Applied Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, Practicals and Laboratorial practicals during the semester; powerpoint presentations in lectures and internet sites consultation; scientific papers discussion. Tutorial support for the report elaboration, and also for solving problems and clarifying doubts.

Learning Outcomes

This c.u. has the purpose of providing the student with both theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of Applied Ecology, joining the theory in Ecology and practical principles of Applied Ecology.

Recognize and be able to apply concepts and principles of A.E., in solving environmental problems.

Gather, analyse, syntesize and process information in a pertinent and significant way using the correct laboratorial and mathematical methods and techniques.

Conduct laboratory work in a responsible and safe way, by adopting atittudes that have the purpose of fundamenting the scientific method in case-studies of A.E.; using proper tools and stastitical methods for data validation.

Prepare, process, interpret and communicate current information on the various areas of A.E., using pertinent bibliographic sources, correct speech and correct analysis tools.

Integration of theoretical knowledge for the decision making in pratical problems in the area of Environmenatl Engineering.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Soil ecosystem. Importance of soil as a resource. Desertification and erosion. N and C Biogeochemical cycles.

2. Forests and grazing lands management and sustainability. Climatic changes.

3. Pests and control of pests. Chemical pesticides vs. biological control.

4. Pollution. Toxicity tests. Types of pollutants. Heavy metals and organic contaminants. Destoxification routes. Bioremediation.

5. Exotic species and biological invasions. Biodiversity threats. Case studies in Portugal.

6. Conservatio Biology. Wild species conservation. Protected areas in Portugal.

7. Restoration of communities. Environmental rehabilitation and Bioremediation. Phytoremediation. Mining areas rehabilitation.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Exam: 85.0%

Bibliography

Newman E (2000). Applied Ecology and Environmental Management. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK. pp. 416.

Prasad MNV (2001). Metals in the environment. Analysis by biodiversity. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York. pp 487.

Roberts BA and Proctor J (1992). The ecology of areas with serpentinized rocks. A world view. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht. pp. 427.

Gadd GM (2001). Fungi in Bioremediation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. pp. 481.

Scientific articles