Fundamental of Ecology and Forestry
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with knowledge and ability to understand the structure and functioning of ecological systems at various hierarchical levels, starting from populations and biological communities to ecosystems, with a special attention to anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems. Through the presentation of case studies, scientific literature, and discussions, the students will explore principles of basic and applied ecology that will be useful for future specialists in management and sustainable use of natural resources, especially forest resources.
This course aims to provide knowledge on managing forest stands, as a fundamental requirement for the future experts on land planning and management. The training objective of the course is to design and implement a planned and sustainable use of forests, within the framework of climate adaptation policies. Through the presentation of case studies, scientific literature, and discussions, students will explore the basis of forest ecology applied to silvicultural practices, with a special attention to multiple ecosystem services provided by the forest landscape.
This course aims to provide knowledge on managing forest stands, as a fundamental requirement for the future experts on land planning and management. The training objective of the course is to design and implement a planned and sustainable use of forests, within the framework of climate adaptation policies. Through the presentation of case studies, scientific literature, and discussions, students will explore the basis of forest ecology applied to silvicultural practices, with a special attention to multiple ecosystem services provided by the forest landscape.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to know and understand the ecological processes useful to collaborate with specialists and technicians in forest management, and will develop useful competences for a sustainable environmental management.
The student will know:
· the ecological interactions among organisms and environment, and the evolutionary processes;
· the role of energy in determining ecosystem structure and functioning;
· biogeochemical cycles;
· factors influencing population growth;
· the role of biodiversity in favoring the ecosystem functioning and the main biodiversity sampling methods used in the ecological studies;
· how human activities affect natural resources.
Moreover, the students will learn about experimental methods in Ecology, and will acquire competences for biodiversity monitoring, and the application of ecological indices such as IBE. The students will be able to explore the scientific literature in the ecological field and communicate by using correct scientific terms.
Students will learn the main silvicultural systems that can be applied to different forest's type. Moreover, will be analysed the main provisions of the National and European forest legislation. In particular, students will be able to:
· understand the natural and managed forest dynamics;
· know the main forest tree species of the Italian peninsula;
· analyse a forest site by identifying the main structural characteristics of the forest, highlighting the ongoing ecological processes;
· define silvicultural treatments within the framework of sustainable forest management principles;
· analyse planning and regulatory framework in order to understand limits and opportunities in the management of a forest site.
Moreover, students will be able to explore scientific literature in the applied forest ecology field and to communicate by using correct scientific terms.
The student will know:
· the ecological interactions among organisms and environment, and the evolutionary processes;
· the role of energy in determining ecosystem structure and functioning;
· biogeochemical cycles;
· factors influencing population growth;
· the role of biodiversity in favoring the ecosystem functioning and the main biodiversity sampling methods used in the ecological studies;
· how human activities affect natural resources.
Moreover, the students will learn about experimental methods in Ecology, and will acquire competences for biodiversity monitoring, and the application of ecological indices such as IBE. The students will be able to explore the scientific literature in the ecological field and communicate by using correct scientific terms.
Students will learn the main silvicultural systems that can be applied to different forest's type. Moreover, will be analysed the main provisions of the National and European forest legislation. In particular, students will be able to:
· understand the natural and managed forest dynamics;
· know the main forest tree species of the Italian peninsula;
· analyse a forest site by identifying the main structural characteristics of the forest, highlighting the ongoing ecological processes;
· define silvicultural treatments within the framework of sustainable forest management principles;
· analyse planning and regulatory framework in order to understand limits and opportunities in the management of a forest site.
Moreover, students will be able to explore scientific literature in the applied forest ecology field and to communicate by using correct scientific terms.
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
Lesson period
First semester
TEACHING METHODS
Lectures will be held mainly online in synchronous mode (using Microsoft Teams platform). Just few lectures (e.g. opening lecture and field activities) will be in attendance. Lectures will be recorded and available on ARIEL website. Information on the organization of lectures and on Microsoft Teams virtual class access will be available on the ARIEL website as well as any other information on the teaching.
Based on the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the national regulations, lectures and field activities could have minimal changes (updates on ARIEL website).
SYLLABUS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Lectures and teaching materials will not change.
ASSESSMENT TYPE
Oral exam. Students will be evaluated through oral questions and a brief discussion of a report prepared by the student. The modules can be tested independently of each other. Further details will be given on Ariel platform.
Lectures will be held mainly online in synchronous mode (using Microsoft Teams platform). Just few lectures (e.g. opening lecture and field activities) will be in attendance. Lectures will be recorded and available on ARIEL website. Information on the organization of lectures and on Microsoft Teams virtual class access will be available on the ARIEL website as well as any other information on the teaching.
Based on the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the national regulations, lectures and field activities could have minimal changes (updates on ARIEL website).
SYLLABUS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Lectures and teaching materials will not change.
