Bioclimatology

geography

elective courses

Basic knowledge of climatology and meteorology is required. The student should also have a basic knowledge of the human body.

Classroom

Classes are meant for studies of the influence of climate and weather on living organisms, with particular emphasis on humans. The seminar presents a wide spectrum of topics related to the influence of selected elements of the natural environment on the human body. It also includes an overview of contemporary research problems in bioclimatology.

Seminar in Bioclimatology is meant for studies ofthe influence of climate and weather on living organisms. Various topics related to the influence of selected elements of the natural environment on the human body, the occurrence of atmospheric stimuli and their significance for the functioning of the body and human comfort are discussed. Classes also include an overview of contemporary research problems in bioclimatology, both in theoretical and applied terms.

Classes have form of lectures followed by a discussion.

Student workload includes participation in classes conducted in the classroom (30 hours), including active participation in the discussion, as well as students' own work in preparation for the exam.

Elementary:

T. Kozłowska-Szczęsna, K. Błażejczyk, B. Krawczyk, 1997, Bioklimatologia człowieka, Monografie IGiPZ PAN, 1

K. Błażejczyk, 2004, Bioklimatyczne uwarunkowania rekreacji i turystyki w Polsce, Prace Geograficzne, 192

T. Kozłowska-Szczęsna, B. Krawczyk, M. Kuchcik, 2004, Wpływ środowiska atmosferycznego na zdrowie i samopoczucie człowieka, Monografie IGiPZ PAN, 4

Suplementary:

K. Błażejczyk, 1993, Wymiana ciepła pomiędzy człowiekiem a otoczeniem w różnych warunkach środowiska geograficznego, Prace Geograficzne, 159

J. Bogucki (red), 1999, Biometeorologia turystyki i rekreacji, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego, Poznań

S. Klonowicz, S. Kozłowski, 1970, Człowiek a środowisko termiczne, PZWL, Warszawa

S. Kozłowski, 1986, Granice przystosowania, Wiedza Powszechna, Warszawa

A. Krzymowska-Kostrowicka, 1997, Geoekologia turystyki i wypoczynku, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa

K. C. Parsons, 1993, Human thermal environments. Taylor & Francis Publishing, London

K. Błażejczyk. G. McGregor, 2007, Warunki biotermiczne a umieralność w wybranych aglomeracjach europejskich, Przegląd Geograficzny, 79, 3-4, 401-423

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands

- the importance of climatic conditions for the functioning of living organisms

- contemporary research problems in bioclimatology

- environmental stimuli, including atmospheric ones, affecting humans

- mechanisms and processes responsible for the adaptation of living organisms to environmental conditions, including climate conditions

Skills: the graduate can

- select the appropriate research method for the research problem in the field of bioclimatology

- recognize favorable and unfavorable climate conditions in various contexts

- assess the risk and indicate potential dangers of staying in specific climate conditions

- present an important research problem in the field of bioclimatology in a way that is understandable to a person unfamiliar with the subject

- participate in a discussion on a topic related to bioclimatology using substantive arguments

Social competences: the graduate is ready to

- become aware of the limitations resulting from unfavorable climate conditions

- assess the risk of exposure to adverse climate conditions

- discuss the improvement of climate conditions in places where they pose a threat

- present a significant research problem in a way that is understandable to people unfamiliar with the subject

- participate actively in the discussion and presenting own arguments with respect for interlocutors

Classes are graded on the basis of the results of the final exam and students' activity in the class (participation in the discussion). The exam is oral and covers the full range of topics covered during the classes. The final grade for the course is determined on the basis of the weighted average grade for the exam (weight 75%) and the student's activity during classes (weight 25%).

Exam grading criteria:

- compliance of the answers given with the questions asked

- substantive correctness and completeness of the answers provided

Criteria for assessing activity in the classroom:

- substantive value of comments and a critical approach to the discussed issue

- ability to justify arguments presented in the discussion

- systematic participation in discussions throughout the semester

- speaking with respect for other participants in the discussion

Class attendance is obligatory. Two unexcused absences are allowed. Absence from classes does not release the student from the obligation to supplement the outstanding material. The total number of absences (excused and unexcused) may not exceed 7.