Conservation biology

Duration

30h Th, 10h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Nicolas Magain

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Conservation biology can be seen as a concrete application of the principles of ecology (study of ecosystems). It is a question of determining what are the objectives to be achieved concerning the diversity and abundance of certain species in a given ecosystem, and what measures must be taken to achieve these objectives.
This course will explore different aspects of conservation biology, including
-The basic principles of conservation
-The conservation of nature as it is done in Western Europe
-The conservation of nature as it is done elsewhere in the world
-The different historical aspects that have led to the structuring of biodiversity in our regions and elsewhere in the world, and how this influences conservation strategies
-The history of man and his growing influence on the ecosystems he occupies
-The main threats to biodiversity in our regions and in the world
-The solutions that can be provided
-The importance of the different actors: scientists, politicians, economics, citizens, for nature conservation and land use planning
-Elements of legal and institutional context in Belgium and particularly in Wallonia

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The course aims to make the student aware of the multitude of approaches to nature conservation, and in particular to the diversity of situations encountered around the world, and to show how much the erosion of biodiversity in our regions is the result of 'a radical and recent change in land use patterns and resource exploitation. It also aims to provide the basics of conservation biology, the concepts of values and use, and to describe the terms of reference for nature conservation policy in Wallonia.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

This course is a continuation of the "introduction to conservation biology" course in block 3 of the bachelor
This course is complementary to the course of "perfectionnement naturaliste" where aspects of the present course will be illustrated in the field

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

See text in French

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course is mainly composed of ex-cathedra presentations on powerpoint support (available on eCampus).
The course will also include presentations by guests specializing in certain aspects (for example LIFE projects, agri-environmental and climate measures (MAEC) or Natura 2000)

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

Slideshows are available on eCampus

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

The assessment consists of a written test, comprising questions relating to the content of the course and a personal reflection on a subjectrelated to conservation

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

See text in French

Contacts

Nicolas Magain nicolas.magain@uliege.be

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