SUSTAINABLE USE OF ANIMAL RESOURCES AND BIOMASSES
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
There are no prerequisite constraints; however, students should be familiar with basic concepts of Statistics and Zoology. A good knowledge of the English language is recommended, as part of the technical documentation is in English
The acquisition of specific knowledge will be assessed at the end of the course through an oral exam. This exam will involve discussing several topics from those listed under "Content" section, potentially including (but not limited to) a topic agreed upon with the professor, with particular emphasis on the ability to practically apply the concepts learned.
The evaluation will be graded on a scale of 30 and will take into account the following criteria: scientific mastery and critical thinking regarding the discussed topic (30%), presentation and organizational skills (10%), and the ability to apply the concepts learned during the course to a specific case (60%).
The course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on the sustainable use of wildlife, in a pursuit of conservation and management of natural resources that seem increasingly scarce. Sustainability thus becomes an ally in biodiversity conservation.
Specifically, the course aims to provide knowledge of techniques for analyzing population dynamics, with reference to typical applications in wildlife management and conservation biology.
Another objective is to understand the mechanisms that regulate the relationships between the needs of local communities and global interests, within a continuously evolving legislative framework.
By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired the following skills:
- application of wildlife monitoring methods;
- analysis of population dynamics;
- knowledge of relevant regulations;
- critical ability to apply sustainable project initiatives.
The course will be divided into several phases.
In the introductory part, the concepts of wildlife and sustainability will be presented, describing the evolution of human-wildlife interactions and the changes in animal exploitation throughout human history.
The second phase will explore the basic concepts of animal population ecology, with a focus on population monitoring and estimation methods. The third topic of the course will cover legislation, discussing the main national and international regulations relevant to wildlife management and the use of animal-derived products.
In the central part of the course, the primary activities related to wildlife exploitation will be discussed: hunting, trade, and ecotourism. Drawing from real-life examples, the delicate balance between exploitation and sustainability will be explored, considering the needs and interests of local communities, which often conflict with more global concerns.
In the final part of the course, recent examples of wildlife exploitation will be presented, such as the case of invasive alien species (IAS) and the use of animal biomass, including the production of biodiesel from animal fats.
Detailed program will be provided during the lectures
The objectives of the course will be achieved through lectures, including practical activities, for a total of 48 hours. At the start of each session, upon request from students, the instructor may provide clarifications and further insights into topics covered in previous lessons. It will also be possible to ask for clarifications at any point during the lectures.
In any case, the use of the e-learning platform is strongly recommended to ensure that all students have access to any clarifications provided.
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