Movement ecology

Teacher(s)

Evens Ruben (compensates Van Dyck Hans); Van Dyck Hans;

Language

English

Content

This teaching unit focuses on the analysis, understanding and application of the up-to date knowledge about the ecology and evolution of mobility (movements) in wild organisms. Covered topics include:
1. Movement ecology paradigm
2. Motivation et capacity to move
3. Methods of organismal movement research 
4. Foraging and mate location movements
5. Migration (i.e. seasonal movement from one region to another)
6. Dispersal (i.e. process of spreading from a local population)
7. Colonization movements and range shifts of species under climate change
8. Movement Ecology: from conservation biology to pest management

Teaching methods

This teaching unit consists of a theoretical part in a lecture room (i.e. ex cathedra lectures based on a series of PowerPoint slides and multiple interactions with the students). There is also a practical part (TP/vol.2), which includes for one part individual work (or in small groups) and for the other part group sessions with all students (according to the guidelines that will be explained at the beginning of the first theoretical lecture). For the practical part of the course, students will have to prepare a presentation on a research question from the field of Movement Ecology. All information will be available on the Moodle site of this course. 
Lectures are in english.

Evaluation methods

A written exam that will check the acquired competences in the field of Movement Ecology based on the theoretical course. This exam will count for 60% of the finale mark. The oral presentation of the practical part of the course is also evaluated and will count for 40% of the final mark. Each student has to present both parts to obtain a final mark.

Online resources

Moodle website

Teaching materials

• Diapositives et articles scientifiques (sur Moodle)

Faculty or entity

> BIOL