Class Ecology and Biodiversity

The Ecology and Biodiversity course is part of the Environmental Engineering program and aims to present the ecological principles that explain the structure, functioning, and dynamics of ecosystems, as well as biological diversity and the factors that influence it. It covers the analysis of interactions between organisms and the environment, the assessment of biodiversity patterns, the identification of the main human pressures, and the application of conservation and sustainable management concepts. It intervenes in areas such as environmental protection, nature conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessment. The course provides an essential scientific foundation that supports other applied disciplines, preparing students to analyze environmental problems and propose practical and sustainable solutions.

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1. Formation of the Earth: Origin of the Earth; initial environmental conditions; emergence of life; major evolutionary milestones; biological diversity throughout. 2. Introduction to Ecology: Fundamental concepts, multidisciplinary approach, relationship between ecology, biodiversity, and evolution. 3. The organism and the environment: Interactions with abiotic factors, limiting factors, energy balance, and adaptations. 4. Population ecology: Structure, density, growth, birth rate, mortality, dispersion, and interactions between species. 5. Community ecology: Structure and dynamics, diversity, diversity indices, food chains and webs, ecological succession. 6. Ecosystems and functioning: Concept, production, decomposition, material and energy flows. 7. Biogeochemical cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. 8. Biodiversity and conservation: Levels of biodiversity, distribution patterns, threats, conservation strategies, importance for ecosystem services.

The teaching and learning methodologies adopted are based on an active, student-centred approach, combining lectures with case analysis, guided discussion and collaborative work. Innovative methodologies supporting the teaching-learning process are used, including digital tools, interactive visualisations, real datasets and multimedia resources, which facilitate the understanding of ecological processes and biodiversity. This approach promotes critical thinking, student engagement and autonomy within the field of Environmental Engineering.

Smith, T. M., & Smith, R. L. (2015). Elements of ecology (9th ed.). Pearson. Miller, G. T., Spoonman, S. E. (2015). Essentials of Ecology. 7ª ed. Cengage Learning. Begon, M., Townsend, C. R., & Harper, J. L. (2006). Ecology: From individuals to ecosystems (4th ed.). Blackwell Publishing. Odum, E. P. (1997). Fundamentos de Ecologia. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. Margalef, R. (1974). Ecología. Ediciones Omega. (Obra clássica de ecologia escrita por Ramón Margalef, um dos fundadores da ecologia moderna)