Overall objectives:

1 - Be able to reflect critically on the different domains of natural sciences.
2 - Master the main models of biosphere and geosphere evolution.
3 - Be able to investigate in different areas of biodiversity and geodiversity.
4 - Recognize the main mechanisms and processes of land transformation.
5 - Know the methodologies of biogeoconservation.
6 - Be able to plan intervention activities in different contexts of Natural Heritage.

Syllabus:

1 - Introduction to Natural Heritage.
2 - Geodiversity and geoconservation.
3 - Describing geodiversity.
3.1 - The Earth and its origin.
3.2 - Plate tectonics.
3.3 - Constituents of the earth.
3.3.1 - Minerals and rocks.
3.3.2 - Fossils.
3.3.4 - Processes and forms.
4 - Historical perspective of the preservation of the geological component of the natural heritage.
5 - Geological heritage in Portugal, national legislation.
6 - Geological heritage in RAM, regional legislation.
7 - Geoconservation Strategies.
7.1 - Inventory.
7.2 - Classification processes.
7.3 - Monitoring.
7.4 - Geoconservation strategies.
7.5 - Valuation and dissemination of geological heritage
8 - Geoconservation and society
8.1 - Geoparks
8.2 - Geotourism.
9 - Natural Heritage: Biodiversity. Introduction to biological heritage.
9.1 - Biodiversity.
9.2 - Importance of biological heritage.
9.3 - Threats to biological heritage.
10 - Characterization of the biological heritage.
10.1 - Global biodiversity.
10.2 - Biodiversity in Europe.
10.3 - Biodiversity in Portugal.
10.4 - Biodiversity in Madeira.
11 - Conservation of biological heritage.
11.1 - . Birds and Habitats Directives.
11.2 - Protected and classified areas.
11.3 - Biodiversity conservation projects.
12 - Ecological services.

Literature/Sources:

Gray, M. , 2013 , Geodiversity, valuing and conserving abiotic nature , Wiley-Blackwell
Brilha, J. , 2005 , Património Geológico e Geoconservação. A Conservação da Natureza na sua vertente geológica , Palimage Editores
Spínola, H. , 2020 , Literacia do Património Natural , MASF Journal 3
Spínola, H. , 2019 , Madeira - Património Natural ,
Sodhi, N.S., Ehrlic , 2010 , Conservation Biology for All , Oxford University Press.
Spínola, H. , 2000 , Biodiversidade no Arquipélago da Madeira , Câmara Municipal de Machico
Ross D., Newsome D , 2010 , Geotourism , Goodfellow Publishers
Reynard, E., Brilha J. , 2017 , Geoheritage: Assessment, Protection, and Management , Elsevier

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
Assessment Methodology: Learning methodology based on solving problems and projects. It resorts to strategic pluralism based on presentations, enunciation of problems, readings of scientific articles and carrying out a development project. The work is essentially developed in small groups. It is intended to develop skills of critical reflection, argumentation, analysis and synthesis, problem solving and research, which enhance the formation of a quality professional capable of self-training throughout life. Individual assessment through group work (50% of the total assessment) and a written test (50% of the total assessment).