Code: | BIOL3006 | Acronym: | BIOL3006 | Level: | 300 |
Keywords | |
---|---|
Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Biology |
Active? | Yes |
Web Page: | http://elearning2.fc.up.pt |
Responsible unit: | Department of Biology |
Course/CS Responsible: | Bachelor in Biology |
Acronym | No. of Students | Study Plan | Curricular Years | Credits UCN | Credits ECTS | Contact hours | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L:B | 26 | Official Study Plan | 3 | - | 6 | 48 | 162 |
To provide theoretical and practical knowledge in Nature Conservation. To promote the acquisition of skills required for the critical analysis and the design of solutions for specific problems on Biological Conservation.
After coursing this discipline successfully, the students will be able to analyse real cases involving endangered species/habitats and based on this, they will be able to:
- apply previous knowledge in biology/ecology to identify main factors affecting species and habitats and to conceive new conservation strategies;
- identify main national and European regulations that could support conservation actions;
- identify the need to integrate public participation in conservation actions, as well as the different forms of public participation;
- identify and to recommend the best conservation approaches for each species/habitats;
- identify the different steps in the rehabilitation of a degraded area and corresponding habitats.
Basic knowlegde on ecology and species biology
Conservation Biology: Object, objectives, main features, contextualization within biological Sciences. Biological Diversity: Concepts and main features.
International Conventions, European and national legislation related with the biological diversity.
The different levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity; species diversity; ecosystems diversity; α-taxonomy; β – taxonomy; habitats taxonomy. Biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Populations and metapopulations, connections and size of populations. Key species, flagship species, umbrella and bioindicator species. Edge effect. Minimum viable population. Sustainability and ethical issues related with habitat loss.
Biodiversity and the biological processes of extinction. The most endangered species. The Red Book for Portuguese vertebrates, classification and criteria. Exotic species, colonization mechanisms and consequences for the ecosystems. Main exotic species in Portugal. Main procedures for eradication and control.
Methods to study the biological diversity in the context of Conservation Biology. Monitoring biodiversity: principles, scales, indicators and methodologies.
Global changes and biodiversity conservation. Challenges posed by global changes, especially in mountain and coastal regions. Global changes and the effectiveness of networks of protected areas.
Habitats as conservation units. Landscape changes and the conservation of habitats and biodiversity. Land uses and other disturbances. Landscape fragmentation and connectivity. Landscape management for conservation and promotion of habitats and biodiversity.
Conservation and Taxonomy. Classification systems and biological diversity. Understanding and recording biodiversity.
Nature conservation in agri-zones: scientific support, methodologies, examples of agriculture, cattle breeding, forest areas and national agriculture protected area.
Biological support for the establishment of protected areas. Main national and European legal documents related with protected areas.
Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems. Main steps in ecological restoration.
Public participation in conservation processes. Citizen science
Conservation of birds and mammals - nalysis of some projects developed in Portugal.
The students will also receive several complementary bibliography (e.g. recently published papers on the subject), which could be updated each year.
Theoretical and practical classes. Students are expected to perform, present and discuss a written work on a topic related with the discipline.
designation | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Exame | 75,00 |
Trabalho escrito | 25,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
Physical presence in 3/4 of the theoretical/practical classes;
Final classification= Exam classification (Max. 15 values) + pratical work (Max. 5 values)
Exam classification= Theoretical (Máx. 12 values) + Practical/theoretical (Max. 3 values).
The classification of the monography includes the written text, the oral presentation and the discussion. Thus, the monography will be classificated with 5 values (maximum).
During the semester students will be involved in practical works, in the TP classes. The practical subjects will be evaluated in the final exam.