Landscape Ecology

Duration

36h Th

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 basic concepts of landscape ecology, such as spatial scale, spatial pattern, landscape composition, landscape configuration, the analysis of patch shape and area and patch dispersion. Theoretical courses are followed by theoretical or field-based group exercises to illustrate the explained concepts. Course contents may modify as a function of scientific or educational opportunities or constraints.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand and use the basic concepts of landscape ecology with regard to landscape pattern while taking into account the spatial scale applied.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic course of ecology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Given the evolution of the covid-19 crisis, the probable transition from code yellow to code orange in the short term and the desire of our faculty to treat all students on an equal base, also those who will be affected by the coronavirus or those who no longer dare to go to the campus, it was decided to replace the theory lessons with audio files that explain in detail the powerpoint files about the theory. A question and answer session will also be organized to remove any remaining concerns about the theory.

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

Given the evolution of the covid-19 crisis, the probable transition from code yellow to code orange in the short term and the desire of our faculty to treat all students on an equal base, also those who will be affected by the coronavirus or those who no longer dare to go to the campus, it was decided to replace the theory lessons with audio files that explain in detail the powerpoint files about the theory. A question and answer session will also be organized to remove any remaining concerns about the theory.
Individual and group exercises on the computer (self-planning but compulsory participation). Seminars. Individual or group readings of scientific articles in english.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

In case of doubt about the feasibility of organizing face-to-face sessions (application health code, quarantine issue, etc.) podcasts will be recorded which will replace face-to-face activities; thus we will offer all students (present and absent) the same educational conditions. These podcasts will focus on theoretical courses (explanation of powerpoint presentations), introduction to practical work and the organization of the course. In this way, no uncertainty will exist about the organization of the course; any changes along the way in educational terms when the health situation changes will thus be avoided. Introductory and feedback sessions (face-to-face or remotely) about the practical exercises will be organized by the course assistant, Mr. H. STRAMMER, who will contact the students on this subject. The students will be evaluated by means of practical work reports (details will be communicated) and by an oral exam (face-to-face or at a distance; the terms will be set according to the evolution of the situation) which will focus on the theoretical courses and on practical work reports; in principle, in the case of a remote examination, an open book examination is organized; in the event of a face-to-face examination, the evaluation will be based upon a closed book exam. Given the volatility of the situation, students are requested to regularly monitor their institutional email as this will be the communication channel for any changes in teaching and / or assessment modalities.

Recommended or required readings

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

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.

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.
Depending on the evolution of the covid-19 crisis, a choice will be made between a face-to-face oral examination and a remote oral examination.

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.
The organizational arrangements, educational activities and content of this course may change as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Contacts

Professor Jan BOGAERT
j.bogaert@uliege.be

Items online