Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
Acquiring knowledge and developing skills and competencies at several ecological levels: organization, composition, structure and diversity of communities and ecosystems; population dynamics and evolution; biodiversity conservation, environmental analysis techniques, legislation and environmental policies.
Syllabus
1. Objectives, principles and concepts of ecology. 2. Environmental influence on individuals. Individual variability and it's adaptation to the environment. 3. Organization and diversity of communities and ecosystems. 4. Population demography and dynamics: population size, age structure, spatial distribution, population growth, r and k strategies. Ecosystem changes during succession. 5. Landscape ecology: Origin of the landscape, landscape processes, structure and dynamics. Spatial structures analysis. 6. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. 7. Pollution and bio-indicators. 8. Environmental management systems: ISO (International Standard Organization) and EMAS (European Management and Audit Scheme), environmental impact assessment, environmental audits, risk analysis and assessment of life cycle. Environmental certification. 9. Environmental law and policy: within the United Nations, European Union and Portugal.
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
This syllabus plan to do a structured, rigorous and current approach about the ecosystems functioning and about the main environmental impacts derived from the anthropogenic activity. Also, through the analysis of environmental problems and challenges but also of environmental management tools, this curricular unit intends to equip students with the skills needed to promote sustainable development in various activities.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
Methodologies: Classes will have a predominantly theoretical and practical nature associated with the elaboration of practical work with tutorial guidance.
Assessment: 1. Conditions for final exam admission - Students enrolled in the course are admitted to final exam.
2 - Conditions for exemption from the final exam (1) One written test (PE); (2) One oral presentation of a work (OA); (3) Assessment tests during classes (FA) (for evaluation purposes, only the three test with the best classification will be considered; (4) obtain a minimum rating of 8 (eight) values ¿¿in each of the indicated evaluation components. Final classification = 50% PE + 30% AO + 20% FA.
3. Final exam One written test
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
Taking into account the proposed objectives for this curricular unit, the teaching methodology applied will permit students to acquire knowledge about key aspects of ecological science and its applicability. Similarly, this curricular unit wishes to enhance the development of communication skills (oral and written) and teamwork through the development of group work.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
Burel, F. & Baudry, J., 2000. Ecologie du paysage. Concepts, méthodes et applications. Editions TEC & DOC. Carrapeto, C., 2004. Fundamentos de Ecologia. Universidade Aberta. Casetta, Elena, 2018. Biodiversidade: o que é e porque é importante. Gradiva. Guimarães, J. M., 1986. Apontamentos de Entomologia Agrícola. Escola Superior Agrária Castelo Branco. Molles Jr., M. C., 2005. Ecology Concepts and Applications. McGraw-Hill. Moriarty, F., 1999. Ecotoxycology. The study of pollutants in ecosystems. Academic Press. Oliveira, Santos J. F. 2005. Gestão Ambiental. Lidel Edições Técnicas, Ldª. Pereira, H.M.L.F., 2009. Ecossistemas e bem-estar humano: avaliação para Portugal do Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Escolar Editora. Pité, M. T. & Avelar, T., 1996. Ecologia das populações e das comunidades. Uma abordagem evolutiva do estudo da biodiversidade. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisboa. Soares, A. & Cunha F., 2010. Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade. Verlag Dashöfer.
