Biodiversity
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the students with theoretical and practical background for understanding, analysing and conserving biodiversity. The course will address the concept of biodiversity, the levels of genetic, species, functional and ecological diversity. Multiple aspects of
biodiversity will be considered, including its origin and evolution, taxonomic and functional diversity, biogeography and macroecology, ecosystem functioning and services, the contribution of biodiversity to people and societies, threats to biodiversity and conservation strategies and management.
biodiversity will be considered, including its origin and evolution, taxonomic and functional diversity, biogeography and macroecology, ecosystem functioning and services, the contribution of biodiversity to people and societies, threats to biodiversity and conservation strategies and management.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to understand, analyse and conserve biodiversity. They will be able to describe and to measure the animal and plant biodiversity, to identify the main drivers of biodiversity loss and threats to its conservation, to explain the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning and human well being, to discuss the principles and the practices in biodiversity conservation. Students will have acquired skills to develop innovative approaches to assess and monitor the current state of biodiversity, including field sampling techniques and data analysis at global, regional, and local scales. They will be able to find solutions and strategies to preserve biodiversity in the context of climate change and its link with human and animal health. Students will be able to manage and to critically evaluate research activities and projects related to the conservation of biodiversity, and to communicate the scientific information acquired to different audiences.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical tools necessary for the analysis and interpretation of biodiversity.
PRACTICAL SECTION
From a practical perspective, the course aims to develop essential skills for collecting and analyzing biodiversity data, with particular attention to both animal and plant components. The main sampling techniques will be illustrated and subsequently applied during a hands-on activity at the Botanical Garden, allowing students to gain direct field experience.
The use of molecular data for biodiversity studies will also be introduced.
A dedicated module will focus on the use of R software (and the RStudio interface) for data visualization and statistical analysis. Various diversity indices (alpha, beta, and gamma diversity) will be calculated and interpreted, and the concept of functional biodiversity will be introduced.
THEORETICAL SECTION
The theoretical part of the course will introduce the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, its levels of organization, the evolutionary history of biodiversity on Earth, and its ecological and societal importance.
The following topics will also be covered:
- The problem of estimating the number of species and the occurrence of cryptic species;
- Biodiversity hotspots;
- Key characteristics of biodiversity, such as uniqueness, autocatalysis, relationships between space and biodiversity, body size and biodiversity, latitudinal gradients, intermediate disturbance, and ecotones;
- The issue of invasive species and their effects on ecosystems and global biodiversity.
PRACTICAL SECTION
From a practical perspective, the course aims to develop essential skills for collecting and analyzing biodiversity data, with particular attention to both animal and plant components. The main sampling techniques will be illustrated and subsequently applied during a hands-on activity at the Botanical Garden, allowing students to gain direct field experience.
The use of molecular data for biodiversity studies will also be introduced.
A dedicated module will focus on the use of R software (and the RStudio interface) for data visualization and statistical analysis. Various diversity indices (alpha, beta, and gamma diversity) will be calculated and interpreted, and the concept of functional biodiversity will be introduced.
THEORETICAL SECTION
The theoretical part of the course will introduce the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, its levels of organization, the evolutionary history of biodiversity on Earth, and its ecological and societal importance.
The following topics will also be covered:
- The problem of estimating the number of species and the occurrence of cryptic species;
- Biodiversity hotspots;
- Key characteristics of biodiversity, such as uniqueness, autocatalysis, relationships between space and biodiversity, body size and biodiversity, latitudinal gradients, intermediate disturbance, and ecotones;
- The issue of invasive species and their effects on ecosystems and global biodiversity.
Prerequisites for admission
A good background in biostatistics is recommended, and while not mandatory, students are encouraged to take the course "General Bioinformatics and Computational Methods in Environmental Microbiology" as a prerequisite for this course. While not required, basic knowledge of botany, ecology, evolution, and zoology is recommended. Active participation and cooperation in class is essential.
Teaching methods
The course is based on outcome-based teaching and problem-based learning, providing activities and experiences following a learning-by-doing approach. In addition to the key concepts presented and collectively discussed during the lessons, the emphasis is placed on the active participation of students through group discussions, workshops, oral presentations and written reports. Students will collaborate in groups on real case studies through the collection, analysis, documentation and discussion of their scientific work.
Teaching Resources
· Jr., Malcolm L., H. et al. Fundamentals of Conservation Biology. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (4th Edition). Wiley Global Research (STMS), 2021.
· Scientific articles provided by the teachers.
· Course slides and additional materials will be made available by the teachers during the course on the Ariel website of the University
· Scientific articles provided by the teachers.
· Course slides and additional materials will be made available by the teachers during the course on the Ariel website of the University
Assessment methods and Criteria
Production of a semi-structured research paper reporting the analysis of data about biodiversity (either collected directy by the students or found in data repositories). The manuscript will be discussed during the oral exam. The oral exam includes a 10-minutes presentation of the candidate's work and 15 minutes of questions and discussion.
Evaluation parameters:
· Ability to reflect, realistic self-assessment, ability to formulate and apply theory to real problem, clear understanding of course concepts and contents = 28-30
· The student can apply theory to practice, provide an interconnected understanding of the course and its components, provide good solutions to problems = 25-27
· The student can explain the most important theories, can describe biodiversity in an acceptable way, can replicate some activities = 21-24
· The student can explain some theories and provide limited solutions = 18-20
Evaluation parameters:
· Ability to reflect, realistic self-assessment, ability to formulate and apply theory to real problem, clear understanding of course concepts and contents = 28-30
· The student can apply theory to practice, provide an interconnected understanding of the course and its components, provide good solutions to problems = 25-27
· The student can explain the most important theories, can describe biodiversity in an acceptable way, can replicate some activities = 21-24
· The student can explain some theories and provide limited solutions = 18-20
BIO/03 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED BOTANY - University credits: 3
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 3
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Gabrieli Paolo, Losapio Gianalberto
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)