At the end of this course unit, students will be able to analyse an applied ecology problem using concepts and methods from ecological science. They will be able to identify and analyse different components of environmental risk, including the exposure and vulnerability of species and ecosystems, and compare different approaches for assessing this vulnerability.
Students will also be able to search for and synthesise scientific information, apply quantitative tools such as Species Distribution Models (SDMs), propose and discuss management or restoration measures, and communicate the results of their analysis scientifically, both in writing and orally.
The course aims to demonstrate how ecological concepts and methods can be used to address concrete environmental problems. Particular attention is paid to assessing biodiversity vulnerability to environmental change and to the different ways in which scientific knowledge can be translated into tools supporting decision-making, management and restoration.
The course also exposes students to applied ecology in practice through case studies, quantitative exercises, field trips, and interactions with actors involved in research and conservation.
The course addresses environmental risk assessment for biodiversity, distinguishing in particular between hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Vulnerability is examined through organisms’ sensitivity to environmental change and their capacity to respond, including through acclimation, adaptation or changes in distribution.
Different ways of quantifying vulnerability are considered, such as distributional changes, demographic changes and extinction risk. The course presents and compares several assessment approaches, including correlative, mechanistic and trait-based approaches. Particular attention is paid to Species Distribution Models (SDMs) and their use in studying potential species responses to environmental change.
These elements are placed in the broader context of applied ecology, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration, using case studies and real-world environmental problems.
Applied ecology and environmental risks
Hazard, exposure and vulnerability
Organism sensitivity and response capacity
Biodiversity vulnerability assessment
Distributional and population changes
Correlative, mechanistic and trait-based approaches
Species Distribution Models (SDMs)
Application to concrete environmental problems
Conservation, management and ecological restoration
Case studies and professional applications
The exercises consist of two complementary components.
An applied ecology project allows students to investigate a concrete environmental problem. Using scientific information, data and interactions with different stakeholders, students analyse the problem, assess ecological vulnerability, and examine possible management, adaptation or restoration strategies. The project culminates in an oral presentation followed by questions.
Practical exercises on Species Distribution Models (SDMs) introduce students to linking species distribution data with environmental variables, constructing and interpreting distribution models, and critically discussing their applications and limitations. These exercises result in a scientific report.
The two field trips complement these exercises by providing concrete examples of ecological research, biodiversity management and ecological restoration.
The course combines theoretical teaching, problem-based learning, practical exercises and field trips. Students work on an applied ecology problem that they progressively analyse using scientific literature, data and information provided, among others, by professionals working in relevant fields. Regular discussion and feedback sessions allow students to discuss their progress and methodological choices.
Practical exercises focus on Species Distribution Models (SDMs) and their use in an applied ecology context.
Two field trips connect the concepts studied in the course with concrete applications of ecology. They provide students with opportunities to discover approaches to experimental research, biodiversity management and ecological restoration, and to interact with scientists and practitioners.
Attendance at practical sessions and field trips is mandatory. Only duly justified absences are accepted. Any timetable conflict must be reported at the beginning of the academic year, before October. An unjustified absence from a mandatory activity prevents the student from taking the corresponding assessment.
Assessment consists of two components:
Oral presentation followed by questions: 70%
Report on the practical exercises on Species Distribution Models (SDMs): 30%
The oral presentation concerns the work carried out on an applied ecology problem. It assesses, among other aspects, the student’s ability to analyse and synthesise a scientific problem, justify their choices, use relevant scientific literature, and respond to questions.
The final grade is the weighted average of the two components. To pass the course unit, students must complete both components and obtain a grade strictly above 0/20 in each. A grade of 0/20 in either component automatically results in a final grade of 0/20 for the entire course unit, irrespective of the grade obtained for the other component.
If the course unit is failed, a successfully completed component may be exempted during a subsequent examination period within the same academic year. Exemptions and partial grades are not transferred to the following academic year.
Students may choose to “sign” an assessment, i.e. not take it, separately for either component. This results in a grade of 0/20 for that component and therefore a final grade of 0/20 for the entire course unit. The request must be submitted through SIGALE and confirmed by e-mail to the teaching assistant. Both steps are required.
Course materials, scientific articles, data, protocols and resources required for the assignments are made available to students through institutional platforms. Students are also expected to independently search for and use relevant scientific literature to analyse the problem under study and prepare their presentation.
Resources and data from scientific institutions, public bodies, and organisations involved in conservation and environmental management may also be used depending on the case studies addressed in the course.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional teaching units for Master 60 in Biological Sciences (250P) | 1 | 5 | No |
| Additional teaching units for the master's degree in organismal biology and ecology (252P) | 1 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Biology | 3 | 4 | Yes |