Learning objectives
The course is offered to students of the 2nd year of the second degree who are trained at dealing with the assessment and management of complex environmental issues that have significant implications for the human society. In particular, the course tackles one of the main goals for the 21st century, namely the management and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in relation to the goods services they offer to humanity.
In general, the students are expected to implement their knowledge on these issues, to critically evaluate and synthesize it, and to apply it in the assessment of status, functionality, services and restoration of terrestrial, aquatic and transitional ecosystems.
The ability to learn is developed through the capacity to identify, learn and apply methodologies useful for data collection and to use indicators to evaluate different management options and uses of the resources provided by ecosystems.
The judgment capacity is acquired with the ability to develop independent evaluations based on the scientific method and the national and international context on environmental sciences.
Communication skills are developed starting from the basic concepts of scientific and technical dissemination, namely a simple and understandable language, even for non-experts, used in a rigorous scientific context.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course composes of two modules: the first deals with functions, services and restoration of ecosystems, the second concerns quality, functionality and sustainable use of soils.
The first module deals with the soil in relation to the current exploitation and ecosystem services it can offer. Soil biodiversity and food webs are analyzed in functional terms. Particular attention is paid to soil degradation and loss and to the strategies implemented to contrast them. A particular focus is dedicated to the management and restoration of agricultural and forest soils.
The second module deals with the study of ecosystem services and green and blue infrastructures as systems that guarantee their provision. The ecological issues are integrated with the management and economic ones to achieve a sustainable exploitation of ecosystem goods and services. Basic concepts and case studies on ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems are also covered. In the second module, mainly aquatic ecosystems and wetlands are considered.
Both modules make extensive use of case studies.
Full programme
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Bibliography
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Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
At the end of each module, the students are evaluated with an exam. The final grade is obtained as the mean of the marks of the two individual exams. Details on assessment criteria and modes are reported in each module.
Other information
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