6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4007683ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
The field trip has a destination (usually within the EU) which does not have Belgium's 'familiarity' to the students. The selected destinations show important ecological and biogeographic contrasts or gradients (e.g. isolated mountains, islands, specific landscapes such as a karst region or soil formation such as on gypsum).
A preparatory assignment will familiarise the student with specific aspects of the area which is to be visited (location, biogeographic relations, use of soil, climate, etc.). These projects, prepared in small groups, will be presented to other students in the field. On location, typical places will be visited, sometimes as punctual visits (e.g. differently exposed shores of an island), sometimes as a part of longer hikes along an ecological gradient (e.g. altitudinal zonation along the flank of a mountain from sea level to the oromediterranean or alpine area).
For the observations, different vegetation science techniques (Braun-Blanquet scores, Bunce-land surveillance, plotless vegetation recording methods, transects and the like) or faunistic collection techniques (insect traps, bird observations, infralittoral sampling by snorkeling) may be applied. Old land use forms may be studied by interview survey techniques.
Since the environment as a whole should be looked at in the visited area, viz. including human presence, where relevant, attention will be given to historical-cultural aspects (e.g. types of agriculture, transhumance, fisheries, presence of various population groups, palaeontology, ancient and recent history and its impact on the environment. This may include a biogeographic and ecological perspective of local markets, a fish auction. If possible and relevant, contact will be made (seminar, field work) with a local scientific team. With this approach the three dimensions: biogeography, ecology, human aspects, will be integrated. Particular attention will be given to environmental and nature management issues, including local and/or European legislation and its implementation. Thus, the link from ecological theory to the reality in the field will be made visible.
Carbon offsetting as well as avoidance that our presence brings disease vectors (e.g. Batrachochytrium spp.) is both part of the excursion theme and applied practice.
Cooperation with geography students provides the field trip with a multidisciplinary character and this will be exploited during preparation (geology, physical geography, climatology, tourism). Teamwork and leadership in teamwork is encouraged, it will be supported and it is an evaluated competence.
The observations will be processed, as much as possible, on location or at a "base station" (determination, counting, observation). All data will finally be integrated into a final report along with the preparatory works, which demand a major effort during and after the excursion.
A few examples of locations explored in this manner are the karst area (incl. cave biology) of Slovenia, the coastal and mountain region of Northwest and Central Corsica, the Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa in Greece, the island Tenerife, the island Crete, the island Madeira, the Sierra Nevada and Cabo de Gata (Andalucia), French and Spanish Catalonia, the island Mallorca etc.
Previous knowledge
The bachelor courses make up a solid base. Specific knowledge of participants may be an asset which is exploited. Preparatory work will familiarise the student with a number of aspects specific to the destination before the field trip.
A good physical condition is required for some field work activities !
Study Material
Specific and extensive scientific literature for every destination.
Additional Information
A financial contribution of 500-600 € will be demanded for participation (2016-17).
The excursion period will comprise weekend and holiday periods in May, with teaching activities.
If a longer hike is part of the excursion, material (both personal and scientific group material) for 2-3 days will be carried, on foot.
Period of lecturing:
Second semester
This course explicitly contributes to the following competences of the Biology curriculum:
General
- Evaluate the societal relevance (I)
- Evaluate the scientific relevance (II)
- Report in various ways (III)
Field specific
- Problem solving as a thinking process (IV)
- Plan and conduct research in an autonomous way (V)
- Extrapolation between different scientific fields (VI)
- Recognize and work out bio-ethical implications (VII)
The field trip abroad aims to stimulate the student to formulate questions about the ecological and biogeographic factors which determine floral and faunal composition in a (semi)natural environment (mostly the Mediterranean area) which is new to him/her and has important ecological contrasts and gradients.
Having gained experience during the field trip, the student should be able to analyse an environment and to suggest an approach for the scientific explanation of observations concerning ecology and biogeography (hypothesis). This also involves the steps required in order to collect scientific data from an unfamiliar area. Handling gaps in scientific material and works in other languages (not only Dutch and English) is part of the training. Systematic work is a tool, not a goal of the field trip.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 20% of the final mark.
SELF Report determines 80% of the final mark.
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the SELF Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The final mark is computed with the following proportions : report 80%, permanent evaluation 20%, for each element the student must obtain > 8/20, otherwise the lowest mark is overriding.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Education (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: biologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)