Duration
8h Th, 8h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in forests and natural areas engineering (120 ECTS) | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
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. Elements of urban ecology will also be treated. 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
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 and provided by 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 which are organized by the students themselves.
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)