Duration
24h Th, 16h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
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 education, you can legally dispose of the materials made available to you (pdf Power Points, videos, podcasts, etc.) protected by copyright. These materials are intended only to be used by students as part of their studies at the University of Liège. No other use or distribution is authorized, under penalty of constituting a violation of the law of June 30, 1994 relating to copyright. If the resources were to be freely accessible on the web, the person responsible would be exposed to legal proceedings.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Each chapter comprises specific objectives (see document '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
- Interpret scientific results in relation to climate change with regard to the theory
- Define, explain and use specific terms (radiative forcing, global warming potential, sesilience, 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
Additional information:
Most of theorectical courses are lectures illustrated with power point presentations and videos. The topics considered in the theoretical course will be illustrated and expanded in practicals.
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.
All useful resources for the course are available online via eCampus (power point illustrations, supporting documents, autoevaluations, information, discussions,...). Note: downloading the documents is more efficient with a high speed connexion. Computer rooms are available on campus and the university has a efficient WiFi network.
Recommended or required readings
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
Additional information:
Assessment consists in :
- 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).
- 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
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) ; Tel. 04/3663817 (laboratoire), E-mail : m.carnol@uliege.be