Duration
30h Th
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 second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course aims to deepen the knowledge of the students concerning lichens and bryophytes, very interesting organisms but too often forgotten in the rest of the biology courses.
Lichens and bryophytes do not form a taxonomic group, but their ecological similarities and a certain morphological convergence, as well as their use as bioindicators, justify studying them together.
The objectives of the course are a general introduction to these two groups of organisms, their use as bioindicators, and some interesting aspects and recent discoveries concerning them.
The course will combine ex-cathedra presentations, discussion of scientific articles, and fieldwork.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
To acquire the basic concepts concerning the biology and the ecology of these two groups of organisms.
Become familiar with recent scientific literature, lichens and bryophytes being here a case study for broader topics such as studying evolution, biogeography, ecology and symbiosis in the 21st century
Become familiar with the concepts of bio-indicators
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
A basic understanding of key biological concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
This course consists of a mixture of ex-cathedra presentations, open discussions and field courses. Depending on the sanitary conditions, the course will be face-to-face, distance learning or hybrid.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Recommended or required readings
Suggested reading to deepen your knowledge:
Nash, T. H. (Ed.). (1996). Lichen biology. Cambridge University Press.
Vanderpoorten, A., & Goffinet, B. (2009). Introduction to bryophytes. Cambridge University Press.
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 work
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
The student will write a 5-10 page report on one of the topics covered in the course. Interest, accuracy and depth of development, as well as quality of writing will be assessed.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
nicolas.magain@uliege.be
a.vanderpoorten@uliege.be