Ecobiology

General objectives At the end of the course the student will have acquired a knowledge of the main threats to the conservation of biodiversity at the level of species, habitats and ecosystems. The knowledge will be acquired of methods and strategies adopted at local, national and international levels to combat the loss of biodiversity through the analysis of case studies. Theoretical principles and practical ways to apply the ecosystem approach to biodiversity conservation will be learnt. Specific objectives Knowledge and understanding The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical principles of the ecosystem approach to the conservation of biodiversity at the level of species, habitats and ecosystems, as well as the critical tools for selecting the most appropriate methods for the various case studies. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding The student will acquire the ability to apply the theoretical principles of the ecosystem approach to the conservation of biodiversity at the level of species, habitats and ecosystems, as well as that for selecting the most appropriate methods for the various case studies. Critical and judgmental capacities The student will develop critical and judgmental skills by analyzing case studies and defining appropriate biodiversity conservation strategies. These skills will be developed through interaction with the lecturer during the course and through the preparation of a review. Communication skills The student will be asked to interact in the analysis of the case studies and during the excursion in the field for the identification of the causes of loss of biodiversity and the definition of appropriate conservation strategies. Learning skills The student will acquire the theoretical and practical ability to apply the ecosystem approach to the conservation of biodiversity so as to be able to replicate it to real case studies and for the formulation of project proposals.