Ecobiology

General objectives At the end of the course the student will have acquired a descriptive knowledge of patterns of animal ecology and conservation biology (with a focus on terrestrial vertebrates). The student will also be able to describe the traditional and modern methods of study of animal ecology. Furthermore, the student will define the theoretical and methodological principles of the modern conservation biology, being able to use and apply (especially after the field excursions) the methods of research and management of animal populations. Finally, the student will be able to analyze and approach the study of terrestrial biodiversity. Specific objectives Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the knowledge of the critical themes of animal ecology and conservation biology, as well as of the most important modern methods of study; will understand how and to what extent this knowledge can be applied to concrete problems of conservation at national and international scale. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to use methods to estimate and analyze terrestrial biodiversity at broad and local scales and with a wide interdisciplinary approach. The student will also learn how to identify and apply the most suitable field methods for a variety of case-studies. Critical and judgmental capacities: During the excursion, the student will develop critical and judgmental skills by coping with potentially different dataset (morphological, genetic, molecular, geographic, ecological), having to design experimental protocols appropriate to a variety of complex situation of different biological, social and political dimensions. Communication skills: Students, especially during the excursions, are encouraged to interact with each other and with the teachers to implement practical activities (observation, identification, analysis and critical comments of the experimental datasets; hypotheses to test; methods and models to use). Learning skills: The student will acquire the language of modern Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, in terms of both technical language and field techniques to study and manage wild animal populations. These skills will make the student able to face future ecobiological studies, including experimental activities where a high level of methodological integration is required to modern biologists.