1. komponenta

Lecture type	Total
Lectures	30
Practicum	15
Seminar	15

* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)

COURSE CONTENT
The course Urban Ecology includes the application of basic ecological concepts and theories on the example of cities and urban areas, assessment of the impact of urban development and social change on the diversity of natural habitats and urban landscape and assessment of the sensitivity of urban areas to climate change and their adaptability. This course discusses the potential for preserving the biodiversity of urban areas by applying ecological principles, adapting urban areas to climate change and improving biodiversity through the tools of urban and landscape planning and urban design. The acquired knowledge can be applied in assessing the ecological status of urban ecosystems, proposing possible solutions for sustainable planning and design of urban areas and for the restoration of disturbed urban ecosystems, as well as in educating the public on endangered taxa and habitats in growing urban areas.

1. Introduction to urban ecology and urban ecosystems.
2. Structure, mosaic and dynamics of urban areas. Differences between urban and rural areas.
3. Different types of urban habitats and ecosystems.
4. Soil and vegetation cover of urban areas. Causes and consequences of soil pollution in urban areas.
5. Air quality in urban areas. Microclimate in cities. Urban heat islands. Causes and consequences of air pollution in urban areas.
6. Diversity of aquatic habitats in urban areas. Running and standing water in urban areas. Causes and consequences of pollution of aquatic habitats in urban areas. The problem of the urban syndrome.
7. Regulation of watercourses in urban areas. Problems of drinking water supply and sanitation in urban areas.
8. Biodiversity of urban ecosystems I - terrestrial habitats.
9. Biodiversity of urban ecosystems II - aquatic habitats.
10. Introduction to urban planning. History and cultural heritage of cities. Functional zoning of cities. Management of urban space. Urban gardens, parks, green spaces.
11. Application of urban and landscape planning and design methods in urban ecology.
12. Sustainable development strategies and protection of natural habitats in urban areas.
13. The future of urban ecosystems - sensitivity and capacity to adapt the urban environment to climate change.
14.-15. Planning and implementation of research/projects, including field research, with the following objectives: Identifying and locating different urban habitats/ecosystems, assessing the ecological status of urban habitats/ecosystems, proposing possible solutions for the restoration of degraded urban habitats/ecosystems and/or sustainable planning and design of urban areas.

MODUL: BIOLOŠKA ZAŠTITA OKOLIŠA - Regular study - Environmental Sciences

MODUL: BIOLOŠKA ZAŠTITA OKOLIŠA - Regular study - Environmental Sciences