Lecturer: Valerio Vendegna  

Course name: Laboratory of ecology applied to engineering
Course code: 064144
Degree course: Ingegneria per l'Ambiente e il Territorio
Disciplinary field of science: BIO/07
University credits: CFU 3
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The course is mainly practical in approach and teaches students an effective method to create simulation models of the ecological effects potentially produced by an engineering intervention. The simulations are a powerful and flexible tool as a decision support system to choose the best design alternative by the environmental perspective and / or establish more effective mitigation of environmental impact. This method is very useful as a DSS in the conceptual design stage of engineering works and in the most detailed environmental impact studies.

Course programme

The short course takes place in a classroom equipped with computer in order to achieve fast, simple and effective eco system-project dynamic simulation models. Lectures and exercises are contextual.

Use of the “system dynamics” approach to optimize the environmental engineering projects

The Stella® programming environment

• basics
• use of the program

Practical exercises for the creation of a simulation of a real case
Implementation of a user interface “ad hoc”

Representation and interpretation of simulation results

Course entry requirements

Prequalification is not required for learning the method, but a knowledge of applied ecology is undoubtedly advantageous for its most effective use.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 8
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 16
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 8

Suggested reading materials

The teacher will provide a CD containing the material, software, lecture notes and documentation necessary for the course.

Testing and exams

Presence is required at least 75% of the course hours. At the end of the course is held a seminar, during which the student demonstrates the job done.