Marine Biology and Ecology
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The course provides a broad outlook on issues of marine biology and ecology, as well as on the threats impending on the marine environment and its biodiversity, thereby setting the foundations for a science-based approach to the adoption of conservation measures.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Second 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
Objectives:
The course provides a broad outlook on issues of marine biology and ecology, as well as on the threats impending on the marine environment and its biodiversity, thereby setting the foundations for a science-based approach to the adoption of conservation measures.
Program:
The course will begin with an introduction to the marine environment and an outline of its main differences from the terrestrial environment. This part will include a description of the physical and chemical characteristics of the oceans that are relevant to life, of the adaptations of organisms to the marine environment, their life histories, and the functioning and productivity of marine ecosystems. Community ecology will be treated by illustrating the characteristics of the main Phyla subdivided amongst plankton, nekton, benthos and meiofauna. This first part of the course will be complemented by elements of biogeography, oceanography and biodiversity, with a special attention on the Mediterranean case.
The second part of the course will examine the different methods for the study of marine biodiversity, the exploitation of marine resources (fishery, aquaculture, marine biotechnology) and the different threats to marine biodiversity (e.g., overfishing, habitat degradation and pollution, bio-invasions, climate change). In this context describe the tools available to address them, including marine protected areas (MPAs), with a special focus on the Italian and Mediterranean ones, more conventional, ecosystem-based management and conservation measures, and the precautionary approach. Finally, aspects related to the ethics of marine conservation will be discussed, and presented within the wider international legal marine conservation framework.
Textbooks:
Castro P., Huber M.E. 2011. Biologia marina. McGraw-Hill.
The course will be likely integrated by specific seminars and the discussion of pertinent scientific articles.
Prerequisites and exam modalities:
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of general biology, in particular of animal and plant biology.
Exam modalities: The exam consists of oral examination assessing the topics addressed during the course
Propaedeutics:
None
Teaching methods:
Traditional methods. Frontal and practical lectures supported by Power Point presentations.
Frequency: highly recommended.
Language:
Italian
Informations:
Texts and articles to be consulted to prepare the exam will be recommended, as needed, and slides used in the course will be available via ARIEL.
WEB page:
http://gnotarbartolobem.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/Home/
The course provides a broad outlook on issues of marine biology and ecology, as well as on the threats impending on the marine environment and its biodiversity, thereby setting the foundations for a science-based approach to the adoption of conservation measures.
Program:
The course will begin with an introduction to the marine environment and an outline of its main differences from the terrestrial environment. This part will include a description of the physical and chemical characteristics of the oceans that are relevant to life, of the adaptations of organisms to the marine environment, their life histories, and the functioning and productivity of marine ecosystems. Community ecology will be treated by illustrating the characteristics of the main Phyla subdivided amongst plankton, nekton, benthos and meiofauna. This first part of the course will be complemented by elements of biogeography, oceanography and biodiversity, with a special attention on the Mediterranean case.
The second part of the course will examine the different methods for the study of marine biodiversity, the exploitation of marine resources (fishery, aquaculture, marine biotechnology) and the different threats to marine biodiversity (e.g., overfishing, habitat degradation and pollution, bio-invasions, climate change). In this context describe the tools available to address them, including marine protected areas (MPAs), with a special focus on the Italian and Mediterranean ones, more conventional, ecosystem-based management and conservation measures, and the precautionary approach. Finally, aspects related to the ethics of marine conservation will be discussed, and presented within the wider international legal marine conservation framework.
Textbooks:
Castro P., Huber M.E. 2011. Biologia marina. McGraw-Hill.
The course will be likely integrated by specific seminars and the discussion of pertinent scientific articles.
Prerequisites and exam modalities:
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of general biology, in particular of animal and plant biology.
Exam modalities: The exam consists of oral examination assessing the topics addressed during the course
Propaedeutics:
None
Teaching methods:
Traditional methods. Frontal and practical lectures supported by Power Point presentations.
Frequency: highly recommended.
Language:
Italian
Informations:
Texts and articles to be consulted to prepare the exam will be recommended, as needed, and slides used in the course will be available via ARIEL.
WEB page:
http://gnotarbartolobem.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/Home/
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment.
Office - Tower A, ground floor - Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano