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INTRODUCTION TO MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

CODE 106980
ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/2022
CREDITS
  • 4 cfu during the 3nd year of 8762 SCIENZE BIOLOGICHE (L-13) - GENOVA
  • SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/07
    TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
  • SEMESTER 2° Semester
    TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB

    OVERVIEW

    Marine Biology and Ecology describe the relationships between the sea environment and the organisms that populate it. The subject is intended as an introduction to the issues that will be dealt much more specifically and in detail in the context of the Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology.

    The course aims to contribute to the basic knowledge of the main issues affecting biological research at sea.

    AIMS AND CONTENT

    LEARNING OUTCOMES

    The course aims to provide basic knowledge relating to the techniques for studying the marine environment and the organisms that populate it, the specific adaptations imposed by the marine environment, the description of the main marine ecosystems and their functioning, also in a context of Global Changes.

    AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

    The course aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge to deal with the study of marine organisms and ecosystems, training them about the tools and methods of sampling and study, addressed respectively to plankton, nekton and benthos, examining the main environmental, abiotic factors and biotics, the specific adaptations developed by organisms, describing the main communities of marine organisms.

    PREREQUISITES

    There are no specific prerequisites, but basic knowledge of ecology and zoology is recommended to effectively address the teaching content.

    TEACHING METHODS

    The teaching consists of lectures and invited seminars.

    Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

    SYLLABUS/CONTENT

    • Introduction
    • History of the exploration of the sea
    • Physics and chemistry of water
    • Benthos, Plankton, Necton
    • Species and adaptations
    • Trophic, defensive and reproductive strategies
    • Ecosystem engineers
    • Life hystories
    • Fishing and aquaculture
    • Marine biogeography
    • Climate changes and their effects on marine organisms and ecosystems
    • Marine environment protection

    RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

    Available (downloadable from Aulaweb or from the teacher). Power Point of lessons and scientific articles.

    Some recommended texts:

    James W. Nybakken & Mark K. Bertness, Marine Biology: An Ecological Approach, Pearson.

    Roberto Danovaro, Biologia marina. Biodiversità e funzionamento degli ecosistemi marini. Ed. Città Studi.

     

    TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

    Exam Board

    MARIACHIARA CHIANTORE (President)

    VALENTINA ASNAGHI

    LESSONS

    LESSONS START

    The start of the class will be agreed with the intrested students who will be invited to a meeting for arrangements.

    EXAMS

    EXAM DESCRIPTION

    The exam consists of an oral test concerning the topics covered in the course. The exam is passed if the student has obtained a grade greater than or equal to 18/30.

    Five appeals will be available in the summer session (June, July, September) and 2 calls in the winter session (January-February).

    ASSESSMENT METHODS

    Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

    The exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge, which the student will have to be able to connect and integrate. The ability to synthesize and recognize the main aspects of the topic will be evaluated and the ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be considered.

    Exam schedule

    Date Time Location Type Notes
    09/06/2022 14:30 GENOVA Orale
    23/06/2022 14:30 GENOVA Orale
    07/07/2022 14:30 GENOVA Orale
    21/07/2022 14:30 GENOVA Orale
    05/09/2022 14:30 GENOVA Orale

    FURTHER INFORMATION

    Frequency is recommended.