Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are extreme environments, where ecological processes follow peculiar and often surprising paths. These areas also profoundly influence the energy and material balance of all oceans and land. Global changes are also felt in these remote areas, making an understanding of ecological dynamics essential for comprehending large-scale changes to our planet.
To allow the student to deepen their knowledge of the role of the Antarctic continent (with particular reference to the marine environment) in the global balances of energy and materials, through the study of the main physical, chemical and biological features, of biological resources and their management.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
To effectively address the contents of the teaching, basic knowledge of ecology is necessary.
The teaching consists of lectures and seminars held by experts in the field.
The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.
Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.
The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.
General information on the Antarctic continent
Life on land and in inland waters
Benthic communities: structure and functioning
Fish fauna: origins, adaptations and exploitation
Seabirds: distribution and characteristics
Marine mammals: distribution, characteristics and historical exploitation
Conservation and exploitation of resources
Oceanography of the Southern Ocean.
Formation and role of Antarctic deep waters: heat exchanges, materials and climatological aspects
Sea ice: formation, characteristics, influence on physical, chemical and ecological dynamics
Sympagic communities
Subglacial lakes
Marine primary production: qualitative and quantitative characteristics
Limiting factors of primary production. Micronutrients and mesoscale experiments
Material flows: pelagic-benthic coupling and faecal pellets
Mesozooplankton and krill
PowerPoint of the lessons and scientific articles are available (downloadable from Aula WEB or from the Teachers).
Ricevimento: The reception of the students will be arranged directly with the teacher.
Ricevimento: Contact the Professor by e-mail or telephone for further explanations or problems.
For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
The exam consists of an oral test covering the topics taught. The exam is passed if the student obtains a grade of 18/30 or higher.
Details on the methods of preparation for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.
The exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge, which the student must be able to connect and integrate. The ability to summarise and recognise the main aspects of the topic covered will be assessed, and the ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be considered.
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.
