BIODIVERSITY MONITORING TECHNIQUES

This course is part of the Biological and Ecological Sciences discipline group of the Bachelor of Environmental Science programme, which aims to train graduates with a sound scientific approach to the study of the structure and functioning of both natural and human-influenced ecosystems.
As biodiversity is a key component of ecosystem stability and resilience, the course aims to provide students with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to understand the principles of biodiversity conservation and the methods used for its monitoring, at different spatial scales and at different levels of biological organisation (genetic, species and ecosystem levels).
The main concepts related to biodiversity are explored in depth, including the ecological value of species and habitats, the main threats arising from anthropogenic activities, and the legal and management tools used to protect biodiversity, with particular reference to the Natura 2000 network and international monitoring standards.
The course also provides practical insights into the application of field survey techniques and protocols, data analysis and advanced technological tools that are essential for the design and implementation of biodiversity monitoring plans in real-world contexts.
The course contributes to the achievement of the learning outcomes specified in SUA-CdS frameworks A4.b.1 and A4.b.2 by providing knowledge and operational tools for the analysis and monitoring of biodiversity at different organisational levels, with particular emphasis on applied, critical and multidisciplinary aspects.

Knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge of the conceptual framework underlying biodiversity conservation and the main monitoring techniques.
- Understanding of the monitoring techniques applied at the different levels of biological organisation (genetic, species and ecosystem levels).

Application of knowledge and understanding
- The ability to critically select the most appropriate techniques based on specific monitoring objectives.
- The ability to design and implement a biodiversity monitoring plan.
- The ability to manage and analyse the data obtained from monitoring.

Assessment skills
- The ability to interpret and critically evaluate the results of biodiversity monitoring.
- The ability to discuss and contextualise the results in relation to scientific and management objectives.

Communication skills
- The ability to effectively present real-world case studies using appropriate technical language.

Learning skills
- Developing independence in the study of the topics covered and in the use of academic sources.

As biodiversity monitoring techniques are based on a conceptual framework that encompasses biological processes at different levels of organisation, from the cellular to the ecosystem level, students are expected to have a solid grounding in General Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Ecology.

The course is organised into four main modules that provide an integrated and applied overview of biodiversity monitoring techniques, from theoretical principles to practical fieldwork.

1. Biodiversity: levels of organisation and conservation strategies
This first module deals with the basic concepts related to biodiversity, analysing its hierarchical structure and the different levels of biological organisation: genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Key approaches and tools for biodiversity conservation will also be discussed, taking into account both the global level (e.g. international agreements, conventions, global indicators) and the local level (e.g. management strategies, conservation plans and protected areas).

2. Red lists of species and habitats
This module deals with the criteria used to assess the threat status of species and habitats, based on international standards such as the IUCN Red List as well as national and regional Red Lists. Basic concepts such as extinction and collapse risk, threat categories and their application in conservation planning and monitoring are introduced.

3. Principles and methods for developing a monitoring plan
This section provides the theoretical and methodological foundations needed to plan an effective biodiversity monitoring programme. Topics include the main objectives of monitoring, sampling strategies, the definition of indicators, the frequency and duration of monitoring, and the requirements for repeatability and comparability of data.

4. Monitoring techniques: Species and habitats
The final module focuses on analysing monitoring techniques applied to the main taxonomic groups and ecosystems, with reference to European monitoring standards (e.g. the Habitats Directive). Survey tools and protocols will be analysed (e.g. censuses, transects, point sampling, bioindicators), complemented by field exercises and case studies.

Given the scope and interdisciplinary nature of the topics covered in this course, there is no single comprehensive textbook that fully covers all the topics covered. For this reason, the teaching material consists of PowerPoint presentations and a selection of academic papers for further reading, which will be made available to students via the University's Moodle platform.
The materials provided cover both the theoretical foundations and the practical applications of biodiversity monitoring techniques, with up-to-date references to the international scientific literature and the latest methodological standards.
Recommended texts to support and deepen understanding of the course topics: Primack and Boitani (2013), Biologia della conservazione. Zanichelli.

The examination is divided into two parts aimed at assessing both the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course.

First part – presentation of a local case study:
Students are required to prepare and present a short analysis of the state of biodiversity in their home community (designated place of residence or domicile). The presentation should consist of four slides organised as follows:
1. Geographical overview: a brief description of the geographical location of the community, including relevant ecological and territorial features.
2. Species list: an inventory of the species present in the area, identified from bibliographic sources and official reports, together with their categorisation according to IUCN threat categories at regional, national and global levels.
3. List of Natura 2000 habitats: a list of Natura 2000 habitats present in the municipality, identified from bibliographic sources and official reports, together with their categorisation according to IUCN threat categories at regional, national and global level.
4. Final considerations: a critical overall assessment of the local state of biodiversity, highlighting any problems and proposing possible initiatives or strategies for its conservation and sustainable management.

The presentation will be assessed on the ability to interpret data, critically discuss the case study and propose sound solutions.

Part Two – Oral Examination:
The presentation will be followed by an oral examination to test the student’s kowledge of the course content, focusing on the four modules covered in the course.

oral

In relation to the grading scale (the criteria according to which grades are awarded), regardless of whether the student is attending or not:

A. Scores in the range of 18–22 are awarded in the presence of:
- Sufficient knowledge and applied understanding related to course content;
- Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, with limited ability to make independent judgements;
- Sufficient communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of specialised language.
B. Scores in the 23–26 range will be awarded if the following requirements are met:
- Adequate knowledge and applied understanding in relation to the course content;
- Adequate ability to collect and/or interpret data, with an appropriate capacity for independent judgement;
- Adequate communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of specialised language.
C. Scores in the range 27–30 will be awarded if the following requirements are met:
- Good or excellent knowledge and applied understanding in relation to the course content;
- Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, with the ability to exercise independent judgement;
- Fully adequate communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of specialised language.
D. Distinction (cum laude) is awarded for excellent knowledge and applied understanding of course content, excellent judgement and excellent communication skills.

In order to promote effective and thorough learning, the course is primarily structured in lectures in which the theoretical content is supported by the presentation of images, diagrams and tables that facilitate the visualisation and understanding of the concepts in PowerPoint slides. In addition, specific case studies are analysed during the lectures to link theory with practical and concrete examples.

The course also includes a field component consisting of two field trips of 6 hours each (12 hours in total), which are not mandatory but highly recommended to enrich the learning experience. The field trips will visit two types of ecosystems where conservation and monitoring activities are carried out: the first focusses on dune ecosystems, the second on agroecosystems. During these field trips, students have the opportunity to directly observe the ecological dynamics of habitats in the restoration and conservation phase. They are supported by environmental monitoring experts who provide explanations and practical demonstrations of survey techniques and methods.

This combination of theoretical teaching and practical field activities provides students with an integrated education that combines scientific knowledge with essential operational skills for the management and protection of biodiversity.

Accessibility, disability and inclusion

Adaptations and support services for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties:
Ca’ Foscari complies with Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) on support services and adaptations for students with disabilities or special learning difficulties.
If you have a motor disability, a visual or hearing impairment or any other type of disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disability (Law 170/2010) and need assistance (help in class, technical aids for exams, individualised exams, materials in accessible format, note-taking services, special tutoring, interpreters or other support), please contact the Office for the Disabled and SLD at: disabilita@unive.it.

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