Landscape Ecological Analysis

Module Landscape ecology

The course aims to provide the methodological basis for an analytical and holistic approach to the study of the landscape. The investigation methods aimed at the management, enhancement and conservation of the landscape are studied in depth.

The course is divided into: lectures, GIS exercises, educational excursions, analysis of case studies and seminars.

At the end of the course, the following field trips will be organized:

-       Mt. Etna Park

-       Vendicari Nature Reserve (Noto, SR)

If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote way, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously stated.

Information for students with disabilities:

to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their educational aims and specific needs.

For further information, it is also possible to contact the members of CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities) of our Department, Prof. Anna De Angelis.

Basic concepts of ecology and plant biology.

Although not compulsory, attendance is recommended to acquire the required knowledge in a shorter time and with greater ease.

Landscape ecology: principles and aims. Integrated vision of the landscape as a system of ecosystems. Structure and dynamics of the landscape. The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services produced by the landscape. Vegetation complexes. Types of landscapes. Landscapes of Italy. Plant landscapes of Sicily. Landscape conservation and management in a scenario of global change (climate change, land use/cover change). CORINE Land Cover project. Analysis of case studies.

MAIN TEXTBOOKS

Ecologia del paesaggio. Principi, metodi e applicazioni. Almo Farina. UTET, 2001.

L’ecologia del paesaggio. Carlo Ferrari, Giovanna Pezzi. Il Mulino, 2013.

OTHER TEXTBOOKS

Ecologia del paesaggio. Sandro Pignatti. UTET, 1994.

Biodiversità. Dal genoma al paesaggio. Carlo Ferrari. Zanichelli, 2010.

Essentials of Landscape Ecology. Kimberly A. With. Oxford University Press, 2019.

The exam consists of a written test and an oral one.

The written test is considered passed only if the student achieves a minimum mark of 18/30.

The written test consists of various open and multiple-choice questions.

The oral exam is mandatory and can be taken only after passing the written test.

The examination method may change if the conditions require it.