Tools and Methods for Reconstructing Paleoenvironment

Drawing on concepts and methods from ecology, this course unit aims to introduce students to and provide hands-on experience with historical ecology (the study of interactions between humans and their environment over varying time periods) and its main applications in paleoecology and environmental sciences: climate change, fluctuations in biodiversity, vegetation changes, forest dynamics, disturbance ecology, bioarchaeology… ORPAL is a course taught through applied practical training (1/3 fieldwork and 2/3 laboratory practicals). The work, carried out in pairs or groups of three under the supervision of an instructor, covers the entire research process, from defining the research question, field sampling, and data collection, all the way through to interpretation, writing a scientific article (see https://biologie-ecologie.com/exemples-travaux/), and an oral presentation of the results. ORPAM takes place during the first few weeks of the semester. This course unit begins with a 3-day field school (24 hours—orientation workshop) and continues with a short laboratory workshop (24 hours). The course unit concludes with the writing of a popular science article and an oral presentation of the results.

- Develop strong skills in field ecology, - Gain a transdisciplinary perspective in environmental sciences,

- Be able to conduct a literature review to support the research questions and hypotheses, as well as the proposed methodology

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

- Be able to successfully carry out a project as part of a group, - Be able to write an article in accordance with specific writing 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.

- Basic concepts in ecology and environmental science,

- basic concepts in data analysis,

- traditional analytical skills.

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%