented. The seminar is organized thanks to the funding of ATENEO for EXCELLENT DEPARTMENTS (DISTAL). To select the seminar 2, it is mandatory the selection of seminar 1, thus to obtain two CFU (after proficiency testing).

Assessment methods

The learning assessment will take place through a single final written test, reserved for enrolled students who have attended the course (not less than 80% of the total hours).


The test (lasting approximately 60 minutes) consists of a multiple-choice test (10-20 total questions). To pass the test, the student must correctly answer at least 60% of the questions. Passing the verification test will award a professional qualification. To carry out the test, technical manuals, calculator or multimedia aids are not necessary and therefore not allowed.

Teaching tools

Personal computer and video projector for classroom activities.


DIDACTIC MATERIAL - the didactic material presented in class is made available to the student in electronic format. Access to the material is allowed only to students enrolled in the seminar.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Monti

See the website of Miguel Angel Altieri