Duration
24h Th, 16h Pr
Number of credits
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
Course description
The rapid climate changes of this century are closely linked to biodiversity, health, and the functioning of ecosystems. In this course, we address several current concepts in relation to the impact of humans on ecosystems, the scientific bases underlying the changes observed in our climate system and the global carbon cycle. Finally, we analyze in depth the global consequences of these changes for the functioning of ecosystems, illustrated by some concrete examples.
Table of contents (summary)
Introduction
The global carbon cycle
Climate change: proofs and causes
Ecological consequences of climate change
NOTE:
As part of your university studies, you may legally use the materials provided to you (PDFs, PowerPoints, videos, podcasts, etc.), which are protected by copyright. These materials are intended solely for use by students within the framework of their program at the University of Liège. Any other use or distribution is prohibited and may constitute a violation of the Copyright Law of June 30, 1994. If the resources were to be made publicly available on the web, the person responsible would be subject to legal action. Recording of the course is strictly prohibited.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Each chapter comprises detailed specific objectives (see section 'Objectifs du cours et évaluation on eCampus), specifying student mastery at the end of the course. These specific objectives clearly identify the requirements of the assessments.
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Present, in a structured way, the information provided in a scientific article related to the course (including seminars)
- Demonstrate your comprehension of the topic of climate change through the analysis of a scientific paper
- Define, explain and use specific terms (radiative forcing, global warming potential, resilience, resistence, GIEC,...)
- Understand the difference between carbon stock and flux
- Understand the conception and use of models
- Explore carbon exchange between the atmosphere, the forest and forest products
- Understand and quantify the consequences of forest management on carbon exchange and link the results with lecture material
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
The study of the impact of anthropic activities on ecosystems implies a good knowledge of the basic priciples of ecology.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures (power point support) are constructed according to the principles of 'active presentations' and punctuated by class discussions. External contributors shed an additional light on a few specialized areas.
The topics considered in the theoretical course are expanded and integrated through the assessment of carbon exchange between the forest and the atmosphere, through the use of a model.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Most of theorectical courses are lectures illustrated with power point presentations and videos. Attendance at seminars given by external speakers is mandatory. The topics considered in the theoretical course will be illustrated and expanded in practicals.
In case of access difficulties to the Campus (strikes, etc.) or exceptional circumstances (illness), live streaming may be provided. To ensure active student participation during the course, no recordings are made.
Attendance of practicals (including the production of related reports) is mandatory. Should a student not fullfil this criteria he/she will be considered "inadmissible" to the exam.
https://www.enseignement.uliege.be/upload/docs/application/pdf/2025-06/rgee_2025-2026_ca_14052025.pdf
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
Power point presentations (in pdf format) and additional resources are available online (eCampus).
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Further information:
Assessment consists in (see section 'Objectifs du cours et évaluation' on eCampus):
- 30%: an appreciation of students activities during practicals. At the end of practicals, each student will be asked to provide a writen report (most likely in groups of 2). The submission date of the report is determined in consultation with the students; consequently, no late submissions will be accepted.
- 70%: an oral exam (with written preparation), will be held during the session and will concern both the theoretical and practical courses.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Student attendance is mandatory for the practical sessions (afternoons of March 5, 12, 26, and 27, 2026)
For the practicals, the students can bring their personal computer; installation of the software (available on eCampus) before the practical session is strongly recommended.
Improvements are made to the course each year based on the evolution of knowledge and formal and informal feedback from students.
Contacts
Office: by appointment only (email, discussion forum eCampus, phone, before/after lectures)
Laboratoire d'Ecologie Végétale et Microbienne, Botanique, Bât. B22, Chemin de la Vallée 4, 4000 Liège, Belgique (3ème étage)
Prof. Monique Carnol : Tel. 04/3663845 (bureau), E-mail : m.carnol@uliege.be
Caroline Ransquin (assistante) : Caroline.Ransquin@uliege.be