ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 28 Interactive Classroom: 29 Total: 58
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Functional Biology
Areas: Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Ecology
Center Faculty of Biology
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: Sin docencia (Extinguida)
Enrolment: No Matriculable | 1st year (Yes)
Students must know how to describe, analyze and interpret variables in the physical environment that condition adaptations, distribution and abundance of living beings and their changes over time.
The specific objectives, cognitive, procedural and attitudinal are:
- To achieve basic and plural knowledge of different areas of biology, relating the physics and composition of the universe, with the formation and structuring of the Earth's physical environment and its interactions with living beings (habitats).
- Familiarize students with scientific methodology.
- Provide students with the basic tools for analyzing scientific texts.
- Develop in students the ability to interpret the physical environment.
- Encourage students to adopt a critical attitude that allows them to understand and assimilate the origin of knowledge of the natural environment.
Introduction to the study of the physical environment for biologists. Scale and resolution. Atmospheric, aquatic and soil systems: measurement methods, data sources, units, calculations, indices, representation and interpretation of different variables. Characterization of the relief and the distribution of soils. Maps and cartographic representations. Measurement and interpretation of different parameters. Hydrographic catchments. Morphogenetic processes. Morphodynamic systems. Groundwater, gravity processes, floods and coastal processes.
Specific program
- Topic 1.- Introduction to the study of the physical environment for biologists. Elements of the physical environment, representations of the physical environment, scale and resolution.(1 hour)
- Topic 2.- Atmospheric system. Measurement methods, data sources, units, calculations, indices, representation and interpretation of the variables: radiation, light, temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind. Climograms and indices and climatic classifications. Soil climate: temperature regime and humidity regime. (9 hours)
- Topic 3.- Aquatic system. Measurement methods, data sources, units, calculations, indices, representation and interpretation of variables: salinity, light, temperature, oxygen, current speed. Flow calculation. (3 hours)
- Topic 4.- Characterization the relief. Structural and lithological control. Types of maps and cartographic representations. Cartographic data sources. Measurement and interpretation of parameters that characterize the physical environment (orientation, altitude, slope). Characterization of a hydrographic catchment. (6 hours)
- Topic 5.- Morphogenetic processes. Morphodynamical systems. Analysis of the forms of the landscape. Maps of surface formations and land use. Soil distribution (4 hours)
- Topic 6.- Resources and risks of the Earth's system. Groundwater: aquifers. Gravitational processes, floods and coastal processes. (3 hours)
Field and laboratory work
1. Computer: introduction of geographic information systems through free software. 1 h
2. Laboratory: characterization of basic physicochemical properties of soils and sediments (color, pH, particle size, etc ...). 1 h
3. Field practice: characterization of an aquatic and a continental environment. 5 h
Seminars
1. Perception of the environment and basic concepts of the physical environment 2 h
2. How to present information on the physical environment graphically. 2 h
3. Basic characterization of physical and chemical parameters of the physical environment. 2 h
4. Characterization of climatic parameters and soil climate. 2 h
5. Critical reading of a scientific paper about the physical environment. 2 h
6. Concepts of cartography and use of maps I. 2 h
7. Concepts of cartography and use of maps II. 2 h
8. Use of a geographic information system. 2 h
9. Changes in landscape: paleoecology. 2 h
10. Impacts on the atmosphere due to human activities. 2 h
Course work
Throughout the course the students will produce a report in which some of the concepts and techniques introduced in the exhibition and in the seminars will be reflected. A small area will be chosen and in it a cartographic study will be carried out to characterize the physical environment. This work will be presented as a poster.
Tutoring
Tutoring of one hour in which the learning of the subject will be monitored and any doubts that may arise in relation to both theoretical and practical contents will be resolved.
Basic
Aramburu Maqua, M.P., Escribano Bombín, R. (dir-coord). 2014. Guía para la elaboración de estudios del medio físico. Fundación Conde del Valle de Salazar, ESTSI Montes UPM, Ministero de Agricultura Alimentación y Medio Ambiente. Madrid. http://oa.upm.es/55224/1/Guia_para_la_elaboracion_de_estudios_del_medio…
Craig, J.R., Vaughan, D.J., Skinner, B.J. 2102. Recursos de la Tierra y el medio ambiente. Pearson, 4 edición.
Ernst, W.G. (ed) 2000. Earth systems, processes and issues. Cambridge University Press
MacKenzie, W.S., Adams, A.E. 1994. A color atlas of rocks and minerals in thin section. Wiley & Halsted Press.
Musk, L.F. 1991. Weather systems. Cambridge University Press. Third Edition
Pérez Navarro, A., Botella Plana, A., Muñoz Bollas, A., Olivella González, R., Olmedillas Hernández, J.C:,
Rodríguez Lloret, J. 2011. Introducción a los sistemas de información geográfica. Editorial UOC.
Schaetzel, R., Anderson, S. 2005. Soils, genesis and geomorphology. Cambridge University Press.
Strahler A., Strahler A.H. 1997. Geografía Física. Omega.
Additional
Comins, N.F. What if the Earth had two moons? Macmillan.
Lavigne, D.M. 2006. Gaining Ground: in pursuit of ecological sustainability. IFAW.
Porta, J., López-Acevedo, M., Roquero, C. 1994. Edafología para la agricultura y el medio ambiente. Ediciones Mundi-Prensa.
