Small Organisms – Great Importance: Aquatic Insects 4030-MOOW(KZ)-OG

The course is a comprehensive introduction to aquatic entomology – a field of science dealing with biology, ecology and the importance of insects associated with aquatic and aquatic ecosystems. The lectures allow for detailed knowledge of the diversity of aquatic fauna, its morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations to life in the aquatic environment, as well as the ecological functions performed by insects in the circulation of matter and energy. Students learn about the role of aquatic insects in maintaining ecological balance, regulating aquatic life populations, and as indicators of environmental quality, which is the basis for their use in ecosystem monitoring and management.

The course embeds entomology issues in the broad context of the green transition, emphasizing the importance of aquatic insects in the sustainable management of water resources, the protection of biodiversity and the adaptation of ecosystems to climate change. Students will learn methods for assessing the condition of aquatic ecosystems, including the use of insects as bioindicators, as well as examples of practical applications in environmental protection and environmental education projects. Both local and global environmental initiatives are discussed, allowing us to understand how knowledge about aquatic insects can support nature conservation policies and sustainable development strategies.

Course coordinators

Adam Tarkowski

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Blended learning

Prerequisites (description)

(in Polish) studenci kierunków studiów objętych wsparciem programu ZIP 2.0.” 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.

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.
- Knows the methods of biological monitoring and the role of insects as bioindicators.
- Understands the relationship between aquatic entomology and green transformation and biodiversity conservation.

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

Social competences
- Develops environmental awareness and responsibility for environmental protection.
- Can communicate the results of analyses and conclusions concerning aquatic ecosystems.
- Participates in discussions and case studies on sustainable water management.

Assessment criteria

Evaluation criteria:
- a test to check general knowledge (10% of the final grade),
- activity in lectures and participation in discussions (40% of the final grade),
- final test summarizing knowledge (after the end of the course) (50% of the final grade).

Practical placement

Bibliography

1. Basic literature

Pawłowski, J. (eds.) Entomology of fresh waters. PWN, Warsaw, 2015.

Dumnicka, E., Buczyński, P. Aquatic insects and their ecological significance. Poznań University of Life Sciences, 2018.

Godziński, J., Grabowski, M. Ecology of aquatic insects in Poland. Adam Mickiewicz University Scientific Publishing House, 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. Water quality monitoring using biological indicators. Publishing House of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 2019.

Dumnicka, E., Pawłowski, J. Sustainable management of water resources and biodiversity of aquatic insects. PWN Scientific Publishing House, 2020.

Godziński, J. Bioindication and protection of aquatic ecosystems. Adam Mickiewicz University Scientific Publishing House, 2016.

Resh, V.H., Rosenberg, D.M. Ecology of Aquatic Insects. Elsevier, 2020.

3. Polish scientific articles and reports

Selected articles from journals such as Limnology and Environmental Protection, Ecology, Environmental Protection Yearbook.

Reports of the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute on water monitoring and biodiversity protection.

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: