Activities and Methodology

The methodology used to achieve the learning process is based on the combination of lectures, seminars, personal study, and individual and group work.

Theory

With these classes the students acquire the basic theoretical knowledge of the subject, which must be complemented with the personal study of the topics explained by the teacher. These classes highlight and address the essential points of each teaching unit. Subsequently, the student will have to supplement the conceptual map established during the classes with the information from different sources that will be provided to them. Classes last 50 minutes and in them audiovisual material prepared by the teacher will be used.

Seminars

The aim of the seminars is to promote the capacity for analysis and synthesis, critical reasoning, and the capacity to solve problems. The seminars are designed for students to work in small groups, so that they mainly acquire the skills associated with this type of activity. During the seminars, topics related to the theoretical program will be actively worked and some of the following activities may be carried out: oral and/or written presentation of a topic, resolution of questions and problems, analysis and discussion of articles, cases or problems.

Practices

The objective of the practical classes is to complete and reinforce the zoological knowledge acquired in the theoretical classes and seminars. In the practical sessions, specific skills will be stimulated and developed, such as the ability to observe, analyze and interpret anatomical structures, detect adaptive or phylogenetically important characters, and taxonomic identification of specimens. For its correct execution, students will be provided withlearning materials for each of the established sessions. During the laboratory practice sessions, students will work on zoological material and complement their knowledge with the study and questions posed by the teacher. Field practices will allow students to acquire techniques of observation and identification of terrestrial vertebrate species in the natural environment, learn the environments that these species occupy, and know how to interpret the morphology of these species in an ecological and adaptive context. To achieve these objectives, non-invasive sampling techniques will be used (such as direct observation with binoculars and terrestrial telescopes, phototrapping and the study of acoustic signals and tracks) and live capture techniques (such as Sherman traps), attempting thus minimizing the impact on fauna while raising awareness among students about the need for conservation and consideration of the ethical aspects of research with animals. In some of the taxonomic groups, such as amphibians or micromammals, standardized sampling protocols will be used to monitor common species that are currently in operation (SACC and SEMICE, respectively). This will allow students to become familiar with these programs and understand the importance of citizen science. In addition, the data obtained will be compiled and entered into a citizen science portal so that they are available to students in subsequent courses, to the scientific community and to the general public.

Tutorships

Tutorships will serve to clarify concepts, to establish acquired knowledge, to facilitate the study to the students and to solve possible eventualities that can arise during the development of the subject. The schedule of individualized tutorships will be specified with the teacher via email or orally.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.