ZOOL0232-1 : Ethology and amphibian conservation

Study Programmes 2016-2017

ZOOL0232-1

Ethology and amphibian conservation

Duration :

20h Th, 1d FW

Number of credits :

Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)		3

Lecturer :

Mathieu Denoël

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

Learning unit contents :

The course is a complement of the courses of ethology and behavioural ecology with a perspective in amphibian conservation. It is at the interface between fundamental and applied sciences: from knowledge to conservation. The course consists in (1) a presentation of species diversity mainly in temperate regions ; (2) a synthesis of their biological particularities: life cycle, intraspecific diversity (heterochrony), habitat, feeding habits, reproductive behaviour, sensory perspection ; (3) an analysis of their status and decline in function of varied risks: habitat change, pollutants, invasive species, emerging disease ; and (4) a discussion on ethics in amphibian research.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit :

The course aim at giving the necesary bases for an in-depth personal research in ecology, ethology and amphibian conservation.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

It is useful, but not mandatory, to have bases in ethology, behavioural ecology and conservation

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Practicals consist in a bibliographic report in a specic topic in amphibian conservation. A field excursion is planned to present several aspects of amphibian conservation (facultative for the students doing their master abroad the second quadrimester).

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

The lectures take place in the first quadrimester. Bibliographic reports and their presentation are due before christmas. The presentation is associated to a round table where the students can interact. The field trip is proposed in the second quadrimester (optional for the students doing their master abroad).