Contents:
Knowledge of the main terrestrial ecosystems as complex and integrated systems of biotic and abiotic components dynamically changing and interacting among ecosystems.
These interactions as drivers for landscape dynamic and territory evolution can not be ignored in the planning phase
- Smith TM, Smith RL 2015 Elements of ecology Pearson. (last edition)
Further readings
- Forman Urban ecology 2014 Cambridge University Press
- Forman 2019 Towns, Ecology, and the Land Cambridge University Press
- Breuste J, Pauleit S, Haase D · 2021 - Urban Ecosystems: Function, Management and Development Springer
- Douglas I, P M L Anderson, Goode D· 2020 The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology Routledge Handbooks
Learning Objectives
Knolewdge acquired:
Principles of ecology, dynamic in populations, community and ecosystems, with particular reference to energy flow and biogeochemical cycles.
Competence acquired (at the end of the course):
Comprehension of base mechanisms in population dynamics, community and ecosystems. Energy flow, BGC for forest ecosystems.
Skills acquired:
Applications of the competences acquired during the course for the analysis of ecological problems, included synthesis and evaluation of forest ecology questions.
Prerequisites
MANDATORY - to pass the online 4-hour course on work security of Formazione Generale sulla Sicurezza sul Lavoro:
https://formstudelearning.unifi.it/enrol/index.php?id=1407
Frequency of lectures, excursions and labs, although non compulsory, are strongly recommended.
Teaching Methods
University Educational Credits (CFU): 6
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities:
96
Contacts:
* e-mail: sabrina.raddi@unifi.it; claudia.cocozza@unifi.it; please introduce your message with a reference about the course, ie. OGGETTO: ECOLOGIA FORESTALE ....
* cell. phone number, office hours: ++39 329 8453849 (Raddi)
* timetable and information, after lessons or by appointment
e-learning:
Moodle platform for lecture slide sharing, and other teaching aids.
Type of Assessment
Exam and evaluation criteria: interview of about 30' on 6 CFUs. Student capacity will be evaluated on her/his capacity to approach to ecological themes, to use appropriate scientific terms, and to discuss different aspects, viewpoints and arguments relevant for forest ecology.
Interviews are held in the University classrooms in Via San Bonaventura 13.
Course program
1. Ecosystem and environment. Systems theory, complexity. Ecosystem: biotic and abiotic components.
2. Energy flow. Biosphere and entropy. Energy balance, net radiation, food chains, productivity. Element cycles: geochemical, biogeochemical and biochemical cycles. Main biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S). Water cycle. Global changes effects on cycles.
3. Physical environment: solar radiation (light and temperature), atmosphere, water, mineral elements, soil, fire. Ecological indicators. Climate. Microclimate and macroclimate. The climates of the Earth. The bioclimate. Cities, islands of heat. Main terrestrial biomes.
4. Biological levels. Organism, population, community, ecosystems, landscape. Habitat and niche. Sustainable resource use. Conservation. Landscape. Interactions between ecosystems: an integrated scale approach from ecosystem to landscape. Ecotones, networks, connectivity and fragmentation.
5. Changes in communities: successions: theories, models and concepts. Study-cases: successions in abandoned fields or pastures, plantation re-naturalization. Perturbation in a changing world.
6. Natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Main negative human drivers for terrestrial ecosystems throughout history: reclamation, use, urbanization, air and water pollution. Limits for human life on Earth. Importance of biodiversity; mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Urban forestry.
Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Forest Ecology course contributes to all the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but particularly to:
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
13 - Climate action
15 - Life on Earth