2025
Invasive Alien Species in an European Perspective
Name: Invasive Alien Species in an European Perspective
Code: PAO15981O
6 ECTS
Duration: 6 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Environment and Ecology Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: B-learning
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
After completion of the course the student should be able to
1. describe and connect the basic concepts of invasive species (IAS) ecology, causes of invasions, and their impact on ecosystem functions
2. appraise routes, vectors, and entry routes for invasions (pathways of introduction and spread)
3. compare and contrast invasion hypotheses and the dynamics of invasions
4. describe methods for risk assessment in IAS management in a European and global context
5. categorize and appraise methods for the detection and monitoring of IAS including novel/emerging techniques
6. classify and contrast different case studies for the control and management of IAS in terrestrial and aquatic environments
7. evaluate how IAS can be monitored by the use of smart tools by active engagement by the public through Citizen Science
8. interpret societal understanding of National /European legislation and its implementation on IAS
9. demonstrate how society can contribute to IAS management
1. describe and connect the basic concepts of invasive species (IAS) ecology, causes of invasions, and their impact on ecosystem functions
2. appraise routes, vectors, and entry routes for invasions (pathways of introduction and spread)
3. compare and contrast invasion hypotheses and the dynamics of invasions
4. describe methods for risk assessment in IAS management in a European and global context
5. categorize and appraise methods for the detection and monitoring of IAS including novel/emerging techniques
6. classify and contrast different case studies for the control and management of IAS in terrestrial and aquatic environments
7. evaluate how IAS can be monitored by the use of smart tools by active engagement by the public through Citizen Science
8. interpret societal understanding of National /European legislation and its implementation on IAS
9. demonstrate how society can contribute to IAS management
Contents
General introduction to concepts in ecology, biodiversity and invasive alien species (IAS)
Causes, vectors and entry routes for invasions
Scientific hypotheses and dynamics of invasions
Impact of invasions on ecosystem function
Importance of IAS in the world
Case studies of organisms from different European countries and habitats
Management of IAS. Prevention, control and mitigation
Detection and monitoring of IAS using Earth observation and DNA-based data
Risk forecasting and assessment
The effect of climate change and society (e.g. public perception) on spread and
establishment of IAS
Societal ramifications of IAS
Citizen science as part of a solution
Policies and legal framework governing invasions ? both national and European
Connectivity among stakeholders
Development of communication strategies around IAS
Causes, vectors and entry routes for invasions
Scientific hypotheses and dynamics of invasions
Impact of invasions on ecosystem function
Importance of IAS in the world
Case studies of organisms from different European countries and habitats
Management of IAS. Prevention, control and mitigation
Detection and monitoring of IAS using Earth observation and DNA-based data
Risk forecasting and assessment
The effect of climate change and society (e.g. public perception) on spread and
establishment of IAS
Societal ramifications of IAS
Citizen science as part of a solution
Policies and legal framework governing invasions ? both national and European
Connectivity among stakeholders
Development of communication strategies around IAS
Teaching Methods
The curricular unit ?Invasive Alien Species in a European Perspective? adopts integrated and diversified teaching and learning methodologies, articulated with a pedagogical model that emphasizes both the theoretical foundation and the practical application of the content. The course is structured into modules ? covering everything from the theoretical basics of invasive species to their management and societal impacts ? with the aim of developing specific and transversal skills aligned with the defined learning objectives.
The theoretical lectures provide a solid understanding of the concepts of ecology, biodiversity, and invasion dynamics, while laboratory sessions and excursions ensure hands-on experience with risk assessment, monitoring, and control methods for invasive species. Mandatory participation in face-to-face activities, such as labs, seminars, and excursions, guarantees the integration of knowledge and the development of critical thinking, encouraging discussion and the exchange of experiences among the students.
Additionally, exercises and seminars foster reflection on the practical application of the studied concepts, stimulating a comparative analysis of case studies and an understanding of the social and legal implications of invasions. Evaluation is conducted through written, practical, and oral examinations, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the competencies acquired throughout the course.
In this way, the articulation of teaching and learning methodologies with the adopted pedagogical model not only reinforces the coherence between the curricular contents and the learning objectives but also prepares students to face the challenges of managing invasive species, contributing to the promotion of innovative and sustainable solutions in both European and global contexts.
The theoretical lectures provide a solid understanding of the concepts of ecology, biodiversity, and invasion dynamics, while laboratory sessions and excursions ensure hands-on experience with risk assessment, monitoring, and control methods for invasive species. Mandatory participation in face-to-face activities, such as labs, seminars, and excursions, guarantees the integration of knowledge and the development of critical thinking, encouraging discussion and the exchange of experiences among the students.
Additionally, exercises and seminars foster reflection on the practical application of the studied concepts, stimulating a comparative analysis of case studies and an understanding of the social and legal implications of invasions. Evaluation is conducted through written, practical, and oral examinations, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the competencies acquired throughout the course.
In this way, the articulation of teaching and learning methodologies with the adopted pedagogical model not only reinforces the coherence between the curricular contents and the learning objectives but also prepares students to face the challenges of managing invasive species, contributing to the promotion of innovative and sustainable solutions in both European and global contexts.
Assessment
0010 Theoretical background to invasive alien species. Learning objectives 1-3, grades Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction
0020 Management of invasive alien species. Learning objectives 4-6, grades Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction
0030 Invasive alien species and society. Learning objectives 7-9, grades Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction
During the in-presence week, students will take a written exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions lasting one hour. At the end of the week there will be a second opportunity for those who do not complete the exam successfully or who want to improve their grade. This final exam will account for 50% of the total grade. The oral skills evaluation will be carried out during a panel debate in which each group of students will choose and present the main conclusions of a scientific article of their choice on the subject of exotic and invasive species from a European perspective. This assessment will be worth 25% of the final grade for the course. During the in-presence week there will be 4 practical classes with the presentation of a final report, the average of which will be worth 25% of the final grade. Quantitative final assessment on a scale of 0 to 20.
0020 Management of invasive alien species. Learning objectives 4-6, grades Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction
0030 Invasive alien species and society. Learning objectives 7-9, grades Fail, Pass, Pass with distinction
During the in-presence week, students will take a written exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions lasting one hour. At the end of the week there will be a second opportunity for those who do not complete the exam successfully or who want to improve their grade. This final exam will account for 50% of the total grade. The oral skills evaluation will be carried out during a panel debate in which each group of students will choose and present the main conclusions of a scientific article of their choice on the subject of exotic and invasive species from a European perspective. This assessment will be worth 25% of the final grade for the course. During the in-presence week there will be 4 practical classes with the presentation of a final report, the average of which will be worth 25% of the final grade. Quantitative final assessment on a scale of 0 to 20.
Certificações
