Tools and Methods for Reconstructing Paleoenvironments

ORPAL is an ecology course offered as an APP (1/3 fieldwork and 2/3 laboratory practicals). Drawing on concepts and methods from ecology, this course aims to introduce students to historical ecology (the study of interactions between humans and their environment over varying time periods) and its main applications in paleoecology, from defining the research question, field sampling, and data collection, all the way through to interpretation and the writing of a scientific paper (see https://biologie-ecologie.com/exemples-travaux/). This course serves as an interesting theoretical and experimental prerequisite for the ACCES, CEPAGE, PALEONTOLOGY, ECOSYSTEMS, or BIOGET tracks.

-basic concepts in ecology,

-basic concepts in data analysis,

-traditional analytical skills

-Develop strong skills in field ecology,

-Develop a transdisciplinary perspective in the environmental sciences,

-Be able to apply and implement a methodological and analytical protocol,

-The ability to successfully carry out a project as part of a team,

-Know how to write an article in accordance with specific editorial standards,

-Be able to develop a logical argument using critical thinking,

-Be able to present one's findings orally in a way that is clear and accessible to a broad audience.