07943 - Elements of Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - will demonstrate that she/he has acquired a good basic knowledge of ecology, of the mechanisms that explain the processes of adaptation of organisms to different environments, the main environmental problems and environmental education – she/he must understand the ecological function of fundamental interactions between populations of species, such as competition and predation, and how these are integrated into the dynamics of the living communities; - must demonstrate the understanding of basic ecosystem processes, such as energy flows and biogeochemical cycles - use the knowledge and skills acquired to identify and plan training activities that can contribute to increase the environmental knowledge of kindergarten and primary school students.

Course contents

The course will be held in the second semester from March to April 2023.

The course will focus on the following topics:

• The biosphere: terrestrial and aquatic biomes

• Response to environmental variations: temperature variations; variations in the availability of water; energy sources; autotrophy; metabolic pathways of photosynthesis; heterotrophy

• Interactions between organisms: Competition; predation and herbivory; parasitism; mutualism and commensalism

• Ecosystems: production; energy flow and trophic networks; availability and nutrient cycle; biogeochemical cycles

• Conservation biology: human activities threaten the biodiversity of the Earth; climate change; pollution; environmental education; conservation approaches; Sustainable Development

 

Teaching methods

The course will be developed through frontal lessons and the discussion of main topics, design of teaching units inherent concerning the themes addressed in the course, preparation of the science practices.

Assessment methods

The final exam of ELEMENTI DI CHIMICA ED ECOLOGIA (C.I.) consists in a written test (duration: two hours).

Final score based on ../30 (18/30 is considered the minimum to pass the exam).

The students are required to complete the online registration (ALMAESAMI) within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. In case of technical problems the students have to promptly contact the Segreteria Studenti. The teachers will consider the request and decide about the admission.

These indications apply even for non-attending students.

The students can take the exam at each exam session.

 

ERASMUS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: written product replacing laboratories

The final exam, as well as the course contests, are the same for Erasmus students and non-Erasmus students. Due to several reasons, however, Erasmus International Students are not requested to take part to the transversal laboratory and to a disciplinary laboratory in order to take the Elements of Ecology exam. Conversely, those Erasmus International Students who inserted Elements of Ecology in their study plan will hand in a written series of experimental classes focusing on water, which will replace the laboratories.

The series of experimental classes will target pre-primary or primary school and will have the properties and peculiarities of water as an aim, under different point of view. The proposed activities will be thoroughly described in terms of materials, methods, timing, and so on; we also ask to state learning goals clearly. A written text must be handed in at least 10 days before the examination day and will be assessed by the professor of Elements of Ecology.

The assessment will affect examination’s assessment, by adding or subtracting a point (or by leaving it unaffected). In case the written text is not handed in, a point will be substracted by the relevant exam grade.

Teaching tools

Handout and lecture notes will be available through Power point presentations.

For questions, clarifications, information relative to the course and to fix an appointment feel free to contact me at: arianna.mancuso2@unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Arianna Mancuso