The student need to have a basic knowledge of: 1. population, community and ecosystem ecology; 2. ecological energetics; evolutionary ecology; behavioural ecology; functional ecology; 3. Organication processes; trophic transfer processes; nutrient cycling processes and biogeochemical cycles

The course will start with an introduction to thermodynamic theory of ecosystems and Evolutionary theory and their integration: thermodynamic of living systems far from the equilibrium, exergy, eco-exergy and ascendency; maximum entropy theory. The course will address biodiversity theories considering all different scales of ecological interests, from individual ecology to macrosystem ecology, including spatial ecology and evolutionary one.

The course is aimed at giving to the students an overview of the main theoretical bodies in ecology and an highligh on the most recent theoretical advancement in ecological theories.

The teaching metodology will include frontal lectures, discussion/brainstorming sessions, thematic seminars involving national and international colleagues with outstanding theoretical research activities, practical exercitation using the LifeWatch ERICtraining  platforms

Oral dissertation on specific theoretical bodies with the aid (optional) of presentation softwares (e.g., powerpoint, keynote, prezi,...)

Theoretical Ecology: concepts and applications (Oxford University Press, 2020); A New Ecology:: system perspective (Elsevier Science, 2007)