APPLIED ECOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Knowledge of the topics addressed by the Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Ecology. No compulsory prerequisites are however requested
There will be a unique final written examination with three open questions focusing on the topics addressed during the class. For every question the maximum score will be 10, allowing to achieve a final score of 30/30. The minimum sufficient score for each question (6/10) will be achieved providing the main knowledge of the main topics and problems addressed by the specific question, with emphasis on the most important issues, as underlined during the class. The evaluation will increase depending on the completeness of the answers for each question, of the details of the knowledge and information provided, of the capability of the student to identify and describe the relation among the selected topics. The evaluation 30/30 with laude will be attributed when the student preparation will be more than excellent.
The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and specific skills in the field of Ecology; knowledge and skills acquired will be used for the advanced study of issues and problems related to the study of ecosystems of our planet. The concepts, principles and laws of basic ecology are used to evaluate the alterations of biogeochemical cycles and self-regulating systems of ecosystems managed by human activities. As far as knowledge is concerned, diagnostic and restoration tools for compromised ecosystems within the framework of existing legislation and the knowledge gained in the ecological field will be given. Both from a diagnostic and from a management point of view, biological methods are studied in depth. The close link between management and environmental protection and economic development is highlighted for some sustainable development principles. The course also includes practical activities with outings on the territory for the application of the practical student in the knowledge of the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired. The student will develop specific theoretical and practical skills related to the main alterations of human activities on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including communication skills related to the exposition of the topics covered, the methods used and the results achieved, using a language appropriate, ability to elaborate a critical approach to the subject and formulate an independent judgment on the main issues dealt with, developing one's own learning capacity also through the links between the topics covered. The knowledge and skills and competences acquired will allow us to discuss and discuss different case studies that exemplify the various forms of integrated investigation such as eutrophication, acidification, contamination by soil pollutants and water bodies in man-made and remote areas. He will have to demonstrate to know the methodologies of study of the biotic and abiotic components of the different environmental comparisons, the prevention criteria and the regulatory tools for a better management and recovery of the environment.
The class is organized in two main topics with an introduction: a) acquatic ecosystems; b) soil ecosystems
Introduction, quality and quantity of the resources at a global and regional levels (8 hours)
Water ecosystem (16 hours) ( trophic loads, cultural eutrophication, the problem of toxic algae)
Recovery of aquatic environments (liming, biomanipulation)
Pathogens
Remote environments and acid rain,
organic loads (BOD, COD)
biological wastewater treatment
micropollutants in the aquatic environment
legislative protection of water
Soil ecosystem (16 hours)
characteristics of soils and fauna
land use in agriculture (intensive agriculture and conservation)
urbanization
soil contamination
legislative protection of soils
The topics covered as well as to acquire the knowledge related to the treatment of advanced topics related to the study of ecology, with numerous references to the most recent results of international scientific research, will also allow to develop the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to emerging problems related to environmental context, and to acquire skills in terms of communication skills, critical approach skills and independent judgment related to the scientific topics .
Ecologia applicata Galassi et al., Citta’ Studi Ed.
Ecologia applicata Cunningham, Cunningham, Saigo McGraw Hill
Ecologia applicata Roberto Bargagli Amon Ed
Microinquinanti organici S. Galassi
The course is composed by lectures and mandatory experiences in the field. If students cannot take part at the experiences in the field he/she will have to contact the teacher to find alternatives way of compensation
Students are welcome before and after the lectures or in any times sending an email to roberta.bettinetti@uninsubria.it