Duration
20h Th, 1d FW
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
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 an introduction to amphibian ecology, ethology and 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).
Recommended or required readings
Some books (not obligatorily) will be recommended during the lectures
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation is based on the bibliographic report, its oral presentation (power point) and the discussion during the round table.
Work placement(s)
Field excursion, possibly in association with other courses
Organizational remarks
The lectures are given some Tuesdays morning in October and November
The field course is given in spring, in April or early May. The exact date will be communicated in early spring by email will all practical informations.
Contacts
Dr Mathieu Denoël
Behavioural Biology Unit
Institute of Zoology (Bât. I1)
University of Liège
Quai van Beneden 22
4020 Liège
E-mail: Mathieu.Denoel@ulg.ac.be