Degree Course: SCIENZE AMBIENTALI (L-32 Civitavecchia) Syllabus for A.Y. 2016/2017  

The course, which deals with a basic subject in the initial phase of the course of study, aims at forming the skills of critical analysis based on scientific methodology, integrating general and contextual knowledge with those concerning specific technical and methodological tools of the zoological discipline , oriented to environmental studies.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
1) Knowledge and understanding
The acquired knowledge will concern elements of general biology (cell, reproduction, genetic code, evolution); zoological techniques and methods (nomenclature, taxonomy, methods of data collection and analysis); topics of general zoology (structure and apparatus, species and reproductive isolation, ethology); biodiversity (knowledge and summary identification of the fauna with particular regard to the Italian fauna). Understanding skills will be achieved through the practice of rules and methods specific to the subject (for example, taxonomy and nomenclature rules).
2) Knowledge and comprehension skills applied
The aspects concerning the application of knowledge involve the ability to analyze and interpret scientific contributions in the field of Zoology, and to identify fauna at a summary level for environmental assessment purposes.
3) Autonomy of judgment
The exercise of critical analysis and knowledge, although at a general level, of fundamental methods and concepts will allow the ability to formulate independent assessments.
4) Communication skills
These skills will be developed through the exercise of one's own expression (interventions during the lessons) and with a brief knowledge of the methods of scientific communication.
5) Ability to learn
The notions and the use of the sources and the relative information can allow the application of the learning modalities to contexts different from those treated specifically in the course.

The course aims to provide solid basic knowledge on the structure and functioning of environmental systems, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that determine both the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as their relations with the environment. The course aims to enhance the hierarchical and interdisciplinary nature of ecology with the aim of encouraging students to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems. This objective is reflected in the organization of the program that runs through the hierarchical ladder of ecological organization, from the mechanisms underlying biodiversity (evolutionary ecology), passing through the relationships between organisms and species (population ecology) up to the structure and functioning of communities (community ecology). The course will provide the basis for further specialized studies in ecosystem and applied ecology, biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management.