Duration
36h Th, 6h Pr, 6h Vis.
Number of credits
| Advanced Master in Management of Food Chain Safety | 4 crédits | |||
| Advanced Master in Integrated Health Risk Management | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Roseline Beudels, Fany Brotcorne, Dorothée Denayer, Bruno Frederich, Patrick Kestemont, Anne Laudisoit, Simon Lhoest, Annick Linden, Johan Michaux
Coordinator
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
This module introduces the concepts, modes of thinking, and techniques used in environmental sciences, which are essential for developing an ecosystem-based approach of health. The module's trajectory progressively guides the learner toward integrating the role of the environmental dimension in global health. To achieve this, the module addresses the following topics successively:
1) Ecosystem Functioning and Global Changes
The first part aims to introduce general concepts in ecology, particularly related to the components (interrelations between biotope, biocenosis, biome, population, community) and mechanisms (dynamics and resilience) of natural ecosystems defined as complex adaptive systems. The second part reflectively introduces the concepts of ecosystem services and global changes, along with their repercussions in socio-ecosystems in the Anthropocene era.
2) Ecotoxicology (2 days)
This part introduces the basic principles of ecotoxicology and environmental risk management by addressing various sources of environmental pollution, the effects of pollutants on organisms' health, as well as concepts and techniques for assessing and measuring the toxicities of pollutants through theoretical frameworks and practical laboratory work.
3) Biodiversity Health
Viewed through the lens of global changes, this part discusses various issues related to the biodiversity crisis (fauna and flora) and the consequent depletion of ecological functions. It begins with an evolutionary perspective on mass extinctions and a discussion of anthropogenic pressures on the current status of biodiversity. Some indicators of the health of forest ecosystems will be covered (specific and functional diversity) by introducing the principles and limitations of modeling the effects of ecosystem disruptions (deforestation, climate change) through case studies. Finally, an integrated analysis of ecological, socio-cultural, and sanitary issues related to the exploitation of biological resources and bushmeat trade will be proposed.
A two-day field training at the Hautes-Fagnes scientific station will allow learners to apply various biomonitoring methods (small mammal capture, camera trap).
4) Role of Biodiversity in Disease Regulation and Operationalization of the One Health Approach
The first part will develop the relationships between changes in the dynamics of animal populations (especially at the spatial and genetic levels) and the circulation of infectious agents. Thus, the consequences of global changes on the diversity of animal-microbial communities and, more generally, the role of biodiversity in disease regulation, will be illustrated through case studies. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of genetic methods (next-generation) in studying diseases, their hosts, and vectors.
The second part will consist of an short introductory lecture (approaches, concepts, and analytical tools) followed by a practical workshop for collaborative reflection on the operationalization of the One Health/Eco Health approaches based on study cases.
5) Integrative Management of Nature through a Socio-Ecological Approach
This final part integratively addresses frameworks and management modes of environmental issues and associated health risks, with a specific focus on social challenges through participatory management. The role of the complexity of human-animal-environment relationships in the emergence and management of the human-wildlife conflicts will be discussed.
All course materials will be shared through online platforms.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Upon completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
Know - Understand - Apply:
- Define the different components of an ecosystem, their interactions, and ecological functions.
- Explain the concepts of ecosystem dynamics and resilience.
- Identify the ecological, socio-cultural, and economic determinants of ecosystem health.
- Describe the services provided by ecosystems.
- Describe ecosystem disruptions and the role of anthropogenic activities.
- Present and illustrate indicators of ecosystem health.
- Identify various sources of environmental pollution and illustrate the effects of pollutants on the health of organisms and populations.
- Explain the basic principles of eco-toxicology and the practical implications of applying techniques to measure the toxicity of pollutants at the environmental scale.
- Describe the role of biodiversity in disease regulation and the repercussions of environmental disturbances on population dynamics.
- Explain the basic principles of biodiversity monitoring and ecological modeling, as well as the practical implications of applying techniques to measure the health status of biodiversity and the functions it performs.
- Apply environmental science concepts relevant to a co-design process with professionals.
- Develop an ecosystem-based approach to health by integrating the interrelationships between different components of an ecosystem.
- Incorporate the contributions of knowledge and techniques in ecotoxicology into an ecosystem-based approach to health.
- Incorporate the contributions of knowledge and techniques in biodiversity monitoring and management into an ecosystem-based approach to health.
- Develop a multi-level analysis (climate, landscape, community, population) in understanding the determinants of the circulation of infectious agents.
- Plan the operationalization of the Eco Health approach in health issue management.
- Incorporate the complexities of human-animal relationships into conflict and risk management.
- Critically and integratively analyze the frameworks and management approaches of biodiversity in socio-ecosystems and their links to epidemic prevention and management.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
In addition to the general prerequisites defined for the specialized master's program, this module specifically refers to the modules : "Zoonoses, Context, and Dynamics of Emergence" (GIRS0006-1) and "Transdisciplinary Approach to Collective Action" (GIRS002-1).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The module will consist of 30 hours of seminars, utilizing active learning methods (class discussions, study case analyses, group workshops...) as well as 18 hours of practical work, including laboratory sessions and a field trainingship to the Hautes-Fagnes scientific station.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The teaching is conducted in person. Exceptionally, certain lectures of the module may be conducted remotely based on the availability of the instructors.
Recommended or required readings
The readings and lecture notes (slides) will be shared in sync with the class sessions.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
The evaluation for the module is based on a group reflective work about an environmental issue (of choice) to be orally defended on the evaluation day (using a PowerPoint presentation). Specifically, this evaluation will focus on the higher-order learning outcomes listed above (Analyze - Synthesize - Evaluate).
Work placement(s)
A two-day field training to the Hautes-Fagnes scientific station (Mont-Rigi) will allow learners to put into practice various biodiversity monitoring methods (small mammal capture, camera trap).
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The first part of the module (Ecosystem Functioning and Global Changes; Ecotoxicology) takes place in the first semester, while the second part takes place during the second semester.
The lecture sessions and associated practical exercises in ecotoxicology (P. Kestemont) are held at the University of Namur. The campus is easily accessible by train between Liège and Namur. The other sessions will take place at ULiege.
The field training (2 days) will take place at the Hautes-Fagnes scientific station. Warm and waterproof clothing, as well as field shoes, are necessary for outdoor activities. Round-trip transportation between Liège and the scientific station is organized by the co-instructors. An overnight stay on-site is planned.
Contacts
Fany Brotcorne: fbrotcorne@uliege.be