ASSESSMENT TYPE
Oral exam. Students will be evaluated through oral questions and a brief discussion of a report prepared by the student. The modules can be tested independently of each other. Further details will be given on Ariel platform.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of biology and mathematics.
Working knowledge of English (B2).
Working knowledge of English (B2).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam. Students will be evaluated through oral questions and a brief discussion of a report prepared by the student. Futher details will be given on Ariel platform.
The modules can be tested independently of each other.
Evaluation criteria:
- ability to organize the teaching material, describe and critically analyze ecological and sylvicultural systems;
- correct use of scientific terms;
- correctness and completeness of the final report.
The modules can be tested independently of each other.
Evaluation criteria:
- ability to organize the teaching material, describe and critically analyze ecological and sylvicultural systems;
- correct use of scientific terms;
- correctness and completeness of the final report.
Fundamentals of ecology
Course syllabus
1 CFU
Introduction to Ecology. Hierarchical levels of organization in Ecology and emergent properties. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The economic value of biodiversity (ecosystem services).
Evolution and adaptation underlying the diversity of animal and plant life forms (focus on plant adaptations, e.g. adaptations to temperature, water and nutrient availability, fire).
Concept of species and speciation.
1 CFU
Definition of ecosystem and classification. The trophic structure of the ecosystems. Gradients and ecotones. Examples of ecosystems and comparison between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural ecosystems. The environment supports life and life creates favorable conditions for its sustenance (Hypothesis of Gaia).
The flow of energy in ecosystems. Primary and secondary production.
Decomposition and nutrient cycle: carbon cycle, nitrogen, sulfur, and water cycle. Anthropogenic alterations of biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse effect and global warming: causes and consequences.
The limiting factors: Liebig's law of minimum, Shelford's law of tolerance; biological indicators and biotic indices.
1 CFU
Population ecology: growth rate, carrying capacity, cyclical populations, dispersion, home range and territoriality, density-dependent and density-independent regulation, metapopulation dynamics, selection r and K. Human population growth and sustainability. The ecological footprint.
Community ecology: interactions between species, coevolution, habitat concepts and ecological niche, guilds. Dominance and diversity indices.
Ecosystem dynamics: ecological succession and climax communities. Restoration ecology.
Habitat loss, biodiversity threats and conservation.
1 CFU (exercises)
Exercise 1= biological quality of water (IBE e STAR ICMi)
Exercise 2= monitoring techniques for vertebrates and invertebrates. Sampling of soil invertebrate communities and data analysis in QGIS.
Exercise 3 = presentation and analysis of case studies, and scientific literature.
Introduction to Ecology. Hierarchical levels of organization in Ecology and emergent properties. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The economic value of biodiversity (ecosystem services).
Evolution and adaptation underlying the diversity of animal and plant life forms (focus on plant adaptations, e.g. adaptations to temperature, water and nutrient availability, fire).
Concept of species and speciation.
1 CFU
Definition of ecosystem and classification. The trophic structure of the ecosystems. Gradients and ecotones. Examples of ecosystems and comparison between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural ecosystems. The environment supports life and life creates favorable conditions for its sustenance (Hypothesis of Gaia).
The flow of energy in ecosystems. Primary and secondary production.
Decomposition and nutrient cycle: carbon cycle, nitrogen, sulfur, and water cycle. Anthropogenic alterations of biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse effect and global warming: causes and consequences.
The limiting factors: Liebig's law of minimum, Shelford's law of tolerance; biological indicators and biotic indices.
1 CFU
Population ecology: growth rate, carrying capacity, cyclical populations, dispersion, home range and territoriality, density-dependent and density-independent regulation, metapopulation dynamics, selection r and K. Human population growth and sustainability. The ecological footprint.
Community ecology: interactions between species, coevolution, habitat concepts and ecological niche, guilds. Dominance and diversity indices.
Ecosystem dynamics: ecological succession and climax communities. Restoration ecology.
Habitat loss, biodiversity threats and conservation.
1 CFU (exercises)
Exercise 1= biological quality of water (IBE e STAR ICMi)
Exercise 2= monitoring techniques for vertebrates and invertebrates. Sampling of soil invertebrate communities and data analysis in QGIS.
Exercise 3 = presentation and analysis of case studies, and scientific literature.
Teaching methods
24 hours: lectures. 16 hours: exercises and laboratory.
Lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical ecological concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab activities to consolidate knowledge learned during the lectures, and develop applied ecology competences useful in the professional practice;
c) Exercises and quiz to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences
d) Introduction to free GIS tools to provide basic knowledge on software commonly used in the professional practice.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical ecological concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab activities to consolidate knowledge learned during the lectures, and develop applied ecology competences useful in the professional practice;
c) Exercises and quiz to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences
d) Introduction to free GIS tools to provide basic knowledge on software commonly used in the professional practice.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
E.P. Odum, G.W. Barrett, Fondamenti di Ecologia. Piccin Editore.
