CONSERVATION ECOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
For the best use of the course it is recommended to have previous knowledge related to Ecology. However, there is no preliminary requirement of any kind.
The aim of the final exam is to verify the level of achievement of the educational objectives, evaluating in the first place the possession of the basic cognitive elements and therefore the student's ability to use them autonomously for the resolution of real problems. The evaluation of the exam is based on a written exam in which the course content is required. The exam is structured in 30 questions, related to all the topics proposed in the course. The typology of the questions is both multiple choice and short term.
Each question will be assigned a maximum of 1 point, for a total of 30 points (30/30). The final evaluation, expressed in thirtieths, will take into account the completed learning (60%), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (10%), judgment autonomy (10%) and communication skills (20%).
The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and specific skills in the basic principles of ecology and conservation biology, so that this knowledge and acquired skills can be used for the advanced study of issues and problems related to the study of ecosystems present on our planet within the training pathway.
With regards to knowledge, the student after the course must have acquired advanced knowledge in the field of ecology and genetic conservation and must be able to use them in technical applications related to nature conservation.
The student will develop specific theoretical skills related to the main theories of conservation, including communication skills related to the exposition of the topics covered, the methods used and the results achieved, taking advantage of an appropriate language, ability to develop a critical approach to the subject and formulate an independent judgment on the main issues dealt with, developing one's own learning ability also through links between the topics covered.
The course will develop various topics associated with the principles and methods of conservation of ecology, applied to aquatic and terrestrial species and ecosystems with emphasis on the concepts of evolution, genetics, population ecology, interactions between species and models and ecosystem processes as key attributes to be considered in the design and implementation of biodiversity conservation and management. This course emphasizes the application of basic biological research to problems in conservation and management with an eye toward the conservation genetics. The course offers skills in developing analysis of ecological data useful for testing hypotheses, critically reviewing research results / theories and formulating new questions
The extended topics of the course will be:
i) define the biological conservation constraints (8 hours)
ii) assess the reversibility and irreversibility of threats, the causes of threats of demographic and extinction reductions through genetic, environmental and cultural assessments; evaluate the effects of introduced species (including invasive species) also by means of 'hybridization' estimates (8 hours)
iii) deepen conservation techniques, in particular using the molecular ecology tool (8 hours)
iv) estimate the structure of the populations by means of structure and connectivity indicators (8 hours)
v) presentation of conservation strategies in order to maximize genetic variability (8 hours)
Primack r., Boitani L. (2013) Biologia della conservazione. Ed. Zanichelli.
Groom et al., 2006. Principles of Conservation Biology 3rd edition, Sinauer Publ.
The purchase of textbooks is recommended but not mandatory.
Frankham, Ballou, and Briscoe. 2013. Introduction to Conservation Genetics 2nd edition, Cambridge press
24 lectures (48 hours)
All lessons are prepared in power point and written in English. The presentation of the lessons is in English when there are Erasmus students in the classroom.
For students with particular certified problems (disabilities, minor children, etc.) the activities of the educational outings will be replaced by additional activities to be agreed individually according to the specific problems.
At the beginning of the lessons, at the request of the students, the teacher will provide clarifications and in-depth analysis of the topics covered in the previous lessons. It will also be possible to ask for clarifications at any time during the lessons.
For students with particular certified problems (disabilities, minor children, etc.) the activities of the educational outings will be replaced by additional activities to be agreed individually according to the specific problems.
At the beginning of the lessons, at the request of the students, the teacher will provide clarifications and in-depth analysis of the topics covered in the previous lessons. It will also be possible to ask for clarifications at any time during the lessons.
The teacher is available for interview with students by appointment via e-mail (serena.zaccara@uninsubria.it)