A great challenge for freshwater ecology in the 21st century is the restoration of degraded ecosystems while preserving those systems that still remain in good condition.

This EFMA course aims to develop students as professional freshwater ecologists.

Students will advance their knowledge of current issues and approaches in freshwater ecology, particularly the concepts that underpin understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the application of research to management. Has a focus on the skills needed by professionals working in freshwater-related areas of research, consultancy and management. This course provides a thorough grounding in the ecology of streams and rivers, but also introduces other freshwater ecosystems such as lakes and wetlands. It covers the most important concepts that underpin our understanding of these ecosystems (with some emphasis on practical applications for solving current problems) whilst focusing especially on understanding how biodiversity affects functioning of ecosystems.

Theoretical part is complemented by practical skills in association with quantitative state-of-the-environment monitoring and team-based project work. Guided lab sessions prior to the trip will develop basic physical and biological (not chemical – seen in Mesures et analyse physico-chimiques) sampling procedures, as well as vertebrate and macroinvertebrate identification (macro- and microphytes are studied at M2 level). Field trip aims at carrying out both biological assessment and hydromorphological assessment of rivers, and serve as support for the assessment in the field trip long report. By combining this practical expertise with detailed knowledge of how freshwater ecosystems work and the main approaches to managing them, students will be well placed for a diverse range of careers connected to freshwater ecosystems and the resources they provide.

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