Biological invasions and management

Contenu du cours

This course will examine the theoretical and applied aspects of invasive species ecology and management, including terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Major themes of the course will include: 1) ecological processes and the spread of invasive species; 2) impacts of invasive species; 3) invasive species management; and 4) policies and regulations involving invasive species.In this human-shaped epoch that is the Anthropocene, the spread and establishment of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is regarded as one of the main threats to biodiversity worldwide. Highly adaptable and competitive, these invaders spread and establish quickly upon introduction into a novel environment, especially when this is disturbed by anthropogenic activities.

This course will cover following subjects:

-An introduction to invasion ecology

-Transport vectors and pathways

-Ecological processes and the spread of invasive species

-Impacts of invasive species

-Management of invasive species

-Policy and legislation involving invasive species

-Education and outreach with regard to invasive species

Guest speakers from various academic and/or professional sectors which are experts in certain invasive taxonomic groups will be invited to illustrate their specific view and approach of the problem.

Objectifs (et/ou acquis d'apprentissages spécifiques)

Upon completion of the course a student must be able to:

-Explain the history of invasion ecology.

-Outline the stages of the invasion process.

-Describe and critically evaluate the hypotheses to explain biological invasions.

-Summarize the effects of invasions on communities and ecosystems.

-List the possible management strategies for invasions and their pros and cons.

-Frame biological invasions within the science-policy interface.

-Understand the added value of education and public awareness for successful prevention and management of invasive species.

-Synthesize and critique about primary literature.

-Discuss literature with fellow scientists and orally present.

Méthodes d'enseignement et activités d'apprentissages

interactive lectures, class discussions, oral presentation

Références, bibliographie et lectures recommandées

No specific textbook is used. Powerpoint slides and relevant scientific and opinion papers will be made available.

The following book can be useful:

-Lockwood et al. Invasion Ecology (2013) Wiley-Blackwell

Contribution au profil d'enseignement

1.1. Renforcer ses connaissances en Biologie et les utiliser tant dans une démarche scientifique fondamentale que dans une perspective appliquée.
1.2. Acquérir des savoirs par une recherche personnelle et critique de la littérature scientifique.
1.5. Identifier et utiliser des outils moléculaires, biochimiques et morphologiques appropriés pour étudier le fonctionnement et/ou l’évolution des organismes.
3.2. Faire preuve de créativité, d’autonomie afin de produire un savoir original.

Autres renseignements

Contacts

Mail: istiers@vub.be

Campus

Hors campus ULB, Plaine, Solbosch

Evaluation

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

Portfolio
Examen oral

Portfolio

Examen oral

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 20% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

oral exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 80% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

Presentation with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 20% of the final mark.

Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)