Biology

Educational goals Knowing the basic principles of Conservation Biology, with a particular reference to animal populations. Definition of biodiversity, from the intra-specific level to ecosystems; definition of the values of biodiversity and of the main threats to its conservation. Knowing the concepts of extinction and species/populations vulnerability. Definition of the main issues for the conservation of animal biodiversity and of the role of protected areas. Definition of the basic principle of sustainable development. The prerequisites include basics of genetics, taxonomy and ecology, which should already be acquired through the first and second year of study. The contents of the course are particularly linked to those of Zoology and Ecology. Specific objectives A) Knowledge - basic principles of Conservation Biology with its philosophical grounds. - concept of biodiversity and of its values - main threats to biodiversity - concept of extinction and of species vulnerability - main applications of conservation biology from the species distribution models to the population viability analysis - role and importance of protected areas in conservation biology - basic principles of sustainable development. B) Application of knowledge and understanding - correct use of scientific language - theoretical framing of selected case studies - identification of the ecological, sociological, and economical parameters which define selected problems in conservation biology - identification of the methodological approaches which better suits the common applications in conservation biology C) Judgement - acquiring the capacity of critical examination of a problem through the knowledge of the field of study - being able to put the theoretical knowledge in practical case studies - evaluating the need to elaborate on the knowledge D) Communication abilities - being able to communicate accurately and adequately what is being learned E) Learning abilities - to make proper use of the scientific language which characterize the field of Conservation Biology, showing also the capacity to use the most appropriate communication techniques - to put in the correct relationship all knowledge acquired during the course of study - to identify the most important points in the topics covered