The course aims to provide the basic concepts of ecology with examples and case studies of the Italian and global forest environments.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES.
1) Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course the student will have the necessary tools to analyze the forest ecosystem from an ecological point of view, in particular in relation to the cycles of the elements, the interactions between its components and the study of its characteristics and evolution.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding: the course will provide the necessary cognitive tools to allow the choice of the most suitable measurement and analysis techniques for the study of the ecosystem according to the aspects to be analyzed (biodiversity, element cycles, ecosystem status, etc.).
3) Making judgments: once the training course is over, the student will have the tools for a strong autonomy of judgement on issues related to the interaction between forest ecosystems, climate and humans (climate change, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, ecosystem management).
4) Communication skills: at the end of the training course, the student must demonstrate that he or she is able to communicate and discuss in a concise but effective way the issues dealt with during the course, demonstrating the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired.
5) Learning skills: at the end of the course the student must have learned the concepts and techniques addressed and know how to define limits and fundamentals.