Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology, research focus | 5 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
This course aims to provide an understanding of the challenges associated with the integrated management of entomological biodiversity in natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, while taking into account environmental, economic and societal pressures.
The course addresses the taxonomic, functional and biogeographical diversity of insects and other macroinvertebrates of ecological interest. Particular attention is given to their life cycles, trophic interactions, roles in ecosystem functioning and use as bioindicators. Concepts including biological diversity, abundance, species richness, community structure and diversity indices are used to interpret datasets obtained from entomological monitoring.
Methods for monitoring entomological biodiversity are presented, from defining the monitoring question and selecting sites and sampling methods to sample preparation, identification and data analysis. Practical sessions focus in particular on the identification of macroinvertebrates, including insects, and on interpreting their occurrence or abundance from the perspective of ecological assessment.
Several management contexts are explored through case studies and field data, including aquatic, agricultural and forest environments. The course also addresses the effects of global change - including climate change, urbanisation, habitat fragmentation and the intensification of land-use practices - on entomological communities. Restoration, habitat management and environmental management approaches that support the maintenance or enhancement of biodiversity are discussed.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Teaching combines theoretical presentations, field-based activities, practical laboratory sessions and data analysis. Concepts are illustrated through concrete situations and findings from recent scientific publications.
Planned learning activities include:
* Ex cathedra sessions covering the diversity of insects and macroinvertebrates, abiotic and biotic factors, bioindication, diversity indices, and biodiversity management in aquatic, agricultural and forest environments.
* A field excursion, particularly in an aquatic environment, during which students will carry out macroinvertebrate sampling, observe environmental characteristics and discuss the ecological status of the studied site.
* Practical laboratory sessions devoted to sample preparation, sorting, observation and identification of macroinvertebrates and insects.
* Activities based on the analysis of real datasets, including the calculation and interpretation of diversity indices, visualisation of results and their relationship to the characteristics of the studied environments.
* Preparation of an individual presentation integrating field observations, organism identification, data analysis and ecological interpretation.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course will be divided between ex-cathedra presentations and practical work sessions. It will be illustrated with various examples from the Insect Class and will be based on results extracted from recent scientific publications, which may be the subject of analysis by the students.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The learning unit is delivered primarily face to face.
Activities include lectures in the classroom, a field-based activity, practical laboratory sessions, and sessions dedicated to data analysis or discussion. Teaching materials and instructions for the assignments are made available via the course platform.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Out-of-session test(s)
Further information:
Assessment consists of an individual oral presentation and a written assignment related to the study conducted as part of the course.
The oral presentation comprises two components:
- An individual presentation supported by PowerPoint, with an indicative duration of 15 to 20 minutes. It covers the context and objectives of the work, the sampling and identification methodology, the results obtained, diversity analyses, ecological interpretation, study limitations, and potential management or monitoring recommendations.
- A randomly selected theoretical question, prepared in advance, with an indicative duration of 10 to 15 minutes. It addresses the course content, including insect diversity, life cycles, bioindication, monitoring methods, diversity indices, integrated management of entomological biodiversity, and the effects of global change.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Pr Frederic FRANCIS
Tel 0032 81 622287
E-mail : Frederic.Francis@uliege.be