Master 2 BEE specializing in Tropical Forest Ecology (EFT)
The purpose of the Master 2 Tropical Forests Ecology (EFT) is to train students to acquire 1) advanced knowledge, and 2) expertise in analysis and modelling tools in the field of tropical forest ecology. We aim, as a pedagogical and researcher team, to enable EFT students to respond with scientific honesty and rigor to the issues and challenges raised by the conservation and management of these complex ecosystems.
This Master 2 program is coordinated jointly by AgroParisTech, the University of French Guiana and the University of Antilles. It takes place on the Agronomic campus of Kourou (French Guiana), in the facilities of the UMR EcoFoG. Students join a group of around fifteen students from AgroParisTech (BEE-BioGET), the University of French Guiana (BEE-EFT), the University of Antilles (BEE-EFT), as well as international Erasmus Mundus students (EM-Tropimundo and EM-GloFor). This master program is therefore taught in English.
Framework
The M2 EFT program strives for excellence in the field of Tropical Forest Ecology. Its distinctive feature is to address forest ecology issues through the lens of tropical environments, which occupy 40% of the planet's surface area and are home to ecosystems of extremely high biodiversity, by basing solid ecological knowledge on statistical and modeling tools.
The training program covers tropical forest ecology extensively, from fundamental evolutionary and functional ecology to biodiversity to ecological applications for forest conservation, exploitation, and ecological restoration, rehabilitation or reclamation. The program adopts an integrative, reflexive, and cross discipline perspective thanks to some developments in ecology-humanities connexions. This program mixes training in scientific and operative methods and tools and cognitive learning. Learning methods combine classroom lectures, fieldwork (in French Guiana and during the thesis project), and problem-oriented approaches.
The teaching team is made up of recognized specialists in each of these fields, most of whom are members of the UMR EcoFoG. The courses offered help to disseminate the most recent developments in scientific knowledge, both theoretical (systems modeling, ecological theory, etc.) and experimental (data processing methods, measurement techniques, etc.).
Aims
The main aims of the M2 EFT program is to graduate students who:
- are trained in the practice of scientific research with a particular focus on the plant and biophysical and biocultural interactions in the fields of plant biodiversity and tropical ecosystems,
- have an in-depth knowledge of the interactions between biophysical and human processes driving the structure and functioning of tropical ecosystems from local to global scales, and who are able to understand the issues and assess the environmental impacts of ecosystem management programs,
- are able to selectively apply ecological theories, knowledge and models to sustainably manage ecosystems,
- have practical, reflective, numeracy, communication, information and communication technology (ICT), interpersonal/teamwork, self-management and professional development skills, in a context specific to the tropics,
- are prepared for a scientific career requiring an ability to synthesize concepts and ideas and to take a holistic view on the frequent trade-offs between ecosystem functioning, services as well as between stakeholders in ecosystems management, at local, national, and global levels.
Application
To enroll in the M2 EFT, students must have completed a training program in:
- Master 1 in Sciences & Technologie mention: Biodiversité, écologie & évolution ; Biologie ; Sciences du vivant ; Biologie intégrative & physiologie ; Biologie végétale ; Biogéosciences ; Agrosciences, environnement, territoires, paysage, forêts ; Sciences & technologies de l’agriculture, de l’alimentation et de l’environnement,
- Third year of AgroParisTech engineering program mention: Sciences de la vie ; Sciences de l’environnement,
- Other Masters 1 in Science & Technology in the field (foreign students) and validation of prior experience with selection based on a portfolio.
Applications must be submitted directly to the student's home university/school, every year from January to May.