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 | 44 | 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: origin, object, objectives, framework in the context of biological sciences. Biological Diversity: concept (s) and main attributes.
Conservation and Taxonomy. Classification and Biological Diversity Systems. In situ conservation versus ex situ conservation (germplasm banks, zoological and botanical gardens).
Management and Conservation of Natural Resources-Agriculture, environment and biodiversity. Agriculture in the world: Centers of origin. Agriculture and soil; Agriculture and Climate, Agriculture and Biodiversity; Agriculture in the European Union.
Agrarian systems: Extensive systems (mountain); Extensive (Mediterranean) systems; the High Nature Value Farmland: Intensive Systems; Intensity and biodiversity.
Agriculture and ecosystem services. IRENA | Indicator Reporting on the Integration of Environmental Concerns into Agriculture Policy. Examples of agriculture, livestock and forestry. National Agricultural Reserve (RAN)
Populations and metapopulations, connections and population size. Key, flag, umbrella and indicator species concepts. Margin effects. Minimum feasible population. Sustainability and ethical issues related to habitat loss.
Methodologies for the study of biological diversity in the context of Conservation Biology. Biodiversity monitoring: principles, methodologies, scales and indicators.
Biodiversity and biological processes of extinction. Endangered species. Exotic and invasive species, colonization mechanisms and consequences for ecosystems. Procedures for eradication /control of exotic species.
Global changes and biodiversity conservation. Challenges posed by global climate changes, with emphasis on mountain regions, coastal zones and polar areas. Global changes and effectiveness of protected area networks.
International conventions, European and national legislation related to biological diversity.
Biological rationale and the main rules for the creation of protected areas and the national ecological reserve. Main national and European legal documents.
Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems. Steps in the planning and establishment of ecological restorations.
Public participation in conservation processes (eg citizen science).
Theoretical-Practical Classes
Studying Biodiversity: characterization and monitoring (practical exercise)
Critical review of legislation: Law by Decree transposing the Habitats and Birds Directives
Habitat Valuation Index
Signs of presence of birds and mammals: identification, non-evasive sampling
Signs of presence of birds and mammals: identification, non-evasive sampling (cont).
Habitat conservation (workshop)
Radio tracking - methodology and equipment
Presentation and Evaluation of Group Works
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 |
designation | Time (hours) |
---|---|
Trabalho escrito | 40,00 |
Frequência das aulas | 42,00 |
Estudo autónomo | 86,00 |
Total: | 168,00 |
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) + Theoretical/Practical (TP) (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).
The field visit to be made within the scope of the CU will be evaluated in the theoretical exam. Thus, 1.5 out of 3 values attributed to the TP component, will score questions targeting the contents approached during the visit.
During the semester students will be involved in practical/theoretical works, in the TP classes. The practical subjects will be evaluated in the final exam.