Introduction to landscape analysis and modeling

Duration

8h Th, 8h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Jan Bogaert

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

The lectures can be divided in two parts: (i) a theoretical part in which a series of concepts and principles will be explained and (ii) a more applied part in which the students will have the opportunity to quantify and interpret landscape spatial patterns. The first part will be composed of the discussion of a series of concepts and techniques useful for the description and quantification of landscape pattern and its dynamics. This approach is based on the "pattern/process paradigm" which relates spatial pattern to landscape ecological processes, and on the "patch-corridor-matrix" landscape model, which divides landscape elements in three categories. Next to the theoretical part, a series of exercises (individual or in group) on the computer will be presented. The aim of the lectures is to develop a conceptual and academic course, in which the students are offered a series of techniques and notions useful for the quantification of spatial pattern and for its ecological interpretation. Next to the theoretical exercices, a field exercise will be organized. The contents of the course can change as a function of scientific or educational opportunities or constraints.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, student will be able (i) to understand and use the concepts of landscape spatial pattern; (ii) to understand and use indices of landscape pattern; (iii) to interpret the consequences of landscape pattern for landscape ecological functioning.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Course of "Landscape ecology concepts". Basic course of ecology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching ex cathedra, supported by powerpoint presentations. Individual or group exercises on the computer or in the field to illustrate the concepts and calculations. Individual readings. Seminars. Activities can change as a function of scientific or educational opportunities or constraints.

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

Face-to-face lectures for the theoretical courses and for the possible field excursion. Individual and group exercises on the computer (self-planning but compulsory participation). Seminars. Individual or group readings of scientific articles in english.

Recommended or required readings

Readings and course notes will be communicated during the lectures and provided by the MyULg system. A significant part will be in english.

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral exam of the theoretical courses and the reports of the exercises. Assessment of the reports of the exercises. Assessment of the individual readings at the oral exam. Evaluation details will be communicated in the classroom.

Work placement(s)

None.

Organizational remarks

Presence at the theoretical courses is recommended. Every student has to understand well all aspects of the exercises, also for the group exercises which are organized by the students themselves.

Contacts

Professor Jan BOGAERT (j.bogaert@uliege.be)

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

n/a

Assessment subjects

n/a

Assessment methods

n/a

Contacts

j.bogaert@uliege.be

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

No changes.
Theoretical lessons were given before confinement.
The practical work can be completed independently.

Assessment methods

Oral exam using a digital platform. The student will not have to go to the university but is asked to be in a place with a suitable connection.
The student will be questioned by the professor in the same way as initially planned (2 course slides + practical work reports; max. 30 minutes)
Main change: open book exam instead of closed book exam.
Platform: Lifesize

Contacts

j.bogaert@uliege.be (professor)
harold.strammer@uliege.be (assistant)

Items online