Approaches to the Study of Ecological Systems
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with advanced knowledge about the principles of ecological sampling and the main environmental and biodiversity monitoring techniques
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to properly plan a research activity by choosing the best approach among those presented in the curse, identify the correct sample size, schedule data collection activity, and organize the results.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Detailed information on teaching methods for academic year 2023/24 will be given soon depending on the pandemic situation.
Course syllabus
1. general guidelines to the approach of ecological studies
2. sampling design
3. approaches to freshwater ecology
4. contaminants in the environment
5. introduction to Geographic Information Systems
6. monitoring of terrestrial organisms
2. sampling design
3. approaches to freshwater ecology
4. contaminants in the environment
5. introduction to Geographic Information Systems
6. monitoring of terrestrial organisms
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of ecology.
Teaching methods
Course will consist of lectures, seminars by external experts, class discussions, practical lessons to learn how to use key softwares and how to prepare a research/monitoring project, and field lessons to get first-hand experience of some field methods.
Teaching Resources
Slides will be available on the course Ariel website:
https://mbrambillaases.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/default.aspx
Main reference text:
Sutherland W.J. 2006. Ecological Census Techniques. Cambridge
Other useful references:
- Jorgensen et al. 2010. Handbook of Ecological Indicators for Assessment of Ecosystem Health. CRC.
- Guisan et al. 2017. Habitat Suitability and Distribution Models. Cambridge.
- Eberhardt LL. A course in quantitative ecology. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=82F55238769983B32D4FFDAE
542CEBF1?doi=10.1.1.152.8128&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://mbrambillaases.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/default.aspx
Main reference text:
Sutherland W.J. 2006. Ecological Census Techniques. Cambridge
Other useful references:
- Jorgensen et al. 2010. Handbook of Ecological Indicators for Assessment of Ecosystem Health. CRC.
- Guisan et al. 2017. Habitat Suitability and Distribution Models. Cambridge.
- Eberhardt LL. A course in quantitative ecology. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=82F55238769983B32D4FFDAE
542CEBF1?doi=10.1.1.152.8128&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be asked to prepare a report consisting of a monitoring / research project, selecting a topic of their interest and choosing the best approach(es) among those discussed during the course, developing their own idea following the main steps identified in the lectures. Examples and simulations of projects will be made in class. Students will discuss their report during an oral examination.
BIO/07 - ECOLOGY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 64 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be agreed by prior appointment via e-mail