Biodiversity
A.Y. 2024/2025
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
Module 1: The importance of biodiversity (4h)
· Introduction (1h) + History and definition of biodiversity (1h)
· Importance of biodiversity for ecosystems and human society (2h)
Module 2: Biodiversity patterns and drivers (8h)
· Patterns of biodiversity across scales: genes, species, ecosystems (2h)
· Principles and applications of taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetic (2h)
· Functional diversity, interaction diversity, and ecosystem functioning (2h)
· Biogeography, macroecology and evolutionary mechanisms (2h)
Module 3: Biodiversity measurement and assessment (12h)
· Estimating biodiversity, indices (alpha, beta, gamma) (2h)
· Sampling techniques for biodiversity assessment (2h)
· Giardino botanico (4h)
· R LAB (4h)
Module 4: Biodiversity Hotspots, Threats and Conservation (12h)
· Biodiversity hotspots and conservation priority areas (2h)
· Mass Extinctions and Global Change (2h)
· Land-use, habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting (2h)
· Pollution and Invasive species (2h)
· Habitat protection, restoration and connectivity (2h)
· Species reintroduction (rewild) and translocation (2h)
Module 5: Biodiversity and Human Well-being (8h)
· Ecosystem Services and Nature Contribution to People (2h)
· Sustainable use and indigenous, traditional knowledge (2h)
· Ethics, values, education (2h)
· Policies and institutions in biodiversity conservation (2h)
Module 6: Synthesis (4h)
· Challenges, opportunities, research priorities, and future directions (1h)
· Recap of course themes and concepts, lessons learned (1h)
· Q & A (2h)
· Introduction (1h) + History and definition of biodiversity (1h)
· Importance of biodiversity for ecosystems and human society (2h)
Module 2: Biodiversity patterns and drivers (8h)
· Patterns of biodiversity across scales: genes, species, ecosystems (2h)
· Principles and applications of taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetic (2h)
· Functional diversity, interaction diversity, and ecosystem functioning (2h)
· Biogeography, macroecology and evolutionary mechanisms (2h)
Module 3: Biodiversity measurement and assessment (12h)
· Estimating biodiversity, indices (alpha, beta, gamma) (2h)
· Sampling techniques for biodiversity assessment (2h)
· Giardino botanico (4h)
· R LAB (4h)
Module 4: Biodiversity Hotspots, Threats and Conservation (12h)
· Biodiversity hotspots and conservation priority areas (2h)
· Mass Extinctions and Global Change (2h)
· Land-use, habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting (2h)
· Pollution and Invasive species (2h)
· Habitat protection, restoration and connectivity (2h)
· Species reintroduction (rewild) and translocation (2h)
Module 5: Biodiversity and Human Well-being (8h)
· Ecosystem Services and Nature Contribution to People (2h)
· Sustainable use and indigenous, traditional knowledge (2h)
· Ethics, values, education (2h)
· Policies and institutions in biodiversity conservation (2h)
Module 6: Synthesis (4h)
· Challenges, opportunities, research priorities, and future directions (1h)
· Recap of course themes and concepts, lessons learned (1h)
· Q & A (2h)
Prerequisites for admission
Although not necessery, some experience with botany, zoology, ecology and evolution is reccomended. Classroom attendance is essential as students are required to engage in learning activities and to work in cooperation with others.
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. The manuscript will be discussed during the oral exam.
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
Professor(s)