SCC0736 - ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the physical principles governing the interactions between living organisms and their physical environment. Emphasis is placed on energy, mass, and momentum exchanges, including radiative transfer, heat and mass exchange, and microclimatic effects. The course provides students with the knowledge and tools to analyse complex environmental phenomena and develop physical models applicable to ecosystem and biological systems. Specifically, the course is designed to: • Introduce the theoretical foundations of physical laws applied to natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. • Develop the ability to analyse experiments and observations in real environmental contexts. • Promote a quantitative and model-based approach to environmental process comprehension. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge and understanding • Understand the fundamental principles of environmental physics and the laws governing energy and mass transfers. • Deepen knowledge of the physical properties of air, water, and biological systems. Applying knowledge and understanding • Analyse quantitatively the interactions between organisms and their environment, including through mathematical models and experimental tools. • Use instrumental methodologies for measuring energy and mass fluxes in the environment. Making judgements • Critically assess hypotheses and models related to ecological and environmental processes. Communication skills • Communicate environmental physics concepts clearly, including in multidisciplinary contexts. Learning skills • Develop autonomy in studying complex environmental issues and in keeping up with the scientific literature. Basic knowledge on thermodynamics and heat transfer.