Communities and Ecosystems
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide concepts on the organization and functioning of communities and ecosystems, with particular focus on aquatic environments, exploring the interactions between organisms and their environment. Particular attention will be given to the understanding of how environmental modifications, in particular anthropic pressure, can alter the composition and the functionality of aquatic ecosystems, integrating the processes that occur at different levels of biological organization, with a perspective of management and conservation of water resources.
The course offers the following specific training objectives:
· Understand the role of the main plant and animal groups in aquatic systems and how they interact with the physical and chemical environment;
· Be able to assess the consequences of main threats to aquatic systems, such as pollution, introduction of alien species and climate change;
· Acquire the knowledge for a critical evaluation of the available methodologies for the monitoring of the status of the ecosystems, for the management of natural resources and the recovery of contaminated environments.
The course offers the following specific training objectives:
· Understand the role of the main plant and animal groups in aquatic systems and how they interact with the physical and chemical environment;
· Be able to assess the consequences of main threats to aquatic systems, such as pollution, introduction of alien species and climate change;
· Acquire the knowledge for a critical evaluation of the available methodologies for the monitoring of the status of the ecosystems, for the management of natural resources and the recovery of contaminated environments.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
PROGRAM
General concepts on the functional organization of aquatic ecosystems, systematic, ecological and biological aspects. Biological interactions and community ecology. Biodiversity: definitions, structural and functional biodiversity. Factors that influence biodiversity. Trophic networks. Pressures and alterations of aquatic environments. Introduction of alien species. Climate change. The role of aquatic organisms as bioindicators. Sampling methodologies and planning of monitoring studies. Analysis for the evaluation of the functionality and quality of aquatic ecosystems, with particular reference to current European regulations. Ecological indices. Analytical techniques for the evaluation of the effects induced by environmental contaminants at different levels of biological organization.
REFERENCE MATERIAL
Lecture notes provided by the teacher
Fenoglio S, Bo T. Lineamenti di Ecologia Fluviale. Città Studi Eds.
Clements WH, Newman MC. Community Ecotoxicology. Wiley & Sons Eds
PREREQUISITES AND EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
No previous specific knowledge required. Oral examination on topics discussed during lessons.
TEACHING METHODS
Class lessons. Attendance strongly recommended
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
Italian
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
Ecology, Zoology
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Slides of the course are available on the Ariel website
General concepts on the functional organization of aquatic ecosystems, systematic, ecological and biological aspects. Biological interactions and community ecology. Biodiversity: definitions, structural and functional biodiversity. Factors that influence biodiversity. Trophic networks. Pressures and alterations of aquatic environments. Introduction of alien species. Climate change. The role of aquatic organisms as bioindicators. Sampling methodologies and planning of monitoring studies. Analysis for the evaluation of the functionality and quality of aquatic ecosystems, with particular reference to current European regulations. Ecological indices. Analytical techniques for the evaluation of the effects induced by environmental contaminants at different levels of biological organization.
REFERENCE MATERIAL
Lecture notes provided by the teacher
Fenoglio S, Bo T. Lineamenti di Ecologia Fluviale. Città Studi Eds.
Clements WH, Newman MC. Community Ecotoxicology. Wiley & Sons Eds
PREREQUISITES AND EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
No previous specific knowledge required. Oral examination on topics discussed during lessons.
TEACHING METHODS
Class lessons. Attendance strongly recommended
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
Italian
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
Ecology, Zoology
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Slides of the course are available on the Ariel website
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment requested by e-mail
Via Celoria 26 tower C floor 6