OVERVIEW

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are extreme environments, where ecological processes follow peculiar and often surprising paths. These areas also profoundly influence the energy and material balance of all oceans and land. Global changes are also felt in these remote areas, making an understanding of ecological dynamics essential for comprehending large-scale changes to our planet.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To allow the student to deepen their knowledge of the role of the Antarctic continent (with particular reference to the marine environment) in the global balances of energy and materials, through the study of the main physical, chemical and biological features, of biological resources and their management.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Define and describe the main ecological processes of the Antarctic environment
• Highlight the connections between the Antarctic area and the rest of the planet
• Identify the role and critical points of the processes that intervene in the Antarctic area, including the influence of human activity
• Synthesise and effectively communicate what has been learned using an appropriate vocabulary.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the contents of the teaching, basic knowledge of ecology is necessary.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars held by experts in the field.

The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General information on the Antarctic continent

Life on land and in inland waters

Benthic communities: structure and functioning

Fish fauna: origins, adaptations and exploitation

Seabirds: distribution and characteristics

Marine mammals: distribution, characteristics and historical exploitation

Conservation and exploitation of resources

Oceanography of the Southern Ocean.

Formation and role of Antarctic deep waters: heat exchanges, materials and climatological aspects

Sea ice: formation, characteristics, influence on physical, chemical and ecological dynamics

Sympagic communities

Subglacial lakes

Marine primary production: qualitative and quantitative characteristics

Limiting factors of primary production. Micronutrients and mesoscale experiments

Material flows: pelagic-benthic coupling and faecal pellets

Mesozooplankton and krill

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

PowerPoint of the lessons and scientific articles are available (downloadable from Aula WEB or from the Teachers).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test covering the topics taught. The exam is passed if the student obtains a grade of 18/30 or higher.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on the methods of preparation for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

The exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge, which the student must be able to connect and integrate. The ability to summarise and recognise the main aspects of the topic covered will be assessed, and the ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be considered.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.