Training structure
Faculty of Science
List of courses
Choose 3 out of 7
Bayesian approach to variability
2 creditsAdvanced exploration of multidimensional data EXADIM
2 creditsConservation biology
2 creditsImpacts of climate change on organisms,
2 creditsEcology of marine and coastal ecosystems
2 credits8hTools and methods for the dynamic study of marine ecosystems
2 credits3hBehavioral ecology
2 credits6h
Bayesian approach to variability
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
1. Bayesian inference: Motivation and simple example.
2. The likelihood.
3. A detour to explore priors.
4. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods (MCMC)
5. Bayesian analyses in R with the Jags software.
6. Compare scientific hypotheses with model selection (WAIC).
7. Heterogeneity and multilevel models (also known as mixed models).
Advanced exploration of multidimensional data EXADIM
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Time of year
Autumn
The module aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of statistical analyses of spatial and temporal constraints: classification and ordination under constraints, '2-table ordination methods and statistical tests: canonical analyses (AFD, CCA, RDA, CAP), 'statistical tests on distance matrices, matrix comparison (PERMANOVA, Mantel, Procrustes)
Conservation biology
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Time of year
Autumn
The courses present four aspects of conservation biology based on current scientific research in this discipline:
- Introduction to biodiversity conservation(BC): definition of conservation biology. Why conserve biodiversity? Who are the main players in BC and what role does science play in BC?
- Species conservation: Which species are priorities? How can species be conserved? How can we tell if a species is "well conserved"?
- Conserving spaces: Which spaces are priorities? How can spaces be conserved?
- Does conservation work?The importance of social acceptability and political commitment. The need for biodiversity indicators and measuring the impact of conservation.
Students also carry out group work in which they present a BC project, focusing on the following questions: why, what, where, how, how much does it cost, and how can we know if it is effective?
Impacts of climate change on organisms,
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
The objectives of this EU are to explore key concepts related to climate change, illustrate important notions in ecology and evolution in light of climate change in many different ecosystems, and summarize the various scientific and societal issues and challenges posed by CC.
Ecology of marine and coastal ecosystems
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Hours per week
8h
"The content of this course unit consists of three main parts: I - Physical characterization and biogeochemical cycles of coastal marine ecosystems II - Biodiversity and functioning of coastal marine ecosystems III - Coastal and maritime law; uses, conflicts, and integrated management of the coastal zone. This course offers students a systemic approach to the study of coastal marine ecosystems from a highly multidisciplinary perspective. The physical structure of these ecosystems will be addressed through courses on their geomorphology and hydrology, with a particular focus on water connections with the open sea and their catchment areas. Their biogeochemistry will be addressed, in particular to describe carbon and nutrient flows through water and sediment compartments. Several aspects of their biodiversity will be illustrated to describe the importance of these ecosystems as habitats for dependent species, with a particular focus on the role of this biodiversity in their functioning. The coastal zone is densely populated by humans (40% of the world's population). Particular attention will be paid to human uses (e.g., aquaculture) and their territorial planning, including the assessment of their ecosystem services in an economic context, management and protection measures (e.g., Marine Protected Areas, Natura 2000), and professionals involved in the management of these environments will present concrete feedback. Finally, the implications of maritime law for the management of coastal areas will be taught. "
Tools and methods for the dynamic study of marine ecosystems
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Hours per week
3h
The module covers topics related to identifying, quantifying, and modeling interactions between climate, marine species, and their exploitation.
Behavioral ecology
ECTS
2 credits
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Hours per week
6h
Behavioral ecology approaches the study of behavior from an evolutionary perspective in order to examine its mechanisms, function, and contribution to evolutionary and ecological processes. Research conducted in behavioral ecology helps us understand other phenomena observed in other disciplines of biology, as all animals, from single-celled organisms to the most complex vertebrates, exhibit behavior.
The module exposes students to various basic concepts and the multitude of tools that can be used (observations and experiments in natural populations or on captive individuals, comparative analyses, use of modeling tools, ecophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, embedded electronics, etc.). Part of the training is based on specific discussions about the research approaches that can be used, the tools employed, and the limits of the inferences that can be made. Students will be asked to participate actively at these different levels, particularly through critical discussions of articles.
The topics covered range from exploring food supply strategies, partner selection, habitat choice, and investment in reproduction, to the study of animal communication and the reasons for living in groups. The historical dimension of the discipline is addressed in the introduction, but also according to the sensitivity of the speakers and the topics covered (meaning and relationships between 'Animal Behavior', 'Ethology', Behavioral Ecology, etc.).