B3957 - MONITORAGGIO E ANALISI DELLA BIODIVERSITA'

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has advanced and updated knowledge of biodiversity (animals, plants, and microorganisms) monitoring methods, the analysis of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on biodiversity, the use of biodiversity as a bioindicator, the estimation of the main biodiversity indices, and how to graphically represent and analyze biodiversity data.

Course contents

The course will illustrate biodiversity monitoring and analysis techniques.
In the first part of the course, some theories on the evolution of biodiversity, the main data collection techniques on biodiversity (lichens, vertebrates, invertebrates, vascular plants, etc.), and the related fields of application will be illustrated.
In the second part of the course, the approaches with which it is possible to analyze and interpret data and information on biodiversity and the environmental factors associated with it will be illustrated, also in order to obtain details on the health of ecosystems.
Practical activities are also planned for the calculation of biodiversity indices using the R software.

Readings/Bibliography

Cazzolla Gatti R., Biodiversità in teoria e in pratica. 2023 (II edizione). Libreria Universitaria Editore

Teaching methods

The course is mainly based on lectures and, in part, on practical activities. Participation in all lectures and practical activities is strongly recommended given the close linkage between topics.

Assessment methods

There will be a written exam in the first round and oral in the next ones to assess achievement of the learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures with presentation of slides and practical activities aimed at the analysis of biodiversity data.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Cazzolla Gatti