Tools and methods for paleo-environmental reconstruction

Drawing on Ecology concepts and methods, this course aims to introduce students to historical ecology (the study of interactions between man and his environment over variable chronological periods) and its main applications in paleoecology and environmental science: climate change, biodiversity fluctuations, vegetation transformation, forest dynamics, disturbance ecology, bioarchaeology, etc. ORPAL is an APP course (1/3 fieldwork and 2/3 laboratory work). Work is carried out in pairs or trios, under the responsibility of a supervisor, and covers the entire research process, from defining the problem, field sampling and data acquisition to interpretation, writing a scientific article (see https://biologie-ecologie.com/exemples-travaux/) and oral presentation of results. ORPAM takes place during the first weeks of teaching. It begins with a 3-day field school (24h - integration internship) and continues with a mini-laboratory internship (24h). The course ends with the writing of a popular scientific article and an oral presentation of the results.

- Develop solid skills in field ecology, - Acquire a transdisciplinary vision of environmental sciences,

- Be able to produce a bibliographical synthesis justifying the questions and hypotheses, as well as the proposed methodology

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

- Know how to carry out a project within a group, - Know how to write an article to precise editorial standards,

- Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind,

- Be able to present your results orally in a way that is intelligible and accessible to a wide audience.

- Basic knowledge of ecology and environmental sciences,

- basic notions of data analysis,

- classic analytical skills.

100% continuous assessment