Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

Attendance of the c.u. Biology.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodologies adopted by the c.u. are based on the development of skills that allow the student to achieve the proposed objectives. Theoretical classes, supported by PowerPoints, and theoretic-practical classes will be taught. In this case, laboratorial (individual and in group) works, guided by protocols or computational programs of ecology, and field work is executed. The discussion of scientific papers and internet research with appropriate resources is also performed. Tutorial support in the clarification of doubts and resolution of problems is applied.   

Learning Outcomes

This c.u. aims at providing the student with solid theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of grneral and applied ecology linking theory to practical aspects and environmenyal study cases.

In the present c.u. the student will:

Acquire basic concepts and principles in general ecology, from individuals to ecosystems.

Apply acquired knowledge in the resolution of practical environmental problems.

Collect, analyse, synthetise and process information using the appropriate laboratory and field methodologies and techniques.

Conduct laboratory work in a responsible and safe way.

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

Integrate theoretical knowledge for the decision making in pratical problems in the area of Environmental Engineering.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Principles of Ecology.

  • The ecology of individuals. Relationships between organisms and the environment.

  • From population to communities: characteristics, structure and regulation.

  • Ecosystems structure and functioning. Ecosystems services.

  • Biodiversity, speciation and species extinction.

2. Ecological applications

  • Freshwater ecosystems: importance, threats and ecological integrity evaluation.

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

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

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

  • Conservation Biology. Wild species conservation. Protected areas in Portugal.

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

Head Lecturer(s)

Cristina Maria Moreira Monteiro Leal Canhoto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

[1] Begon, M., Howarth, R.W. and Towsend, C.R. (2014). Essentials of Ecology. Wiley, NJ, pp. 480.

[2] Gadd, G.M. (2001). Fungi in Bioremediation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 481.

[3] Molles, M. and Sher, A. (2019). Ecology: Concepts and Applications.  MacGraw-Hill Education, New York, pp. 592.

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

[5] Prasad, M.N.V. (2001). Metals in the environment. Analysis by biodiversity. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, pp 487.

[6] Rickefs, R.E. (2010). A economia da Natureza. Guanabara-Koogan, Rio de Janeiro, pp.572.

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