Ecology: Concepts and Experiments

The objective of this course unit is to design a research project on one of the major themes in ecology, such as ecological niche, biogeography, ecological interaction networks, or functional diversity. A brief overview of the major theories and concepts within these broad ecological themes is presented by guest lecturers who are specialists in these fields. This overview is followed by one or more examples illustrating the conceptual foundations for formulating a relevant and novel research question and how to address it using various methodologies—particularly experimental ones—drawn from the lecturers’ own research. After selecting one of these major themes, each student develops an original research project (on the scale of a Master’s 2 internship), conducting a literature review and proposing a coherent experimental design to test the hypotheses. This project is presented to the instructors and fellow students.

-Draw on the theoretical and conceptual framework of ecology as a basis for analyzing a problem and/or research question.

-Using scientific literature to develop scientific questions.

-Develop a relevant hypothesis and propose an experimental approach to test it.

-To foster critical thinking and scientific creativity.

- In-depth knowledge of ecological theories and concepts.

- Experience in literature reviews.

- Ability to think independently.

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%