2025
ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Name: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Code: PAO13411O
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Environment and Ecology Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
This curricular unit provides a general understanding of the structure and function of the ecological systems and knowledge on the main environmental problems at global and local scale.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
General understanding of the organization of the ecological systems and their function.
Knowledge on the main environmental problems at global and local scale.
Acquisition of some professional skills on environmental matters.
Knowledge on the main environmental problems at global and local scale.
Acquisition of some professional skills on environmental matters.
Contents
Ecology - processes at global and local scales. Patterns and processes; organization and chaos; permanence and transformation; interactions, autonomy and dependence. Regulation and equilibrium. Matter and energy. Organisms and environmental factors. Production and decomposition. Populations and their interactions. Communities, structure. Ecological succession.
The holistic and integrated approach. From science to ideology
Environmental quality. The state of the environment in the various regions of the planet. The environment and development since WW II; environmental legislation.
Ecological footprint. Societies, consumption, use of resources and production of waste. Product life cycle; the Rs and recycle, downcycle and upcycle
Natural resources and management
Habitats and biodiversity loss
Climate change: scenarios, impacts on the environment and economy, adaptation strategies; carbon and its market
Environmental problems in the tropics. UN programs on forest management and climate
The holistic and integrated approach. From science to ideology
Environmental quality. The state of the environment in the various regions of the planet. The environment and development since WW II; environmental legislation.
Ecological footprint. Societies, consumption, use of resources and production of waste. Product life cycle; the Rs and recycle, downcycle and upcycle
Natural resources and management
Habitats and biodiversity loss
Climate change: scenarios, impacts on the environment and economy, adaptation strategies; carbon and its market
Environmental problems in the tropics. UN programs on forest management and climate
Teaching Methods
Online activities using MOODLE platform and live activities (theoretical/practical); continuous assessment based on activities performed by the students
Accreditations and Certifications
