OVERVIEW

Most marine species are elusive, difficult to be observed in the field. Recent technological solutions, however, offer new research opportunities, allowing us to record biometry, movements, behavior and physiology of animals, as well as to reconstruct the complexity and three-dimensionality of the seabed and of its organisms, or to recognize the presence of a species using molecular techniques based on DNA sequencing. At the same time there have been notable methodological advances in software availability and in silico data analyses, leading to a revolution in research in the marine environment.

The course presents innovative methods and technologies for monitoring in the marine environment and consists of two modules: 1) applications of biologging and other remote sensing technologies such as drones, PAM systems, etc. (1CFU) and 2) photogrammetric and molecular techniques for monitoring in the marine environment (1CFU).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to develop the transversal skills necessary to understand and manage the new technologies used in biodiversity monitoring in the marine environment

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation to the lectures will allow the student to acquire advanced knowledge related to innovative technologies used for biomonitoring in the marine environment.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge relating to biologging technologies, with particular reference to large marine predators

• Acquire knowledge relating to remote sensing, with particular reference to large marine predators

• Know the details of marine sampling techniques based on the above techniques

• Acquire knowledge relating to photogrammetry (“structure from motion”) in the marine environment to reconstruct organisms and seabed features in 3D

• Acquire knowledge relating to sampling techniques at sea dedicated to the acquisition of samples intended for molecular analyses (barcoding, metabarcoding, eDNA)

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites required

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures consist of 16 hours of frontal lessons, delivered through multimedia presentations. Attendance at lessons is not mandatory but strongly recommended. There are no field trips planned but it will be possible to use software and advanced systems for 3D models production. 

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program includes the discussion and analysis of the following topics:

• Radio and satellite tracking of marine vertebrates

• Archival tags

• Notes on passive acoustic monitoring (PAM)

• Analysis of satellite tracking data and archival tags

• Photogrammetry in a marine environment (“structure from motion”) and collection of biometric data 

• 3D reconstruction of seabed features and benthic organisms

• Analysis of 3D models in biological monitoring

• Analysis of orthophotos in biological monitoring

• Simulation of different sampling designs on orthophotos

• Main software used in photogrammetric analysis and interpretation of orthophotos

• Field sampling techniques for molecular analysis: biopsies, barcoding, metabarcoding and eDNA

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

There are no suggested specific textbooks. All the material necessary for learning is contained in the Power Point presentations. The slides used during the lessons and any other teaching material will be provided to the students during the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See AulaWeb or EasyAcademy portal

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and aimed at evaluating the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to make connections between the various topics.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for the course for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to evaluate the level of knowledge achieved. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Constant and regular attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.

Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University and who wish to request compensatory tools, dispensatory measures or other measures for lessons, assignments and exams, should speak to both the teacher and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara .ferrando@unige.it), contact person for the Department for Disabilities.