07943 - Elements of Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will:

• Possess foundational knowledge of ecology and environmental education.
• Utilize the acquired knowledge to understand the dynamic and complex interactions within the Biosphere, with particular emphasis on identifying cause-and-effect relationships in everyday environments.
• Analyze the environment to identify interactions between various systems in a dynamic context that varies over time and space.
• Critically reflect on the principles of environmental sustainability and the scientific principles of evolutionary ecology.
• Use acquired knowledge and skills to design and develop educational activities aimed at fostering the foundational environmental culture of preschool and primary school students.

Course contents

The course takes place in the second semester (March–April 2024).
The topics covered during the course are as follows:

• The Biosphere: Terrestrial biomes; biological zones of freshwater and marine environments.
• Responding to Environmental Changes: Responses to environmental variations; temperature changes; water availability; energy sources; autotrophy; photosynthesis pathways; heterotrophy.
• Interactions Between Organisms: Competition; predation and herbivory; parasitism; mutualism and commensalism.
• Ecosystems: Production; energy flow and food webs; nutrient availability and cycles; biogeochemical cycles.
• Conservation Biology: Human activities threatening Earth's biodiversity; climate change; pollution; environmental education; conservation approaches; sustainable development.

For each topic, specific aspects and methods for adapting the material into educational units suitable for preschool and primary school will be emphasized.

Readings/Bibliography

• Ecology by Michael L. Cain, William D. Bowman, Sally D. Hacker. Published by Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A., 2017.
• Elements of Ecology by Thomas M. Smith, Robert L. Smith. Published by Pearson, 2017.

Teaching methods

Lectures involving presentation and discussion of individual topics.
Development of educational units related to the topics covered in lectures.

Assessment methods

The final exam for the Elements of Chemistry and Ecology (C.I.) course includes a WRITTEN TEST for both the Chemistry and Ecology modules (SEE WEB GUIDES). This applies to both current and past students.

Students cannot take the exam without having first attended both the Workshop on Processes, Models, and Interactions in Physics and Sciences and the Transdisciplinary Workshop in Natural Sciences.

The final grade will be expressed on a scale of .../30, with 18/30 as the minimum passing grade.
Students must register for the exam via Almaesami, adhering strictly to the registration deadlines. Those unable to register before the deadline must promptly notify the academic office (and in any case before the registration list officially closes). The instructor may, at their discretion, allow the student to take the exam.

The evaluation can be recorded without the student being present, following the guidelines available on the AlmaEsami website [http://www.unibo.it/Portale/Guida/AlmaEsamiInformazioniDocenti.htm] .
Skipping an exam session is not allowed.

ERASMUS Students: Substitute Assignment for Workshop Attendance
For ERASMUS students, the evaluation methods and exam program are the same as those for non-ERASMUS students. However, ERASMUS students enrolled in the Elements of Ecology course are not required to attend the workshop. Instead, they must prepare a written experimental project on water.

An experimental project consists of a series of activities designed for a preschool or primary school class, aimed at exploring and discovering the various properties of water from different perspectives. The proposed activities must include a detailed presentation of the required materials, timelines, and protocols followed. Additionally, the objectives of the project must be briefly discussed.

The project must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam and will be evaluated by the Elements of Ecology course instructor. The evaluation of the project may add or subtract one point from the final exam grade (or leave it unchanged). Failure to submit the project will result in a one-point deduction from the exam grade.

Teaching tools

Specific texts and all PowerPoint presentations used during lectures will be provided.
For questions, clarifications, or additional information regarding the course, or to arrange meetings and office hours, students can contact: bruna.gumiero@unibo.it.

Office hours

See the website of Bruna Gumiero