At the end of this course unit, students will be able to describe and explain the main ecological processes at different levels of organisation, from organisms to ecosystems. They will be able to analyse the factors determining the distribution and adaptation of organisms, explain population dynamics and regulation, characterise community diversity and structure, and understand the role of species interactions. Students will also be able to explain the fundamental principles of ecosystem functioning and apply this knowledge to analyse biodiversity conservation issues and interactions between human and natural systems.
Through fieldwork and the preparation of an insect collection, students will also acquire practical skills in observing, sampling, collecting and identifying organisms, and learn to connect ecological concepts studied in class with observations made in the field.
The course aims to provide an integrated understanding of the major principles of ecology. It develops students’ ability to connect mechanisms operating at different levels of ecological organisation and to understand how organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems respond to their environment. It also aims to demonstrate how ecological knowledge can be used to understand environmental change and contemporary biodiversity conservation challenges.
Particular attention is given to applying ecology in the field. Students observe and sample organisms and natural environments and prepare an insect collection, thereby developing naturalist skills and applying theoretical concepts to real ecological systems.
The course covers relationships between organisms and their environment, organism distribution and adaptation, population ecology, community ecology and ecosystem functioning. Topics include population dynamics and regulation, metapopulations, biodiversity, species interactions, and flows of matter and energy. A final part introduces conservation biology, different values associated with biodiversity, ecosystem services, and interactions between human and natural systems. The theoretical content is complemented by practical sessions, fieldwork and the preparation of an insect collection.
Organisms and their environment
Distribution and adaptation of organisms
Population ecology
Population growth and regulation
Metapopulations
Biodiversity and community structure
Species interactions
Ecosystem functioning
Flows of matter and energy
Conservation biology
Biodiversity, ecosystem services and human societies
Practical sessions and fieldwork apply the concepts covered in the theoretical course through field observations, sampling methods, organism collection, measurements and the analysis of ecological data. They allow students to confront theoretical concepts with real ecological systems and develop their ability to observe and interpret ecological patterns.
The preparation of an insect collection is an important part of the practical work. It allows students to develop skills in collecting, preparing and identifying specimens while becoming familiar with insect diversity.
Teaching combines theoretical classes, practical sessions and fieldwork. Theoretical classes introduce the fundamental concepts of ecology using examples and case studies. Practical sessions and field activities allow students to apply these concepts and become familiar with observation, sampling, collection and analytical methods used in ecology.
Students also prepare an insect collection, which is both a practical learning activity and a component of the assessment. It develops skills in observing, collecting, preparing and identifying organisms.
Attendance is mandatory for all practical sessions, field activities and sessions specifically dedicated to the insect collection. Only duly justified absences are accepted. Any timetable conflict must be reported at the beginning of the academic year and before October. An unjustified absence from a mandatory activity results in a grade of 0/20 for the corresponding assessment component.
Assessment consists of three components:
Theory examination: 3/5 (60%)
Practical sessions (TPs): 1/5 (20%)
Insect collection: 1/5 (20%)
The final grade is the weighted average of these three components. To pass the course unit, students must have completed all three assessment components. A grade of 0/20 in any of the three components automatically results in a final grade of 0/20 for the entire course unit, irrespective of the grades obtained for the other components. Absence from an assessment therefore makes it impossible to pass the course unit during that examination period.
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 any of the three components. This results in a grade of 0/20 for that component and, in accordance with the rule above, 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, documents for the practical sessions, instructions for the insect collection and other resources required for the course are made available to students through the institutional platforms. Scientific articles, case studies and other resources may also be used to illustrate and further explore selected topics covered in the course.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional teaching units for the master's degree in organismal biology and ecology (252P) | 1 | 6 | No |
| Unités d'enseignement supplémentaires au master en enseignement : S4 - S5 Biologie (FASEF_S4_S5_UES_Bio) | 1 | 5 | No |
| Bachelor in Biology | 2 | 5 | Yes |