Code: | BIOL3015 | Acronym: | BIOL3015 | Level: | 300 |
Keywords | |
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Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Biology |
Active? | Yes |
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 | 39 | Official Study Plan | 3 | - | 6 | 48 | 162 |
Objectives: Provide students with adequate theoretical and practical training in management and conservation of wild populations of terrestrial vertebrates (birds and mammals) in an Iberian-European context.
Knowledge of the biology and ecology of birds and mammals. Ability to understand, plan and properly implement a set of methodologies, selected as most relevant in the management and conservation of populations of terrestrial vertebrates. Ability to interpret a critical and objective results and formulate studies and management actions and conservation more appropriate.
Students should have prior knowledge of: ecology, physiology and anatomy of vertebrates; systematic; basic statistics.
Theoretical program: - General aspects of birds and mammals biology, with particular emphasis on reproduction, migration, behaviour. - Collection and interpretation of data concerning population biology: basic concepts, sampling, statistical parameters. - Methodologies for assessment of abundance: census methods (direct and indirect indices of abundance, transects and point counts, capture-recapture). - Estimating survival and breeding success, population structure (sex and age) - Techniques for capture, handling, marking and tracking (radio-tracking, satellite tracking, light level geolocation), biological sampling (non-evasive and evasive methods). - Use of molecular markers: tools and concepts; genetic characterization of populations and individuals (including gender), taxonomy and hybridization. - Genetic variability and viability of populations: factors influencing genetic diversity, heterozygosity, effective population, inbreeding, management strategies to increase the genetic variability (e.g. habitat management - connectivity, corridors; translocation, restocking). - Physiological indices (nutritional status / physical condition and reproduction). - Use of Geographic Information Systems; ecological modelling. - Health aspects and epidemiosurveillance.
Practical program: - Design and implementation of census methods. - Methods of capture, marking and collection of biological samples. - Telemetry: basic principles, equipment, applications. - Analysis of census databases (provided to students based on real data). - Application of methods for determining physiological parameters in mammals (species to be used as a practical example: wild rabbit) and birds (species to be used as practical examples: quail and rock dove). - Application of methods for determining the age and sex in some mammal species (deer, carnivores, and lagomorphs) and birds (Galliformes; Thrushes; Columbidae; Scolopacidae, Anatidea).
Theoretical analysis of concepts using multimedia techniques. Practical classes (laboratory and field), supplemented by seminars of visiting researchers.
designation | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Exame | 75,00 |
Participação presencial | 0,00 |
Trabalho escrito | 25,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
designation | Time (hours) |
---|---|
Frequência das aulas | 20,00 |
Trabalho de campo | 8,00 |
Trabalho escrito | 20,00 |
Trabalho laboratorial | 8,00 |
Total: | 56,00 |
Attendance required: a student will accomplish attendance if not surpass the maximum number of faults corresponding to 25% of practical lessons provided.
Examination theoretical-practical and theoretical = 15 points
group work and report = 5 points
The approval at the UC is obtained with a final classification equal to or greater than 9.5 values.