Duration
9h Th, 9h AUTR
Number of credits
| Master in forests and natural areas engineering (120 ECTS) | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
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 course aims at clarifying the interactions between behavioral ecology and conservation biology. The course is divided into 3 parts. 1) Definitions and introduction to concepts specific to both field areas (eco-ethology and conservation biology), and demonstration of the interconnections via study cases. 2) The second part includes a discussion of the main elements affecting the elaboration of conservation projects: general knowledge about ecology, social organization, socio-reproductive systems, migration type of the sexes, space/habitat use and ecological functions of the species. 3) The third part develops the methods used to quantify behavioural aspects, with practical exercises via a training in zoo. The evaluation of the course is based on a personal work (written report) about the exercises practiced in zoo (behavioural research) and a critical reflection about the behavioral aspects of conservation of a chosen species or group of species.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Theoretical elements on behavioral ecology and its connections with wildlife conservation and management.
Ethometry methods: techniques of observation and quantification of animal behavior
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical sessions, one fieldwork day (practical exercises in zoo), and written report
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
face-to-face
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Yellow code: Theoretical lectures in class (check schedule/location on CELCAT), combined with simultaneous videoconference of the class on Lifesize or Collaborate. Fieldwork (training day) in zoo maintained face-to-face with respect of sanitary measures (https://www.coronavirus.uliege.be/cms/c_12287549/fr/coronavirus-mesures-de-prevention-et-gestes-barrieres).
Orange code: Theoretical lectures by videoconference (Lifesize or Collaborate). Fieldwork (training day) in zoo maintained face-to-face with respect of sanitary measures.
Recommended or required readings
Slides (pdf) of theoritical lectures are available on e-Campus.
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:
Written report (alone or by group of 2 students) on the practical exercises of behavioral observation in zoo and short review on the species biology/ecology and conservation status/implications.
Work placement(s)
One-day practical exercise of behavioral observation in zoo
Organizational remarks
As regard to the one-day training of behavioral observation, a participation might be requested for the entrance fees to the animal park.
Contacts
Fany Brotcorne (fbrotcorne@uliege.be)
Pascal Poncin (P.Poncin@uliege.be)