2023-2024 / PAYS0007-2

Introduction to landscape analysis and modeling

Duration

8h Th, 8h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in forests and natural areas engineering (120 ECTS)2 crédits 

Lecturer

Jean-François Bastin

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The lectures can be divided in two parts: (i) a theoretical part in which a series of concepts and principles will be explained and (ii) a more applied part in which the students will have the opportunity to quantify and interpret landscape spatial patterns. The first part will be composed of the discussion of a series of concepts and techniques useful for the description and quantification of landscape pattern and its dynamics. This approach is based on the "pattern/process paradigm" which relates spatial pattern to landscape ecological processes, and on the "patch-corridor-matrix" landscape model, which divides landscape elements in three categories. Next to the theoretical part, a series of exercises (individual or in group) on the computer will be presented using innovative data analysis platforms such as R and Google Earth Engine. The aim of the lectures is to develop a conceptual and academic course, in which the students are offered a series of techniques and notions useful for the quantification of spatial pattern and for its ecological interpretation. 
The contents of the course can change as a function of scientific or educational opportunities or constraints.

The class will be fully given in English.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, student will be able (i) to understand and use the concepts of landscape spatial pattern; (ii) to understand and use indices of landscape pattern; (iii) to interpret the consequences of landscape pattern for landscape ecological functioning.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

prerequisite : Course of "Landscape ecology concepts". Basic course of ecology.

corequisite : Geomatics and Remote Sensing

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Classes are given live (except if advised differently by authorities due to the covid crisis) and will all include the presentation of practical exercices.

A session of Q/A will be organized for both the theoretical and applied part with the teaching assistant, during december.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Classes are given live (except if advised differently by authorities due to the covid crisis) and will all include the presentation of practical exercices.

Individual and group exercises on the computer (self-planning but compulsory participation). Seminars. Individual or group readings of scientific articles in english.

Recommended or required readings

Readings and course notes will be communicated during the lectures and provided by the MyULg system. A significant part will be in english.

Oral exam of the theoretical courses and the reports of the exercises. Assessment of the reports of the exercises. Assessment of the individual readings at the oral exam. Evaluation details will be communicated in the classroom.
Depending on the evolution of the covid-19 crisis, a choice will be made between a face-to-face oral examination and a remote oral examination.

Work placement(s)

None.

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Presence at the theoretical courses is recommended. Every student has to understand well all aspects of the exercises, also for the group exercises which are organized by the students themselves.
The organizational arrangements, educational activities and content of this course may change as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Contacts

Professor Jean-François BASTIN (jfbastin@uliege.be)

Association of one or more MOOCs