Teacher(s)

Schtickzelle Nicolas (compensates Van Dyck Hans); Van Dyck Hans;

Language

French

Main themes

1) Concepts in restoration ecology 2) Summary of ecological foundations/ecological theory 3) Restoration action as a multi-disciplinary process (including the importance of bridging the gap between 'science' and 'practice') 4) Available techniques for restoration of biotopes and landscapes 5) Translocation and re-introduction of species 6) Restoration experience with different types of biotopes (including dry grassland and heathlands, wet grasslands and mires, forests, rivers and floodplains, freshwater bodies)

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Restoration ecology is the field of study that provides the scientific background and underpinnings for practical ecological restoration of habitats, ecosystems, landscapes and their communities and species; a field that is currently undergoing expansion. Students are guided to explore to what extent available ecological theory and concepts can be made applicable in the specific, interventionist, trans-disciplinary context of ecological restoration. During the lectures, students will be trained to address these concepts in field case studies. Students need be aware of the significant gap between theory and practice and the crucial role of clear communication (and translation) from ecologists tot non-ecologist project members in restoration programmes. Students need also be aware of the opportunities restoration programmes may provide for testing ecological theory.

Content

This teaching unit focuses on the analysis and understanding of the principles of restoration ecology within the broader framework of conservation biology. The covered topics include: 1) the basic concepts of restoration ecology; 2) synthesis of ecological theory that is applied; 3) multi-disciplinary approaches in restoration ecology; 4) translocation and introduction of species; and 5) examples and evaluation of restoration projects in different habitats.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

There is a theoretical part (classroom lectures) and students also have to prepare an individual report. 
In the event that health regulations do not allow full face-to-face teaching, the course will be broadcast live via Microsoft Teams, either for all students or for a part (while the other part follows the face-to-face course). The course will be as interactive as possible with the possibility for each student to ask their questions live.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

There is a written exam on the theoretical part of the lectures with open questions (comprehension questions). For the practical course, the student has to prepare a report according to our guidelines. The theoretical exam counts 2/3 of the final mark, the report for 1/3. The student needs to get a sufficient score or mark (10/20 or more) for each part. It will not be tolerated to compensate an insufficient mark on one of the parts by a sufficient mark on the other.

Online resources

Moodle website

Faculty or entity

BIOL