Learning outcomes

 
Understanding of how biological interactions (within and between species) influence how effects of chemicals scale up from traits to populations and communities.
 
Understanding of how these interactions can lead to direct and indirect effects of chemicals.
 
An ability to use a pre-coded eco(toxico)logical model to assess population- and community-level effects.
 
Interpretation of modelling results and synthesis of ecotoxicological effects.
 
Soft skills: working in groups, project management; communication in French and English.

Goals

To learn the students how to calculate the effects of a chemical on populations and communities, and to be able to compare results obtained through various techniques.

Content

The course deals with the issue of chemical effects in an environmentally realistic setting: i.e. using population- and community-level endpoints. Also ecosystem-level consequences are discussed. Following the theoretical lectures, the students are introduced to several modelling tools (including matrix models and models in continuous time). The students are then invited to apply these tools to solve one or more problems. 

Table of contents

 
Introduction: definitions, motivation of the course
 
Self-study of the topic by the students;
 
Q&A session on the topic (population and community dynamics);
 
Populations : Endpoints, determinants (chemical and ecological) of effects on populations. Introduction to corresponding models.
 
Communities : Endpoints, determinants (chemical and ecological) of effects on communities.,Introduction to corresponding models.
 
Ecosystems : The consequences of effects on communities for ecosystem functions.
 
Introduction to the problem;
 
Q&A sessions and progress meetings.

Exercices

 
Application of ecological models to quantify chemical effects: population and community level. The students will be given one or more problems on the broad topic of chemical effects on populations/communities. They will apply the techniques seen in the theoretical course to solve this/these problem(s).
 
Sessions of computational exercises: during these sessions the students will work on their projects

Assessment method

Continuous evaluation: Students will be graded on:
 
1/their work during the module (feedback on intermediate results will be given) (15%);
2/their active participation to the course (15%);
3/the final group report (55%);
4/their degree of professionalism (respecting deadlines, polite and open communication, constructive attitude) (15%)
 
The soft skills will be evaluated when evaluating these 4 aspects 

Sources, references and any support material

Various scientific papers
 
Powerpoint slides
 
Models will also be made available to the students, these are coded in R.
 
Otto and Day. A Biologist's Guide to Mathematical Modeling in Ecology and Evolution. Princeton, 2007.
 
All these materials can be found on WebCampus

Language of instruction

Français
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Standard 0 2
Standard 0 2
Standard 0 2
Standard 0 2
Standard 1 2
Standard 2 2
Standard 2 2
Standard 2 2