Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Acquire, understand and use knowledge in the fields of biology and other fields
• Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of life to understand questions and solve situations related to biology
• Integrate knowledge from other fields of knowledge with biology (earth science, physics, chemistry, mathematics), in a critical way, to foster an interdisciplinary approach
• Solve issues relevant to biology
• Have developed practical skills in the various fields of biology through practical sessions in the laboratory and in the field, during which they have worked individually or in groups
• Make accurate observations in the context of activities in the field and in the laboratory
• Analyse and interpret, in an appropriate way, biological data collected in natura, through dissection or based on an experimental protocol in the laboratory
• Apply a scientific approach and critical thinking
• Understand and apply the basic principles of reasoning (obtaining data, analysis, synthesis, comparison, rule of three, syllogism, analogy, etc.)
• Work with efficiency / accuracy / precision
• Present a hypothesis and hypothetical-deductive reasoning
• Develop critical thinking, test and monitor conclusions understanding the domain of validity, and explore alternative hypotheses
• Manage doubt and uncertainty
• Develop autonomy, set training objectives and make choices to achieve them
• Organise time and work, individually and in groups
• Prioritise
• Manage stress regardless of events (exams, presentations, etc.)

Learning Outcomes of UE

At the end of the lectures and practical work in Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology, the student will have acquired a good understanding of the theoretical notions concerning the study of biodiversity, the evolution of organisms and general ecology. A transdisciplinary and holistic approach is used here in order to create links between these major disciplines of the biology of organisms and allows the acquisition of new skills, such as comparative anatomy, especially of vertebrates (as a complement to the 2nd bachelor's degree course in Zoology).

This course also includes 4 excursions and the completion of a personal project by the student (insect box + herbarium)

Content of UE

The Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology course investigates the interactions between ecological factors, the selection they can generate on organisms, and the impact that this selection can have on local and global biodiversity. This course, in addition to the notions taught in Bachelors I and II, allows students to acquire a very good global knowledge of ecology, evolution and the functioning of living organisms in interaction with their environment, from the individual scale to that of the ecosystem or biosphere. This course involves theory, practical work and visits (e.g., Natural History museums).

Comparative Anatomy of vertebrates (in addition to the Bac 2 Zoology course):

   -Course 1: General presentation of vertebrates (Craniata)
   -Course 2 and 3: Skulls and skeletons
   -Course 4: The integument and the phaneres
   -Lessons and 5: The respiratory system

   -Practical training 1: The first chordates
   -TP 2 : Excursion : Visit of the Museum of Zoology of the ULB

Part Biodiversity and ecology :

   -Course 1: General organization of the Biosphere
   -Course 2: Ecology of individuals and populations
   -Course 3: Ecology of communities
   -Course 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
   -Course 5: Conservation Biology

   -Practical training 1: Methodological initiation - herbarium and insect box
   -TP 2: Excursion to the Piges slag heap
   -TP 3: Field trip - characterization of bioindicators of a river
   -TP4: Field trip - tide in the North Sea

   -Creation of a report associated with an insect box and a herbarium

Prior Experience

Notions of General Biology and Zoology (Biology courses BA1 and 2)

Type of Assessment for UE in Q2

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral Examination
• Written examination
• Practical test

Q2 UE Assessment Comments

The examination consists of a mixed assessment of written exercises and a face-to-face oral examination with the teachers.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral examination
• Written examination
• Practical Test

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

The examination consists of a mixed assessment of written exercises and a face-to-face oral examination with the teachers.