Course Syllabus (PDF)

Course Syllabus

Synopsis

The fundamentals and latest knowledge in functional ecology and ecophysiology for an integrative (from the individual to the ecosystem) and comprehensive understanding of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem functioning in response to natural variations and changes of anthropic origin.

Aims

Provide a broad overview of ecosystem functioning for a variety of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem types, and key concepts in ecophysiology and functional ecology.

Objectives

To understand and be able to carry out a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem functioning built on the inclusion of several ecosystem components and levels of organization, from the individual to the whole ecosystem. To be able to evaluate the effects of ongoing and predicted environmental changes (especially climate change) on key components of ecosystem functioning.

Key Skills Acquired

At the end of this Unit, you should:

  1. know the basics and components of ecosystem functioning (ecosystem properties and processes),
  2. be able to analyze the effects of environmental and anthropic pressures at the organism (aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals) and ecosystem levels,
  3. understand how organisms can influence ecosystem functioning.

Syllabus

Topics covered include:

  • terrestrial plant hydraulics (basics, regulation, dysfunction and consequences on plant survival in response to environmental variations)
  • functional traits and diversity, from the individual level to ecosystem functioning; implication for the understanding and prediction of ecosystem response to environmental changes
  • structure, functioning and dynamics of freshwater ecosystems

Learning&Teaching

  • Lectures: 20.5 hr
  • Case studies: 8 hr
  • Practicalwork: 3.5 hr
  • Field trips: 8 hr

Teaching Staff  

ML Benot (Coord.)

C Aimon

S Delzon

Semester: 1

Timetable slot: To be advised

ECTS: 6            

Level: compulsory         

Bibliography

  • Garnier E., Navas M.L. &Grigulis K. 2016. Plant functional diversity, Organism traits, community structure and ecosystem properties, Oxford University Press.
  • Hopkins WG. 2009. Introduction to plant physiology, John Wiley & Sons Inc.
  • Lambers H., Chapin III F.S & Pons T.L. 2008. Plant Physiological Ecology, 2nd ed, Springer.
  • Larcher W. 2003. Physiological Plant Ecology, 4th ed, Berlin: Springer.
  • Reynolds, C. 2006. Ecology of Phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, GBR.
  • Taiz L. & Zeiger E. 2002. Plant Physiology, 3rd ed, Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. (available online).
  • Wetzel, 2001. Limnology: Lake and River ecosystems, 3rd ed., Academic Press.

Assessment

  • Written theory examination (60%)
  • Case study and oral presentation (40%)

Course Evaluation

By completion of University Unit Evaluation Questionnaire by students, annual assessment by Unit Coordinator

Course Syllabus (PDF)