Soil ecology and microbiology

Duration

25h Th, 10h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Monique Carnol

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

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

• 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.

• 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

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  and the university has an important WiFi network.
Student's presence is compulsory for practicals and excursions.
 

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).
Partial notes and all power points (pdf formtat) are available on e-Campus. The provided information needs to be completes by personal notes from lectures.

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.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course is given in the first quadrimester. 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 (3rd floor) Prof. Monique Carnol : Tel. 04/3663845 (bureau) ; Tel. 04/3663817 (laboratory), E-mail : m.carnol@uliege.be

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