Natural History

« Return

Objectives

This program develops an integrated review of Azorean Natural History as a case study for a given region. It is a classic expression integrating Environmental sciences, Biology, Geography as a way to describe and understand a given region. It also aims to provide an introduction to this course and arise interests on nature understanding. We give descriptive chapters on islands ecology, evolution, volcanic processes, ecossystems' dynamics and landscape. Field trips are intended to generate a "spirit" of observation, a basic concept of all biological sciences. In a first moment we incentivate methods for data gathering, namely collecting, photography and natural history collections. In a second moment, we stimulate the students to integrate information.

Program

1. HISTORY OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN THE AZORES

2. LIFE ON EARTH I

3. PLANT LIFE

4. FIELD WORK

5 LIFE ON EARTH Ii

6. EVOLUTION MECHANISMS AND SPECIATION

7. ISLAND ECOLOGY AND PATRIMONIAL VALUES

8. EVALUATION

Teaching Methodologies

1. Data show lectures of all programatic themes

2. Discussion of theoretical aspects

3. Field trips

4. Laboratorial classes

5. Discussion and evaluation of monographic works presented by the students

6. Written evaluation test

Bibliography

Cowen, R. 2000. The history of life, 3rd edition. Blackwell Science. Massachusetts. EUA.

Cunha, R., A. Rodrigues & R. Martins. 2002. Aves nativas dos Açores. João Azevedo Editor. Mirandela, Portugal.

Dias E., C. Araújo, J. F. Mendes, R. B. Elias, C. Mendes & C. Melo. 2007. Espécies florestais das ilhas - Açores. In: Silva J. S. (ed.), Árvores e florestas de Portugal, pp. 199-254. Público, Comunicação Social, SA e Fundação Luso- Americana para o Desenvolvimento.

Dias E., D. Pereira, V. Medeiros, J. Mendes & R. B. Elias. 2007. Distribuição das principais manchas florestais - Açores. In: Silva J. S. (ed.), Árvores e florestas de Portugal, pp. 299-322. Público, Comunicação Social, SA e Fundação Luso-Americana para o Desenvolvimento.

Neto, A. I., I. Tittley & P. M. Raposeiro. 2005. Flora marinha do litoral dos Açores. Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar, Governo Regional dos Açores. Portugal.

Code

0105743

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 30 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Frequency: 60%
  • Monographic work: 40%