Ecology
Code
711041012
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Geografia e Planeamento Regional
Credits
6
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) To recognize the importance of temporal and spatial variation in ecological factors;
b) To identify the main limiting ecological factors in different ecological systems;
c) To relate biocenoses with the ecological factors;
d) To knowledge of bioclimatic mosaics Globe;
e) To recognize the natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the dynamics of ecosystems on the planet;
f) To reflect on the major environmental problems.
Prerequisites
None
Subject matter
1) Introduction: Concepts and Definitions
2) Humans and natural environment in the Planet
3) The elements on nature
4) Community, Populations and Ecosystems
5) Bioclimatic mosaics
6) Imbalances, disturbance and readjustment in ecosystem dynamics
7) Current environmental issues
8) The significance of sustainable development.
Bibliography
Bailey, R.(2009). Ecoregions - The Ecosystem Geography of the Oceans and Continents (2nd ed.). New York: Springer.
Demangeot, J. (2000). Os Meios Naturais do Globo. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
Mitsh, W.J., Gosselink, J.G (2000). Wetlands (3ª ed.). New York: Wiley.
Odum, E. P. (2001). Fundamentos de Ecologia (6ª ed.). Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
Ramade, F. (2003). Elements dEcologie. Ecologie fondamentale (3ª ed.). Paris: Dunod.
Teaching method
Teaching method
Theory expositive classes, where the program topics are presented and debated with the students
Practical classes to prepare and support a research work (maximum 3 elements) about a issue related with the program topics. It is required to present a case study.
Evaluation method
Evaluation method
Each student is required:
- Reading a set of selected texts, whose contents shall be evaluated through a written test, representing 60% of the final classification;
- Participation in a research work, with oral presentation, corresponding to 40% of the final classification.
(According to the FCSH Assessment Standards, the proposed evaluation elements to introduce students in the first class may suffer readjustments, particularly in the percentage of each element).