2026
Landscape Geography and Ecology
Name: Landscape Geography and Ecology
Code: PAO15611L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Environment and Ecology Sciences, Geography
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Landscape Geography and Ecology is an interdisciplinary UC, located between geography, landscape science and ecology. The objectives are to explain ecological structures and dynamics in their spatio-temporal and socio-ecological dimensions, and to connect the concepts, methods and approaches of ecology, landscape science and geography. The ultimate objective of this UC is to facilitate future graduates in using conceptual and analytical tools linked to landscape and their application in professional fields specific to geographers.
With this UC, the student must know and understand:
1. the historical development of the concept and landscape sciences and their relevance for geography and geographers,
2. The main tools and analytical techniques of landscape geography and ecology,
3. The potential of landscape geography and ecology to promote sustainable territorial development,
4.The main fields of application of landscape science for geographers.
With this UC, the student must know and understand:
1. the historical development of the concept and landscape sciences and their relevance for geography and geographers,
2. The main tools and analytical techniques of landscape geography and ecology,
3. The potential of landscape geography and ecology to promote sustainable territorial development,
4.The main fields of application of landscape science for geographers.
Contents
1. The origins and historical evolution of landscape science and its role in the scientific and professional development of geography,
2. Fundamental Concepts in Geography and Landscape Ecology,
3. Methods and techniques of landscape geography and ecology,
4. Contribution of landscape geography and ecology to sustainable territorial development,
5. Examples of scientific and professional applications for geographers,
6. Case studies on rural and urban landscapes in Alentejo.
2. Fundamental Concepts in Geography and Landscape Ecology,
3. Methods and techniques of landscape geography and ecology,
4. Contribution of landscape geography and ecology to sustainable territorial development,
5. Examples of scientific and professional applications for geographers,
6. Case studies on rural and urban landscapes in Alentejo.
Teaching Methods
This UC will be developed by experienced teachers in Geography and Landscape Ecology who ensure the coherence of the topics taught and the geographic vision of them. Teachers present scientific knowledge on the topic and updated analysis. And for each topic there may be a contribution from invited speakers from both academia and the business or association sector. These selected speakers bring to the discussion how the geography and ecology of the landscape potentially contribute to the sustainability of rural and urban territories.
Students must participate in classes, and for each topic, develop documentary research and present their own analysis of the issues discussed, and how they affect the dynamics of landscapes. Each topic is followed by group work by students, to be discussed in class. Each student must also develop individual work on the relevant topic, which will be specific from year to year.
Students must participate in classes, and for each topic, develop documentary research and present their own analysis of the issues discussed, and how they affect the dynamics of landscapes. Each topic is followed by group work by students, to be discussed in class. Each student must also develop individual work on the relevant topic, which will be specific from year to year.
Assessment
Theoretical component (6 points) and practical component (14 points):
? Test with theory ? 6 points (minimum 50% - 3 points)
? Work/practice (under the guidance of professors, researchers and guest experts in landscape geography, landscape ecology or application to territorial management depending on the topics chosen by the students) ? 14 points (minimum 50% - 7 points);
? Normal exam (you can only do the missing part ? theoretical or practical)
? Appeal Exam ? all material assessed in a practical theoretical session
Any plagiarism that is detected in the work delivered, from work by other authors or from CHATGTP or other text production support using artificial intelligence, results in the classification of zero values in the work in question and in the impossibility of presenting further evaluation elements in the Unit Curriculum.
? Test with theory ? 6 points (minimum 50% - 3 points)
? Work/practice (under the guidance of professors, researchers and guest experts in landscape geography, landscape ecology or application to territorial management depending on the topics chosen by the students) ? 14 points (minimum 50% - 7 points);
? Normal exam (you can only do the missing part ? theoretical or practical)
? Appeal Exam ? all material assessed in a practical theoretical session
Any plagiarism that is detected in the work delivered, from work by other authors or from CHATGTP or other text production support using artificial intelligence, results in the classification of zero values in the work in question and in the impossibility of presenting further evaluation elements in the Unit Curriculum.
Accreditations and Certifications
