Study Programmes 2015-2016
BIOL2038-1  
Grounds ecology and microbiology
Duration :
25h Th, 10h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits :
Bachelor in biology3
Bachelor in biology3
Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)3
Master in biology (60 ECTS)3
Lecturer :
Monique Carnol
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Table of contents This course covers three main topics:
  • Module 1: How to do ecology? - The scientific method
  • Module 2: Soil ecology
  • Module 3: Microbial ecology and biogeochemical cycles
Course description Based on fundamental ecology, taught in the 2nd year of study, the student is encouraged to explore the significance of the science of ecology. It follows a reflection on methodological approaches in ecological studies, in particular sampling strategies. The teaching lays the foundations of the scientific method, applied in other courses and useful for the realisation of the master thesis. Soil ecology covers abiotic and biotic components, as well as their interactions. The last part of the course focuses on the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, the consequences of their activities and some practical applications.
Learning outcomes of the course :
Knowledge: Acquiring basic knowledge on:
  • The nature of ecology
  • Methods in ecology
  • The scientific method and experimental design
  • The physico-chemical environment of soils
  • Soil biota
  • Soil formation and classification
  • Microbial diversity and metabolism
  • The role of microorganisms in carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles ; environmental consequences of their activities ; the influence of human activities
Expertise: Application of theory to real situations:
  • Understanding and use of specific terms related to experimental design
  • Use of theory to analyse, criticize and improve an experimental protocol
  • Comprehension of the influence of soil physico-chemical characteristics on water and nutrient availability, the presence and activity of microorganisms
  • Understanding microbial processes in various environments and the reciprocal interaction between environmental factors and microorganisms.
Developing attitudes:
  • Realisation of the diversity and complimentarity of study methods, as well as of the importance of a rigorous scientific approach
  • Awareness of spatial and temporal variability of ecological processes
  • Critical approach to scientific literature
  • Practice of group work, analysis and communication
  • Recognition of soil complexity and the importance of biotic and abiotic components for plant nutrition and soil functioning
  • Consciousness of the variability, complexity and importance of microbial processes in the environment
Each module comprises specific objectives, identifying clearly student mastery at the end of the course.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Basic/detailed notions in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and ecology are useful, but not essential. Reading scientific English (scientific paper) is required for one learning activity.
Prerequisite: BIOL518-1  MATH0009-1
Co-requisite:  
BIOL0017-1  STAT0203-1
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Lectures (power point support) are based on the principles of 'active lectures'. Presentations include questions, minute papers, case studies and class discussions. The link between theory and practice for the methods in ecology is established through cooperative analysis of scientific papers. Soil ecology lessons are deepened through practicals (in small groups) in the laboratory. For biogeochemical cycles, examples, case studies or small videos are included into the lectures. Autoevaluations are available via eCampus. The field excursions illustrates current studies and soil characteristics in forests.
The integration of lectures and various activities aims at a deep understanding of the topic during the quadrimester. Student's personal investment during lectures and activities will lead to a work reduction during the exam session and also leads to better knowledge retention on the longer term.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
All useful resources for the course are available online via eCampus (power point illustrations, supporting documents, autoevaluations, information, discussions,...). Note: downloading the documents is more efficient with a high speed connexion. Computer rooms are available on campus (http://www.ulg.ac.be/upload/docs/application/pdf/2012-07/salles_informatiques_publiques_pour_les_etudiants.pdf) and the university has an important WiFi network.
Recommended or required readings :
An optional reading list is provided to students. Additional information can be obtained from reference books available in the laboratory of Plant and Microbial Ecology (on appointment only).
see french
Assessment methods and criteria :
Evaluation consists of :


  • An appreciation of the student's participation during practicals.
  • A written exam(January) on topics from lectures, the field trip and practicals.

REMINDER (see general examination rules): Cheating or plagiarism are severely sanctioned, leading to a score of 0/20 at the exam. Participation at practicals and excursions, as well as the submission of reports is mandatory (students failing to comply with this rule may be declared inadmissible at the exam).
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course is given in the first quadrimester Tuesday 9-12h30 and Wednesday 10h30-12h00. A detailed schedule is given at the first lecture. Practicals are given on half days (see schedule). Students should take their lab coats and a calculator.
SEE: schedule on the site of the Faculty of Sciences
Contacts :
Office: by appointment only (email, discussion forum eCampus, phone, before/after lectures)
Laboratoire d'Ecologie Végétale et Microbienne, Institut de Botanique B22,  Chemin de la vallée, 4, 4000 Liège, Belgique (Parking P70, 3rd floor) Prof. Monique Carnol : Tel. 04/3663845 (bureau) ; Tel./fax. 04/3663817 (laboratory), E-mail : m.carnol@ulg.ac.be Dr. S. Malchair : Tel. 04/3663866 (bureau) ; E-mail : s.malchair@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Link eCampus
Link eCampus