OVERVIEW

Most marine species are elusive, difficult to observe in the field. Recent technological solutions, however, offer new research opportunities by allowing to record the biometry, movements, behavior, physiology of animals, as well as to reconstruct the complexity and three-dimensionality of the seabed and the organisms that inhabit them, or to recognize the presence of a species using molecular techniques based on DNA sequencing. At the same time, there have been significant methodological advances relating to in silico data analysis, determining a revolution in research in the marine environment.

The module 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 needed to understand and manage the new technologies used in monitoring biodiversity in the marine environment.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching 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).

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

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

Specifically, the student will be able to:

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

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

• Know the details of the sampling techniques at sea based on the aforementioned techniques

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

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

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is divided into 16 hours of lectures, delivered through multimedia presentations. Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Field trips are not planned but there will be the possibility of using advanced software and systems for the production of 3D models.

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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

• Radio and satellite tracking of marine vertebrates

• Archivial tags

• Notes on passive acoustic monitoring (PAM)

• Analysis of satellite tracking data and from archivial tags

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

• 3D reconstruction procedures of seabeds 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 specific textbooks. All the material needed for learning is contained in Power Point presentations. The slides used during the lessons and any other teaching material will be provided to the students.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test, designed to evaluate the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to make connections between various topics.

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 primarily focus on the topics covered during the lectures and aim to assess the level of knowledge achieved. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.