Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing a basic theoretical and practical background required for studying the main ecological systems by case studies (tools, data analysis and practice for management, remediation and preservation).
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Part 1 Ecosystem structure and lake functioning: their environmental applications
Part 1 A. Theory. How to study a lake.
Morphology and morphometry.
Thermal and energetic balance
Hydrology, hydrometric and hydraulic parameters.
Optical properties.
Aquatic chemistry.
Planktonic community: phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Benthonic community: phytobenthos and zoobenthos.
Fish community.
Littoral community.
Part 1 B – Applications
Planning and remediation of pit lakes.
Field excursion to three pit lakes different in age (in Po river floodplain).
Part 2. Island biogeography
Part 2 A. Theory. Biodiversity.
Some definitions.
Biodiversity index.
Species-area relationship.
The equilibrium theory by McArthur and Wilson (1967).
Metapopulations.
Conservation ecology.
Part 2 B – Applications
Species – area relationship (the CNR meadow close to Cascina Ambolana)
Part 3.
Conference attending and seminars.
Full programme
Part 1 Ecosystem structure and lake functioning: their environmental applications
Part 1 A. Theory. How to study a lake.
Morphology and morphometry.
Thermal and energetic balance
Hydrology, hydrometric and hydraulic parameters.
Optical properties.
Aquatic chemistry.
Planktonic community: phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Benthonic community: phytobenthos and zoobenthos.
Fish community.
Littoral community.
Part 1 B – Applications
Planning and remediation of pit lakes.
Field excursion to three pit lakes different in age (in Po river floodplain).
Part 2. Island biogeography
Part 2 A. Theory. Biodiversity.
Some definitions.
Biodiversity index.
Species-area relationship.
The equilibrium theory by McArthur and Wilson (1967).
Metapopulations.
Conservation ecology.
Part 2 B – Applications
Species – area relationship (the CNR meadow close to Cascina Ambolana)
Bibliography
Smith TM and Smith RL 2007. Elementi di Ecologia. Pearson Paravia Bruno Mondadori.
Giussani L. et al., Conoscere un lago. Docomenta Istituto Italiano Idrobiologia
AAVV. Linee guida per la riqualificazione delle cave ecc.Regione Emilia Romagna
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and practice
Assessment methods and criteria
Report on practice and oral examination
Other information
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