Aquatic Entomology in the Context of the Green Transition 4030-EWKZT(KZ)-OG

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to aquatic entomology – the study of the biology, ecology, and significance of insects associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems. Lectures offer an in-depth understanding of the diversity of aquatic fauna, their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to aquatic life, and the ecological functions insects perform in the cycling of matter and energy. Students will explore the role of aquatic insects in maintaining ecological balance, regulating populations of aquatic organisms, and serving as indicators of environmental quality, forming the basis for their use in ecosystem monitoring and management.

The course places entomological topics within the broader context of the green transition, emphasizing the importance of aquatic insects in sustainable water management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem adaptation to climate change. Students will learn methods for assessing the condition of freshwater ecosystems, including the use of insects as bioindicators, as well as practical applications in environmental protection projects and ecological education. Both local and global environmental initiatives are discussed, illustrating how knowledge of aquatic insects can inform nature conservation policies and sustainable development strategies.

Term 2025Z:

None

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

(in Polish) Zajęcia przeznaczone dla studentek i studentów kierunków ZIP2.0. Student powinien: - mieć podstawową wiedzę z biologii, ekologii i taksonomii organizmów, - posiadać umiejętność korzystania z literatury naukowej, - aktywnie uczestniczyć w zajęciach i wykonać prace zaliczeniowe, - posiadać podstawowe umiejętności analizy i interpretacji danych środowiskowych, - umieć obsługiwać narzędzia do przygotowywania prezentacji i dokumentów, - posiadać umiejętność pracy w grupie, dyskusji i rozwijania świadomości ekologicznej, - być zainteresowany ochroną środowiska, entomologią wodną i zrównoważonym rozwojem.

Course coordinators

Adam Tarkowski

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

- Knows the main groups of aquatic insects and their morphological and ecological characteristics.
- Understands the ecological functions of insects in freshwater ecosystems.
- Is familiar with biological monitoring methods and the role of insects as bioindicators.
- Understands the connection between aquatic entomology, the green transition, and biodiversity conservation.

Skills

- Can identify the main groups of aquatic insects.
- Analyzes the impact of environmental factors on aquatic insect populations.
- Applies theoretical knowledge to interpret monitoring data.

Social Competences

-Develops environmental awareness and responsibility for environmental protection.
- Can communicate analysis results and conclusions regarding freshwater ecosystems.
- Collaborates in discussions and case studies on sustainable water resource management.

Assessment criteria

Teaching Methods:
• Interactive lectures with multimedia presentations.
• Analysis of case studies.
• Moderated discussions and group work.
• Review of scientific literature and ecological reports.
• Diagnostic test at the beginning of the course – to verify prior knowledge and readiness for classes.
• Final test at the end of the course – to assess acquired theoretical knowledge and analytical skills.

Assessment Type Percentage of Final Grade
Initial knowledge test 10%
Participation in lectures and discussions 40%
Final test (assessing acquired knowledge at the end of the course) 50%

Practical placement

Bibliography

1. Basic literature

Pawłowski, J. (red.) Entomologia wód słodkich. PWN, Warszawa, 2015.
Dumnicka, E., Buczyński, P. Owady wodne i ich znaczenie ekologiczne. Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu, 2018.
Godziński, J., Grabowski, M. Ekologia owadów wodnych w Polsce. Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, 2017.
Wallace, J.B., Webster, J.R. The Role of Aquatic Insects in Freshwater Ecosystems. Springer, 2020.
Dobson, M., Pawley, S. Freshwater Ecology and Conservation. Routledge, 2018.

2. Supplementary literature

Buczyński, P., Mikołajczyk, J. Monitoring jakości wód przy użyciu wskaźników biologicznych. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Lublinie, 2019.
Dumnicka, E., Pawłowski, J. Zrównoważone gospodarowanie zasobami wodnymi a bioróżnorodność owadów wodnych. Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 2020.
Godziński, J. Bioindykacja i ochrona ekosystemów wodnych. Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, 2016.
Resh, V.H., Rosenberg, D.M. Ecology of Aquatic Insects. Elsevier, 2020.

3. Scientific articles and Polish reports

Selected articles from journals such as Limnology and Environmental Protection, Ecology, and Annual of Environmental Protection.
Reports from the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute concerning water monitoring and biodiversity conservation..

Term 2025Z:

None

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 4030-EWKZT(KZ)-OG in USOSweb