Search    Print

MARINE BIOLOGY (A-L)
ROBERTO DANOVARO

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code ST01 3S064

Prerequisites

Knowledge of the main topics in Ecology, Zoology, Botany, and General Chemistry.

Development of the course

Lectures (5 credits, 40 hours), laboratory practical exercises and field activities in small groups.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
The course aims to provide students with the basic principles of the Marine Biology, by studying the main marine environmental variables and biological responses, analyzing the relationships between structure/function/environment.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
The student must demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to case studies, judging, independently, processes, phenomena and environmental events that may affect the sea.

Program

Content (lectures, 5 ECTS, 40 hours):
The content of the course covers the main characteristics of the marine environment, the adaptive and evolutionary aspects of the marine organisms as well as the main associations and assemblages of organisms of both the Mediterranean and other seas. 
In particular: Marine biology history. Physics and Chemistry at sea, Biogeochemical cycles, Species evolution and adaptation, Life histories, Population dynamics, fluctuations and anomalies. Benthos. Biobuildings and bioerosions. Plankton. Nekton. Fisheries and aquaculture. Defense, trophic and reproductive strategies. Marine biogeography. Sustainable use, preservation and conservation.

Laboratory activities (1 CFU, 8 hours / student): The exercises consist in the analysis and selection of benthos and plankton samples.

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The exam consists of a written test and subsequent review / discussion of the paper.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes: 
In the written test, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the main features, both biotic and abiotic environments and marine populations, demonstrating that it had achieved the ability to apply their knowledge to a specific case.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The final mark is awarded out of thirty. The exam is passed when the grade is greater than or equal to 18. It is expected to be awarded the highest marks with honors (30 cum laude).

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final mark is conferred on the basis of the oral test.

Recommended reading

Lecture notes (Power Point)
DANOVARO R., 2012. Biologia marina. Calderini, Bologna 
COGNETTI G., M. SARA’ & G. MAGAZZU’, 1999. Biologia marina. Calderini, Bologna NYBAKKEN J.W., 1988. Marine Ecology, a new approach. Harper & Row, New York VALIELA I., 1984. Marine Ecological Processes. Springer-Verlag, New York 
DELLA CROCE N., R. CATTANEO-VIETTI & R. DANOVARO, 1997. Ecologia e protezione dell’ambiente marino costiero. Utet Libreria, Torino

Courses

• Scienze biologiche