Additional literature (slides and scientific papers) are provided in Ariel.
Additional reference literature (not mandatory)
T.M. Smith, R.L. Smith. Elementi di Ecologia. Pearson (Capitolo 7)
Additional literature (slides and scientific papers) are provided in Ariel.
Additional reference literature (not mandatory)
T.M. Smith, R.L. Smith. Elementi di Ecologia. Pearson (Capitolo 7)
Silviculture
Course syllabus
CFU 1
Forest definition and geographical distribution, with special reference to the regional context. Land use changes and forests. Climate and vegetation, biomes and ecoregions. Climate changes and forests. Main classification systems of forest vegetation. Identification and geographical distribution of the main forest tree species. Ecosystem services and forests. Men and forests: virgin, natural and managed forests. Ecology of natural disturbances: fire, wind, biotic agents.
Forest stand structure.
CFU 1
Silvicultural systems: high forest vs. coppice forest, treatments. Silviculture: history, definition and aims. High forest: regeneration cutting and intermediate cutting. Coppice forest: treatments, conversions and changes of sylvicultural systems.
CFU 1
Landscape ecology concepts applied to forest landscape management. Hints on the management of Trees Outside Forests (TOF). Forests management within land use planning policies. Forest management in Natura 2000 sites.
CFU 1 (fieldtrip and classroom exercises)
Overview on regional (Lombardia administrative region) forest types. Description of a forest site, identification of the main regional forest types, analysis of field observations. Geographical Information System. Foundations of Q-GIS and on-line regional geo-databases and territorial information systems to analyse available forest data.
Forest definition and geographical distribution, with special reference to the regional context. Land use changes and forests. Climate and vegetation, biomes and ecoregions. Climate changes and forests. Main classification systems of forest vegetation. Identification and geographical distribution of the main forest tree species. Ecosystem services and forests. Men and forests: virgin, natural and managed forests. Ecology of natural disturbances: fire, wind, biotic agents.
Forest stand structure.
CFU 1
Silvicultural systems: high forest vs. coppice forest, treatments. Silviculture: history, definition and aims. High forest: regeneration cutting and intermediate cutting. Coppice forest: treatments, conversions and changes of sylvicultural systems.
CFU 1
Landscape ecology concepts applied to forest landscape management. Hints on the management of Trees Outside Forests (TOF). Forests management within land use planning policies. Forest management in Natura 2000 sites.
CFU 1 (fieldtrip and classroom exercises)
Overview on regional (Lombardia administrative region) forest types. Description of a forest site, identification of the main regional forest types, analysis of field observations. Geographical Information System. Foundations of Q-GIS and on-line regional geo-databases and territorial information systems to analyse available forest data.
Teaching methods
24 hours: frontal lessons. 16 hours: fieldtrip and classroom exercise.
Lecturer will use:
a) lectures, with the aim to provide students with the theoretical concepts of the teaching;
b) field activities to carry out field observations that can help students with professional practice;
c) quiz and excercise, with the aim to verify the acquired knowledge;
d) training on free GIS tools, to provide students with basic knowledge on this fundamental tools of the professional job.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Lecturer will use:
a) lectures, with the aim to provide students with the theoretical concepts of the teaching;
b) field activities to carry out field observations that can help students with professional practice;
c) quiz and excercise, with the aim to verify the acquired knowledge;
d) training on free GIS tools, to provide students with basic knowledge on this fundamental tools of the professional job.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Slides and course notes; compulsory study material provided by lecturer on the Ariel website.
Books (strongly recommended):
1. Piussi P., Alberti G., 2015. Selvicoltura generale: boschi, società e tecniche colturali. Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo
2. IPLA, 2004. Alberi e arbusti. Guida alle specie spontanee del Piemonte. Blu Edizioni, Peveragno
[liberamente scaricabile da: https://www.regione.piemonte.it/web/temi/ambiente-territorio/foreste/alberi-arboricoltura/alberi-arbusti-piemonte-manuale-schede].
Books (strongly recommended):
1. Piussi P., Alberti G., 2015. Selvicoltura generale: boschi, società e tecniche colturali. Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo
2. IPLA, 2004. Alberi e arbusti. Guida alle specie spontanee del Piemonte. Blu Edizioni, Peveragno
[liberamente scaricabile da: https://www.regione.piemonte.it/web/temi/ambiente-territorio/foreste/alberi-arboricoltura/alberi-arbusti-piemonte-manuale-schede].
Fundamentals of ecology
BIO/07 - ECOLOGY - University credits: 4
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Nervo Beatrice
Silviculture
AGR/05 - FOREST MANAGEMENT AND SILVICULTURE - University credits: 4
Field activity: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Trentanovi Giovanni