Cartografía y SIG, Ministerio para la transición ecológica: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/cartografia-y-sig/
QGis: https://www.qgis.org/es/site/
SPECIFIC
CE3 - Know and know how to apply instrumental techniques and design work protocols in the laboratory and in the field, applying the regulations and appropriate techniques related to safety, hygiene, waste management and quality
CE13 - Know how to describe, analyze and interpret the physical environment and its relationship with living beings
TRANSVERSAL
CT1: Ability to analyze and synthesize
CT2: Ability to reason and argue
CT3: Ability to work in groups and cover problematic situations collectively
CT5: Ability to make a public presentation in a clear, concise and coherent way
CT7: Ability to apply ICT in the field of Biology
CT8: Ability to solve problems through application integrated knowledge, promoting initiative and creativity
CT9: Use of bibliographic information and the internet
CT10: Use of information in a foreign language
THEORETICAL LECTURES. We will introduce the basic knowledge necessary to characterize, interpret and understand the physical environment, including its temporal evolution and the main factors that govern change. One of the main objectives is to provide students with the necessary tools to progress in the degree, providing a basic knowledge about the physical environment that will be necessary for subjects in the following years of the degree (such as Ecology I, Biogeochemistry, etc.). ICT tools (presentations, USC Virtual Classroom, similar systems) will be used both in the lectures and in the presentation of the course work. Works and references of scientific reference publications, graphs, tables, data to be used by students will be provided. Resources available on the net will also be used (videos, animations, etc.).
SEMINARS. Their essential objective is to acquire practical skills, know how to do calculations, learn to describe, interpret, and represent results of the variables of the physical environment (climate, water and soil), use ICT tools (geographic information systems), as well as delve into in understanding the evolution / transformations of the physical environment and the role of human activities in them.
COMPUTER. Its purpose is the practical use of a geographic information system (open source), for the introduction of spatial information and the preparation of a preliminary cartography.
LABORATORY AND FIELD WORK. In the laboratory we will address the handling of basic equipment (pH meter, solid colorimeter, etc.) for the characterization of some physicochemical properties of soils and sediments, calculations, and simple graphical representations (ternary diagrams, etc.) will be carried out. In field work we will characterize an aquatic environment (channel profile, water velocity measurement, flow estimation, pH, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.), and a terrestrial environment (use of GPS to determine coordinates, selection and delimitation of a study plot, analysis of the slope and orientation, analysis of coverage, etc.).
A final grade will be a combination of continuous evaluation, assessing attendance, participation and student performance in the different activities and the evaluation of theoretical knowledge: practical 15%, seminars 15%, course work 20%, examination of theoretical content 50%
The same instruments will be used to assess skills according to the scheme:
- The theoretical exam assesses the skills: CE13, CT1, CT2, CT8
- The completion and presentation of the work evaluates: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT5, CT7, CT9, CT10, CE3, CE13
- Interactive classes evaluate: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT7, CT8, CE3, CE13
In cases of fraudulent completion of exercises or tests, the one set forth in the Regulations for the evaluation of academic performance of students and the review of qualifications will apply.
Study time and individual work
It is estimated that students will need between 1.5 and 2 hours of study and personal work for each hour of class. Therefore, the dedication time will be:
Student face-to-face work:
27 hours of theoretical lessons
20 interactive hours in seminaries
1 interactive hours in lab
5 interactive hours in the field
1 interactive hours in the informatics room
1 hour of tutoring
Independent work:
92 hours of personal work
2 hours of examination from theoretical lessons
The direct communication channels between teachers and students will be: in-person and online tutorials (where appropriate), the Virtual Campus and email.
PLAN DE CONTINGENCY
Scenario 2: Distancing (partial restrictions on physical presence).
The interactive activities will be taught through virtual media, with seminars and tutorials in teams and short videos in which the basic concepts will be explained and how the tasks corresponding to the practices and seminars will be carried out. Continuous formative evaluation (30%), which will include both participation in lectures, interactive classes, practical classes, as well as other specific activities that also guarantee the objective evaluation of performance. Delivery, by telematic means, through a poster of the course work (20%). Final telematic test (50%).
Scenario 3: Center closure.
All teaching will be delivered through virtual means (the same ones described in Scenario 2). Continuous training evaluation (30%), based on participation in telematic sessions, completion and delivery of tasks and questionnaires. Delivery, by telematic means, of the course work (20%). Final telematic test (50%).
Jesus Ramon Aboal Viñas
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- Phone
- 881813311
- jesusramon.aboal [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Eduardo Garcia-Rodeja Gayoso
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881813287
- eduardo.garcia-rodeja [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Antonio Manuel Martinez Cortizas
Coordinador/a- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881813379
- antonio.martinez.cortizas [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Carola Gomez Rodriguez
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- carola.gomez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Sheila Fernández Riveiro
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- sheila.fernandez.riveiro [at] rai.usc.es
- Category
- Xunta Pre-doctoral Contract
Elsa Fuentes Alonso
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- elsa.fuentes.alonso [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Pablo Giráldez Suárez
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- pablo.giraldez.suarez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Antón Vázquez Arias
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- antonvazquez.arias [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 18:00-19:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 19:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| Tuesday | |||
| 18:00-19:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 19:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish, Galician | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| Wednesday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| Thursday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS08 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| Friday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS09 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS10 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS11 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS12 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 06.03.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 07.15.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 07.15.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 07.15.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 07.15.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |