ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

This course provides students with an integrated understanding of ecosystem functioning and its role in regulating the Earth's climate system. Through the study of fundamental ecological processes, biogeochemical cycles, interactions between organisms and their environment, and the major ecosystem responses to climate change, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that sustain biosphere stability and human well-being.
The course is positioned within the fields of ecology and environmental sciences, integrating concepts from ecosystem ecology, landscape ecology, conservation biology, and Earth system science. The knowledge and skills acquired will provide a solid foundation for addressing contemporary environmental challenges, including sustainable ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the development and implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to use the scientific terminology of ecosystem ecology appropriately; describe the main processes governing ecosystem functioning; explain the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem stability; and interpret the role of ecosystems in major biogeochemical cycles and in the regulation of the Earth's climate.
Students will also be able to interpret ecological data and critically discuss case studies addressing the impacts of global environmental change, with particular reference to the feedback mechanisms linking the biosphere and the climate system. Furthermore, they will develop an understanding of ecosystem restoration as a key strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as of the broader role of ecosystems in supporting environmental sustainability.

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, general biology and ecology.

The course examines the fundamental principles of ecosystem functioning and the relationships between the biosphere and the Earth's climate system.
The following topics will be covered:
* Introduction to ecosystem ecology and Earth system science;
* Biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water;
* Ecosystem structure and functioning;
* Energy and matter flows and ecological functions;
* Trophic networks, species interactions, and ecosystem stability;
* Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning;
* Resilience, ecological disturbances, succession, and regime shifts;
* Feedback mechanisms between the biosphere and the climate system;
* Foundations, historical development, and contemporary interpretations of the Gaia Hypothesis;
* Impacts of climate change on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems;
* Ecosystem services and Nature's Contributions to People (NCP);
* Nature-based Solutions, ecological restoration, and climate change mitigation;
* International case studies and discussion of recent scientific literature.

Scientific articles and additional learning materials provided by the instructor throughout the course.

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination designed to evaluate knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course, the ability to integrate concepts from different areas of ecology, the appropriate use of scientific terminology, and the capacity to critically discuss ecological processes and relevant case studies. Throughout the course, students may also be invited to participate in activities involving the critical reading and discussion of scientific literature.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The grading system assigns specific score ranges (18–30, with honours) corresponding to different levels of knowledge, competence, and autonomy demonstrated by students.

18-21: Basic and often superficial knowledge of the course topics; limited ability to connect concepts; oral presentation lacking fluency and not always using scientific terminology appropriately.

22-25: Adequate but not consistently in-depth knowledge of the course topics; satisfactory ability to organize information; generally clear oral presentation, although technical terminology is not always used accurately.

26-27: Good knowledge of the course topics; ability to integrate different ecological concepts; well-organized and accurate oral presentation with appropriate use of scientific language.

28-30: Excellent command of the course content; strong ability to critically analyse and integrate ecological processes, climate change, and ecosystem management; rigorous, clear, and scientifically accurate oral presentation.

30 with honours (30L): Honours will be awarded to students who demonstrate comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course content, outstanding ability to integrate and critically evaluate concepts, excellent command of scientific terminology, and a high degree of independent judgement in the interpretation of ecological processes.

Teaching methods include lectures, flipped classroom activities, participatory learning approaches, and, where feasible, outdoor teaching experiences.
The course is designed according to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), with the aim of promoting accessibility, inclusion, and active engagement for all students.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development