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| BIOL0204-2 | Introduction to general ecology
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| Duration : | 15h Th, 2d FW |
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| Holder(s) : | Henry‑Michel Cauchie, Marianne Von Frenckell |
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| Language : | Langue française |
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| Course contents : | The introductory course in General Ecology is divided into six main parts (chapters).
- The first chapter is mainly devoted to an approach to the study of ecological systems, the biosphere and the ecosphere. We will cover influences on climate, ocean currents, atmospheric circulation and the characteristics of soils upon the distribution of organisms on the Earth's surface, and on their organization into functional systems (biomes). The description of the principal biomes allows us to introduce the notions of climax and ecological succession.
- The second chapter is devoted to the definition of an ecosystem and its components (ideas of biocenosis, biotope and ecological factors). In this chapter we cover interactions between organisms and their environment, and students learn about the importance of the role of ecological factors (biotic and abiotic) in the functioning of ecosystems, especially as concerns the regulation of populations. The ideas of ecological optimum and ecological valence of species lead to the fundamental idea of ecological niche, which characterizes the function of a species within a community and its role in a given ecosystem.
- After the first two chapters, with the stage set and the actors introduced (so to speak), students can begin the study of the functioning or operation of ecosystems which is the object of the third chapter. In this part of the course we describe the structure of alimentary chains, with emphasis on the necessary relations between the three categories of living beings that every biocenosis includes: producers (or autotrophs) and their dependence on nutriments and on luminous or chemical energy; consumers (or heterotrophs), which are connected to producers; and finally decomposers, which take care of recycling and mineralization of organic matter.
- The fourth chapter is devoted to energy flows at the level of a biosphere. The ideas of ecological pyramids, production, productivity and bioenergetic yield are examined in this chapter.
- The fifth chapter deals with circulation of matter in ecosystems, and the main biogeochemical cycles. These cycles will not be treated in detail. The emphasis will be on images and on a qualitative and synthetic approach, not a quantitative study.
- The sixth chapter takes an extremely synthetic view of the influence of human activities upon biological equilibrium, and particularly on disturbances of biogeochemical cycles: consequences of the pollution of aquatic environments and atmospheric pollution (eutrophization, greenhouse effect, ozone layer, acid rain). |
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| Course objective : | The objective of this course is to define the basis of ecology as a "science of the environment". Having done this, the course will consist in showcasing ecology. At the end of this course, students should have understood the basic concepts of general ecology, namely: 1) the concept of the ecological niche governed by the interaction of different biotic and abiotic ecosystem components, and as a consequence, the significance of ecological factors for the regulation and operation of ecosystems; 2) energy flows and the cycle of matter which determines how ecosystems operate. Moreover, this ecology course is designed so that students become aware of the fact that ecology is an integrative science par excellence and that it requires a good basic understanding of other disciplines taught in biology and particularly in physics, chemistry and biochemistry. |
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| Prerequisites : | Because ecology is an integrative science, students should have a solid understanding of general biology, zoology, botanical physics (thermodynamics, density, pressure, states of matter) and of chemistry and biochemistry (biogeochemical cycles, synthesis and degradation of proteins, photosynthesis, biochemical aspects of respiration) which will be indispensable for understanding the various aspects of functional synecology, in particular concerning energy flows and the cycle of matter. |
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| Organization : | The theory course takes place during the first semester.
The class lasts 1½ hours per session. The course is given on Mondays between 0830 and 1000 in the lecture hall of the Institut de Zoologie, 22, Quai Van Beneden, B-4020, Liège.
Practical field work will take place at the end of April or the beginning of May. These practical sessions will be co-ordinated with the "field work placements" in an aim to integrate zoology, botanics and ecology teaching. |
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| Written notes : | A syllabus containing the course notes is available. A new edition is being drafted and will be available at the end of the first semester: "Introduction à l'Ecologie Générale", JP. Thomé, 120 pp.
A few reference books:
- Eléments d'écologie: écologie fondamentale, F. Ramade, McGraw-Hill
- Elements of Ecology, (1998), R.L. Smith & T.M. Smith, eds.: Addison Wesley Longman, 608 pp. |
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| Assessment : | Student assessment consists of:
- a exempting written test in January on the material covered in the theory course (upon student request)
- an evaluation of their conduct during the practical field work sessions
- an oral examination (with written preparation) during class on subjects covered in the theory class and those covered in the practical field work sessions. |
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| Contacts : | Laboratoire d'écologie animale et d'écotoxicologie, Institut de Zoologie, Quai Van Beneden 22, B-4020 Liège
- Prof. Jean-Pierre THOME: Tel. 04/366.50.60/62; Fax 04/366.51.47; E-mail: JP.Thome@ulg.ac.be
- Mme Célia JOAQUIM-JUSTO: Tel. 04/366.50.76; Fax 04/366.51.47;
E-mail : celia.Joaquim-Justo@student.ulg.ac.be |
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