Ecology 1: Concepts, Tools, and Applications

The overall objective is to reinforce the students’ foundational knowledge of ecology and to provide them with the tools to apply this knowledge in an integrated manner to interpret the functioning of ecological systems. The curriculum includes: 1) lectures covering ecological concepts ranging from the population level to macroecological scales, supported by practical examples that place the discipline within the current ecological and societal context; 2) practical and guided exercises focused on tools (sampling strategies, modeling, data analysis); 3) fieldwork sessions during which students are encouraged to ask relevant scientific questions based on in-situ observations and to apply their knowledge to answer these questions in a well-reasoned manner.

Summary of the learning unit:

- CM: History of the emergence of concepts in ecology; Population dynamics / metapopulations; Biotic interactions and food webs; Community ecology, metacommunities; Ecosystem ecology / functional ecology; Concepts of macroecology / biogeography; Global change and ecosystem functioning;

- Fieldwork: Integrative analysis of ecosystem functioning in real-world settings;

- Tutorials/Lab Sessions: sampling and experimental strategies in ecology; modeling of population dynamics/metapopulations, community/metacommunity ecology, and food webs; measures of biodiversity (alpha, beta, etc.)."

- Knowledge of the history of the development of concepts in ecology;

- A solid grasp of the theoretical foundations of ecology, ranging from the population level (linking this to population genetics, which is covered in the Evolution course in the first semester) to macroecological scales;

- Ability to connect the theoretical framework of ecology and evolutionary biology;

- Knowledge of the societal issues related to biodiversity and the functioning of ecological systems;

- Proficiency in basic ecological modeling tools (population/metapopulation dynamics, communities, food webs);

- Ability to design a sampling or experimental strategy to address an ecological question;

- Ability to characterize biodiversity at various scales (alpha, beta, gamma), knowledge of inventory and analysis methods.

- Advanced level in general ecology

- Skills acquired in the ecology courses of the bachelor’s degree program (functional ecology, community ecology).

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%