Introductory Field Session M1


Description:

The introductory field session enables us to (i) present the overall direction of the Masters and the different specialties within it; and (ii) to give a common basis in functional and evolutionary ecology to all the students. The session takes place over a week, and is based near Pontarlier in the Jura area. This facilitates the integration of students and teachers in a friendly context, outside the University.

This unit includes :

  • Seminars in the classroom and the field by lecturers from Besançon and Dijon.
  • A tutored project in small groups, where students must develop a protocol aimed at addressing a research question
  • Oral presentation of this protocol.

Learning Objectives:

Theoretical learning outcomes:
• Extending knowledge, through field approaches, about basic concepts of functional and evolutionary ecology, and about the different steps of the scientific approach.
Technical learning outcomes:
• Working through one or several precise and relevant research question(s).
• Designing an adapted and realistic sampling protocol.
• Working in a group and orally presenting in English, using a written visual support, results concerning a scientific question and the related sampling protocol.

Prerequisite:

Basic knowledge in ecology and biodiversity, and in taxonomy and fauna and flora inventories.

Assessment:

Oral presentation by group, at the end of the field session.

Recommended Reading:

Guide naturaliste du Jura.

Related Media:

Into the Wild. 1996. John Krakauer (book)
Into the Wild. 2007. Sean Penn (movie)

Coordinator:

Francis RAOUL, francis.raoul@univ-fcomte.fr