Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• In the field of biological sciences and particularly in the field of the biology of organisms and ecology, possess highly specialised and integrated knowledge and a wide range of skills adding to those covered in the Bachelor's programme in biological sciences.
• Conduct extensive research and development projects related to biological sciences, in the biology of organisms and ecology.
• Apply, mobilise, articulate and promote the knowledge and skills acquired in order to help lead and complete a project.
• Contributing to a project by mastering its complexity and taking into account the objectives, allocated resources and constraints that characterise it.
• Show initiative and be able to work independently and in teams.
• Manage and lead research, development and innovation projects.
• Understand unprecedented problems in biological sciences, and more specifically in the biology of organisms, ecology and its applications.
• Organise and lead a research, development or innovation project to completion.
• Methodically research valid scientific information, critically analyse, propose and argue potentially innovative solutions to targeted problems.
• Master communication techniques.
• Communicate, both orally and in writing, their findings, original proposals, knowledge and underlying principles, in a clear, structured and justified manner.
• Master the techniques of written and oral scientific communication in both French and English.
• Adapt their communication to a variety of audiences.
• Develop and integrate a high degree of autonomy.
• Aquire new knowledge independently.
• Pursue further training and develop new skills independently.
• Develop and integrate a high degree of autonomy to evolve in new contexts.
• Apply scientific methodology.
• Critically reflect on the impact of their discipline in general, and on the contribution to projects.
• Demonstrate thoroughness, independence, creativity, intellectual honesty, and ethical values.
• Animal testing.
• Have acquired the legal training in management to use laboratory animals.

Learning Outcomes of UE

At the end of this course, students will be able to master identification tools and identify the most common species of butterflies, Odonata, Orthoptera and vascular plants in Belgium. This integrated hands-on naturalist training course puts the emphasis on bioindicator organisms and species under Natura 2000 protection status, through field trips, extensively illustrated course materials, collection specimens and regional identification keys.

UE Content: description and pedagogical relevance

Elements of the anatomy, ecology and conservation of each taxonomic group will first be covered in theoretical training, accompanied by identification exercises on specimens in collections or photographed in natura. The skills developed during these sessions will then be perfected through field outings during which rigorous inventories will be carried out, preparing students for the types of activities carried out by biodiversity experts.

Prior Experience

Botanical and entomological systematics.