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CODE 106980
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/07
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 1° 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 subject aims to provide basic knowledge about 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
  • Oceanographic instrumentation
  • Physics and chemistry of water
  • Marine sediments
  • Focus on the history and oceanography of the Mediterranean
  • The movements of water masses
  • The water column and its inhabitants
  • The toxic microalgae
  • Sediments and its inhabitants: pelagic-benthic coupling, trophic and reproductive strategies
  • Zonation of benthic ecosystems and focus on specific ecosystems (eg Mediterranean and tropical coastal ecosystems, submarine mountains, hydrothermal vents)
  • Elements of systemic ecology
  • Man and the sea: fishing and aquaculture

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

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Frequency is recommended.

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.

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals
Life below water
Life below water