Tools and methods for reconstructing paleoenvironments

Based on ecological concepts and methods, this course unit aims to introduce students to historical ecology (the study of interactions between humans and their environment over varying periods of time) and its main applications in paleoecology and environmental sciences: climate change, fluctuations in biodiversity, vegetation transformation, forest dynamics, disturbance ecology, bioarchaeology, etc. ORPAL is an APP course (1/3 fieldwork and 2/3 laboratory work). The work, carried out in pairs or groups of three under the supervision of a mentor, covers the entire research process, from defining the problem field sampling, data acquisition, to interpretation, writing a scientific article (see https://biologie-ecologie.com/exemples-travaux/), and oral presentation of the results. ORPAM takes place during the first weeks of the academic year. This course unit begins with a three-day field school (24 hours - integration course) and continues with a mini laboratory course (24 hours). The course unit ends with the writing of a popular science article and an oral presentation of the results.

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

- Be able to produce a bibliographic summary justifying the questions and hypotheses, as well as the proposed methodology.

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

- Ability to successfully complete a project within a group, - Ability to write an article following specific editorial standards,

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

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

- Basic concepts in ecology and environmental science,

- basic concepts in data analysis,

- traditional analytical skills.

Continuous assessment: 100%