OVERVIEW

The module, with a strong multidisciplinary character, focuses on collective practical experiences regarding the collection of data in the marine environment, their processing and presentation in the form of small projects. It focuses on the practical application of the theoretical notions learned during the various courses provided in the two-year Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology, in order to provide field skills regarding the planning and implementation of sampling activities useful for the study, monitoring and management of marine ecosystems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching, with a strong multidisciplinary character, focuses on collective practical experiences regarding the collection of data in the marine environment, their processing and presentation in the form of small projects. It focuses on the practical application of theoretical notions learned during the various courses offered in the two-year Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology, providing field skills in planning and implementing sampling activities useful for studying, monitoring, and managing marine ecosystems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module will allow the student, through a short study project, to acquire knowledge related to the planning and implementation of sampling activities in the marine environment and the processing, presentation and interpretation of data. The studies will focus on the description of the oceanographic or geomorphological variables of target stations, on the characterization of animal and plant/algal biodiversity, on the correct management of samples collected for quantitative and molecular analysis, on good practices for photographic documentation of specimens in the field, on their inclusion in museum collections, on the application of environmental physiology and biochemistry protocols, and on the definition of the state of health of the marine landscape, in order to obtain data useful for the study, monitoring and management of marine ecosystems according to current regulations.

At the end of the module the student will have the basic skills, critical skills and transversal skills necessary to deal with field research and complex issues concerning biodiversity in the marine environment. Specifically, the student will acquire the skills necessary to determine the most suitable sampling methodologies based on the purposes of the study, effectively use the necessary tools, interpret the analytical results and represent them in qualitative and quantitative terms, as well as produce scientific and/or professional reports for a concise communication of the results.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the contents of the module, basic knowledge acquired in the characterizing courses provided by the Degree Course is required.

TEACHING METHODS

The module consists of theoretical and practical exercises carried out in the classroom, in the laboratory and in the field aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the entire course of study and recalled in their essential characteristics during the meetings in class. The exercises will be conducted in groups if logistics make it necessary (limited number of places in the laboratory or on the boat), otherwise they will be collective. Students will be required to use their personal computer and, if required by the project, the use of their own snorkelling equipment and personal laboratory PPE (coat).

Attendance is mandatory for 75%. Attendance in the classroom/laboratory/field will be collected.

The way activities are carried out may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Students will be divided into small groups and each group will be assigned a research project to develop, under the supervision of the teachers, as follows:

· Planning of the experimental design (stations, number of replicates, depth) (initial collective classroom activity)

· Planning of sampling activities (sampling tools) (initial collective classroom activity)

· Sample and data collection activities (group activity in the field)

· Correct management of samples, photographic documentation and museum archiving (group activity in the field and in the laboratory)

· Taxonomic analysis of samples (group activity in the laboratory)

· Image analysis (photos, ROV, drone) (group activity in the classroom)

· Analysis of biomarkers and enzymatic activities (group activity in the laboratory)

· Statistical processing of data (collective classroom activity)

· Mapping/cartography activities (collective classroom activity)

· Application of ecological status indices (collective classroom activity)

· Bibliographic research, preparation of a scientific report and a ppt (collective classroom activity)

· Discussion of the ppt with a summary of the research project (collective classroom activity)

The field activities will be organized in May over several days depending on the available means and the weather-marine conditions. The sampling stations are located along the eastern coast of Genoa. The environments that will be taken into consideration are the shallow-water coastline and the Posidonia oceanica meadows, both in urbanized and non-urbanized environments. The laboratory activities will be organized close to the sampling days based on the availability of material and research laboratories.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All multimedia presentations used during class meetings, analytical reports produced during exercises and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb.

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 student will obtain the suitability for teaching through a final test based on the discussion of the ppt (and the technical report) prepared by the group relating to the research project. This test will be carried out in the classroom.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the final exam will be provided during the lessons. The exam will aim to evaluate the correct execution of the research project and the significance of the results obtained. The ability to present the topics clearly, synthetically and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

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.