ECOLOGY II AND LABORATORY - PART 2

Module 2 of the "Ecology II and Laboratory" course is aimed at developing practical and methodological skills in applied ecology. Through laboratory experiences and experimental activities, students will practice ecological, ecotoxicological, and bioindication analysis techniques, with a focus on aquatic systems. The activity is designed to support the development of observation, analysis, and scientific communication skills, in line with the educational objectives of the degree program (Sua-CDS Table A4.b.3).

The practical module (module 2), closely linked to the theoretical one (module 1), will allow students to acquire qualitative/quantitative ecological methodologies and bioindicators, also with the aim of identifying responses to gradients of environmental pressure in the populations and communities analyzed.

Preparatory courses for the three-year period: Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Biodiversity Laboratory, Ecology I and laboratory, Environmental Chemistry, Microbiology

The module is organized into 7 laboratory experiences (4 hours each) and 1 educational field trip (2 hours), each preceded by 20-30 minutes of theoretical introduction.

SOIL DECOMPOSERS - Soil macro- and mesofauna: morphology, adaptations, trophic roles, and community structure (analysis of real communities). Part 1: Litter communities (macrofauna analysis). Part 2: Soil communities of various soil types (mesofauna) with a focus on microarthropods that decompose organic matter.
FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT DECOMPOSERS - Part 1: Benthic macroinvertebrates: pre-imaginal stages of Diptera, morphology, adaptations to lotic and lentic waters, trophic roles (analysis of preparations). Part 2: Diptera and invasive species control: life cycle of families of Diptera of health importance: Culicidae and/or Simulidae. Identification of adults and/or pre-imaginal stages for the purpose of monitoring development, combating invasive species, and related health problems attributable to arboviruses (this activity may also be carried out thanks to the collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico delle Venezie).
MICROBIAL DECOMPOSERS - Microfauna and their role in organic matter decomposition processes (analysis of real communities). Part 1: Analysis of the food web and community structure of activated sludge from a biological wastewater treatment plant. Part 2: Quantitative measurements of density and diversity. Identification of trophic groups (this activity may also be carried out thanks to the collaboration with Veritas spa).
PRIMARY PRODUCERS - Seagrasses and coastal transitional environments (analysis of real populations of various species). Part 1: Ecological importance, with particular attention to their role in carbon stock. Part 2: Morphometric analysis, taxonomic identification, and biomass measurements.
PRIMARY PRODUCERS - Freshwater macrophytes (analysis of real communities) Part 1: Overview of resurgence environments. Identification of algae and aquatic plants in a resurgence stream in the Veneto region. Part 2: Trophic indicators
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS - Phytotoxicity of heavy metals (experiment). Part 1: Setup of an ecotoxicological test using early stages of higher plants (various test species), measurement of the toxic effects of essential and/or non-essential metals. Part 2: Test interpretation and analysis of responses to toxic substances: effects on germination and seedling growth with the application of ecotoxicological indices. Comparison between manual measurements and measurements with Imagej software.
SPECIES-LEVEL BIOINDICATORS FOR THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT - Part 1) Filter feeders: morphometrics and determination of condition indices in marine bivalve populations (natural and/or farmed populations). The Mussel Watch protocol used at the regulatory level.
- Part 2) Deposit feeders: polychaetes as bioaccumulation indicators (analysis of real populations of different species): taxonomic approach and biometric measurements: application of a protocol for studying bioaccumulation from sediments.

EDUCATIONAL TRIP: Thanks to the collaboration with Veritas spa, a visit to the Fusina wastewater treatment plant will be organized.

The PowerPoint presentation for the preparatory lesson will be supplemented by specific material provided by the teacher (protocols, scientific articles, etc.).

Learning assessment will be conducted in class through the provision of worksheets at the end of the experience and the evaluation of the accuracy of the determinations and data acquired. Students will also be required to submit a group laboratory report (in subgroups of two students) on two experiments of their choice. The report's educational objectives are: 1) to assess the student's ability to correctly apply the scientific method; 2) to assess the student's ability to analyze, process, and discuss qualitative and quantitative data acquired in the laboratory within the group and/or the entire class; 3) to assess the group's ability to structure and prepare a short scientific report accurately and using appropriate scientific language; and 4) to assess the student's ability to conduct in-depth research, including through literature research. The report will be discussed during a short oral exam.

written and 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 evaluation criteria for the report will include organization, depth of content, accuracy in presentation, elaboration, and discussion of results, and appropriateness of scientific language.

The evaluation of the group report will be based on the following grading scale, which will be translated into a grade (excellent, excellent, very good, good, fair, sufficient, almost sufficient, insufficient).

The grade for the discussed report (Module 2) is expressed in thirtieths and will contribute for the 30% to the final grade for the Ecology II and Laboratory Course.

Preparatory PowerPoint lesson outlining the objectives of the experience, the assignments, and how to organize the report's content.
The module includes individual and group practical experiences, preceded by a theoretical introduction. Activities are designed to develop operational, analytical, cooperative, and scientific communication skills. Preparing the report requires the use of scientific sources, measurement tools, and analysis software, in addition to common univariate statistical methods.

Support and accommodation services will be provided to students with disabilities or learning disabilities (LD). If you have a disability (Law 17/1999) or learning disabilities (LD) (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, materials in accessible formats, note-taking, specialized study support, interpreters, or other assistance), please contact the Ca' Foscari Disability and Learning Disabilities Office.

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