Biogeography and Macroecology

Code:

BIOL3002

Acronym:

BIOL3002

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2017/2018 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	134	Official Study Plan	3	-	3	24	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The students should acquire knowledge and skills regarding the followig topics:

1) Patterns of biodiversity and ecological systems at multiple spatial and temporal scales.

2) Factors and processes driving the major biological and ecological patterns at global and regional scales.

3) Applications of macroecological and biogeographic principles, methods and information on the management of modern socio-environmental challenges.

Learning outcomes and competences

Besides the knowledge topics listed above, students should acquire the following skills:

1) Reflect critically on the available literature, particularly in relation to case studies in macroecology and biogeography.

2) Collect, analyze and discuss ecological data, based on the knowledge acquired;

3) Using laboratory equipment and field, correctly and responsibly;

4) Suggest experimental designs for different problem situations.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge in biology and ecology.

Program

1. INTRODUCTION
Introduction to biogeography and macroecology.
Concepts and methods in biogeography: the ecological and historical foundations of biogeography.
Distribution patterns, dispersion, migration, speciation and extinction. The evolution of lineages and biota. Island Biogeography.
Macroecological processes and biogeographic patterns.

2. ANALYSIS OF BIOGEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS
Global terrestrial biogeography.
Biogeography of Europe and Portugal.
Global marine biogeography.

3. BIOGEOGRAPHY, MACROECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Patterns of biodiversity change at regional and global.
Impacts of climate change and invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystems. 
Biogeography, macroecology and the modern socio-environmental challenges.

Mandatory literature

Lomolino Mark V. 1953-; Biogeography. ISBN: 978-0-87893-494-2
S. Jeffery, C. Gardi, A. Jones, L. Montanarella, L. Marmo, L. Miko, K. Ritz, G. Peres, J. Römbke and W. H. van der Putten (eds.); European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity, European Commission, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. , 2010. ISBN: 9789279158063 (Available at: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/Biodiversity_Atlas/Download.cfm)
S. Jeffery, C. Gardi, A. Jones, L. Montanarella, L. Marmo, L. Miko, K. Ritz, G. Peres, J. Römbke and W. H. van der Putten (eds.); European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity, European Commission, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. , 2010. ISBN: 9789279158063 (Available at: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/Biodiversity_Atlas/Download.cfm)

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures with discussion of topcis supported by powerpoint and video presentations.

Laboratory and field classes where students will have the opportunity to follow experimental designs, in which they will apply the appropriate methodologies and collect data for validation of hypotheses.

Data analysis lectures.

 

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Ecology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	85,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	15,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	4,00
Estudo autónomo	57,00
Frequência das aulas	16,00
Trabalho laboratorial	4,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

To obtain frequency the studets must have:

1) attended 75% of the theoretical and practical classes;

2) obtained at least 50% of the total classification of the projects.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam (17) + Projects (3). Students are approved with a minimum of 9.5. There will be no oral exams.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students with special statutes will deliver written essays on specific topics.

Students with difficulties in the portuguese language may be subject to alternative forms of evaluation.

Classification improvement

Exam during the designated periods. Project marks cannot be improved