CODE 26179 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 CREDITS 2 cfu anno 2 BIOLOGIA ED ECOLOGIA MARINA 10723 (LM-6) - GENOVA 2 cfu anno 2 BIOLOGIA ED ECOLOGIA MARINA 10723 (LM-75) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/07 TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 1° Semester TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB OVERVIEW Antarctica and the Southern Ocean represent extreme environments, where ecological processes follow peculiar and often surprising pathways. These areas also deeply influence the energy and material balance of all oceans and land. Global changes are also felt in these remote areas, making the knowledge of ecological dynamics essential for the understanding of the large-scale modifications of our planet. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES The teaching will allow the students to deepen their knowledge of the role of the Antarctic continent (with particular reference to the marine environment) in global energy and material balances, 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 class the student will learn to: • define and describe the main ecological processes of the Antarctic environment • highlight the links between the Antarctic area and the rest of the planet • identify the role and critical points of the processes that take place in the Antarctic area, including the influence of human activity • synthesize and effectively communicate what has been learned using an appropriate vocabulary. PREREQUISITES Basic knowledge of ecology is required to effectively address the teaching content. TEACHING METHODS For the first semester, the lessons will be carried out if possible in the presence, however guaranteeing the fruition of the lessons even remotely, through video recording, synchronous or asynchronous. All face-to-face activities will be carried out in compliance with the capacity limits of the classrooms / laboratories and the distance provided for by the current legislation following the emergency COVID19. Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation. SYLLABUS/CONTENT The teaching program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics: - General information on the Antarctic continent - Life on land and in inland waters - Foundations of hydrology and hydrodynamism of the Southern Ocean - Role of the Southern Ocean in global circulation and thermal balance - Marine primary production and its limiting factors - Material flows and pelagic-benthic coupling - The benthic communities: structure and functioning - The fish fauna: origins, adaptations and exploitation - Seabirds: distribution and characteristics - Marine mammals: distribution, characteristics and historical exploitation - Conservation and exploitation of resources RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY All presentations used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of the course. Updated information is provided through the scientific publications discussed during the lesson. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD MARIACHIARA CHIANTORE Ricevimento: The reception of the students will be arranged directly with the teacher. CRISTINA MISIC Ricevimento: Contact the Professor by e-mail or telephone for further explanations or problems. Exam Board CRISTINA MISIC (President) MARIACHIARA CHIANTORE (President Substitute) LESSONS LESSONS START The lessons of the first semester will start from September 21, 2020, and will end by January 22, 2021. The lessons of the second semester will start from February 15, 2021 and will end by June 11, 2021. Consult detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/ Class schedule ANTARCTIC ECOLOGY 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). Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation. 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. FURTHER INFORMATION Frequency is recommended.
