MARINE BIOLOGY

The course provides fundamental concepts of marine biology, integrating the study of abiotic factors and biotic components of the ecosystem.

Upon completion of the course, the student will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding – The student will acquire basic knowledge regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the marine environment, the role of light in ecological dynamics, water movements, and their influence on biological processes. Furthermore, the student will understand the structure, organization, and adaptations of the different compartments of marine biodiversity (plankton, benthos, and nekton), as well as the ecological features and functions of the main marine and transitional habitats and ecosystems.

Applying knowledge and understanding – The student will be able to correlate physical-chemical and hydrodynamic parameters with the distribution and functioning of marine biological communities, as well as correctly frame and describe various marine habitats and transitional zones.

Finally, upon completion of the course, students will acquire:

·         Making judgements: by developing the ability to critically analyze the interactions between abiotic factors and biotic components in marine ecosystems;

·         Communication skills: by developing the capacity to present fundamental concepts of marine biology clearly and rigorously, using correct and appropriate scientific terminology;

·         Learning skills: through an independent study method that will provide the essential skills needed to undertake advanced courses or further studies in the field of marine sciences.

The course includes lectures delivered through multimedia presentations, as well as practical exercises and laboratory and field activities.

Attendance is mandatory. To be admitted to the final exam, students must attend at least 60% of the scheduled course hours, in accordance with the Degree Course Teaching Regulations. For working students, student-athletes, and students in situations of hardship (RDA, Art. 30), whose status is duly certified, attendance requirements may be reduced by a maximum of 20%.

The seas and oceans; chemical-physical characteristics of the sea ecosystem; light and its role; water movements (currents, waves, tides, seiches); marine biodiversity (plankton, benthos, necton); the main marine and transitional habitats and ecosystems.

Danovaro Biologia marina

in addition to the reference text, any didactic material will be provided by the teacher

Student assessment is conducted through an oral examination. The exam aims to verify the level of knowledge and understanding achieved by the student regarding the course content, as well as their independent judgment, communication skills, and ability to autonomously elaborate scientific sources.In particular, the final grade will reward the completeness of theoretical knowledge, methodological rigor in applied analysis, clarity of expression, and the ability to establish interdisciplinary connections. To achieve top marks (30/30 cum laude), the student must demonstrate an excellent command of all topics, strong critical autonomy, and mastery of specialized scientific language. A passing grade (18/30) will be awarded for a basic yet correct understanding of the core concepts of the discipline and an essential, though appropriate, use of scientific terminology. If the student displays severe gaps in key concepts, an inability to navigate the course content, and inadequate specialized language, the evaluation will be insufficient.

water movements

the Posidonia meadows

the necton