Ecobiology

General objectives The course will provide an updated and comprehensive understanding on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems with a special focus on biodiversity. At the end of the course the students will have gained knowledge on: i) the main climate-change related processes; ii) the associated direct and indirects impacts on marine populations, communities and ecosystems; iii) the methodological approaches commonly used to study the multiple effects of climate change; iv) the current understanding about the climate change scenarios and their associated ecological effects. Overall students are expected to gain skills and ability to cope with climate change issues in their future research work. Specific objectives Knowledge and understanding The student will be able to understand the importance of climate change for the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems through the presentation and discussion of recent studies on the subject. An overview of the recent literature will provide the student with an understanding of the major impacts observed and expected on the different components of the biological organization (e.g. organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems). The students can then form their own opinions on the importance of the topic in the various sectors of the ecobiology. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding The student will be able to think critically about the application of different tools and methodologies necessary to deepen knowledge on key aspects related to climate change. Critical and judgmental capacities During practical sessions students will develop critical and judgmental skills by coping with data sets related to environmental and biological parameters. They will discuss how to apply methodologies and design studies in the field and in laboratory. Communication skills Students, especially during the laboratory practices, are encouraged to interact with each other and with the teachers to implement practical activities Learning skills The course provides an understanding of climate change issues, especially on the impacts of climate change on the marine ecosystems, with a focus on the most common experimental methods and tools applied in the different study fields. Students will gain the necessary knowledge to consider the issue of climate change in their future research activity.