It is intended that students acquire the basic knowledge of ecology and its application in areas of environmental conservation. The ecology developed a set of concepts about the environmental processes and dynamics, either in systemic aspect, either in value and services. Understanding the different scales, from population to landscapes, where ecological processes occur, as well as the main factors that define the structure and function of ecosystems and their resilience, are essential elements of the learning objectives of this degree. It is now accepted that species and ecosystems have intrinsic values, and produce a high value of environmental services, discuss here and framed in the different environmental management tools. The applied ecology to nature conservation and heritage valorization has one chapter here, particularly in aspects of conservation and planning, biodiversity management and impacts of outdoor activities.
1. Introduction, the Ecology in the knowledge of nature
2. Fundamental concepts
3. Abiotic factors and adaptive strategies; Importance in the regulation and biodiversity maintenance
4. Population ecology, demographic structure and distribution patterns; conservation strategies
5. Ecosystems, functional processes and regulation, energy balance, efficiency and biodiversity
6. The soil, nutrientes and capacity
7. Biogeochemical cycles and environmental regulation;
8. Cumulative and greenhouse effect
9. Succession and temporal processes; balance, homeostasis and resiliency;
10. Terrestrial biomes and biodiversity importance
11. Nature conservation, patrimonial values; Biological conservation and conservation strategies for species and habitats. Introduced and invasive species; national strategy for biodiversity conservation and management; legal instruments
12. Concept of services and the importance of biodiversity
13. Bioindicators and biomonitoring
14. Reinstatement.
As established in the program, 50% of the classes are given in study visits and field observation. The others are in laboratory and classroom. The methods to be adopted require exposition and explanation of the contents, based on images in the room or direct observation in the field, included the visitation to major areas of the Island Natural Park. For bibliographic support, it is intended not use a single textbook, but different chapters with relevant texts of international literature. They will be complemented with texts developed by local studies, including a webpage with relevant scientific production, where students can complement his collection of information. During the classes, it will be provided interactive material, using the Moodle platform of the University of Azores.
Mc PHERSON, G. R., DeSTEFANO, S. 2002. Applied Ecology and Natural Resource Management. Camb. Press.
DIAS, E.. (1996). Classificação da vegetação dos Açores, Ecologia e sintaxonomia das Florestas naturais. Univ. Açores.
MINISTÉRIO DO AMBIENTE (1999). Estratégia Nacional de Conservação da Natureza e da Biodiversidade. MA, Lisboa.
MENDES, C. & E. DIAS (2008). Ecologia e Vegetação das Turfeiras de Sphagnum spp. Cadernos de Botânica nº 4. Herbário da Univ. Açores. Angra do Heroísmo.
GASTON, K.J., SPICER, J. I. 2004. Biodiversity–An Introduction. Blackwell Pub.
BEGON, M, MORTIMER, M , THOMPSON, D THOMPSON, D B A. 1996. Population Ecology. Blackwell Science Ltd (UK).
SOUTHWOOD, T. R. E., HANDERSON, P. A. 2000. Ecological Methods. Blackwell Science.
DIAS, E., et al. (2007). O Biologia e ecologia das florestas das ilhas - Açores. In: Açores e Madeira: a floresta das ilhas, pp: 51-80; col. Árvores e Florestas de Portugal 06. Público.
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