Module: CO2 and heavy metal research in the field and in the lab (3202-450)

This module not offered anymore!

Persons:

• Prof. Dr. Andreas Fangmeier (verantwortlich)

Degree Program:

• Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production (until WS 2018/19) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective
• Environmental Science - Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (Regulations 2014) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective
• Environmental Science - Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (Regulations 2014) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective

Prerequisites for Attendance:

-

Sprache:

English

ECTS:

7,5 credits

Frequency:

every summer semester

Length of the Module:

4 weeks (block 3)

Compulsory assignment:

Participation in lectures and excursions both in Italy (Siena and surrounding area) and Germany (Hohenheim and surrounding area)

Final examination:

producing a video on environmental case studies at the respective home area at mid-term of the module, plus giving a presentation on knowledge and results achieved during the module at the end of the module

Length of the examination:

90 minutes

Workload:

70 h presence + 130 h preparation at home + exam = 200 h workload

Professional competences:

The aim of the module is to give a solid understanding of two major threats to both human well-being and ecosystem services: pollution by heavy metals in historical mining areas and the increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). After completing the course the students should have the following knowledges and skills:

Knowledge: The students know about the history of mining and the most toxic heavy metals released from such activities and their impacts on the environment and on human health and nutrition. They also understand the effects of rising CO2 on food quantity and quality and the potential interactive effects of these environmental factors.

Skills: The students can combine knowledge from different disciplines to analyse the extent and the consequences of human activities with respect to mining and fossil fuel consumption. They can distinguish between natural and human induced element cycles and understand mitigation and adaptation strategies to cope with such effects. They are able to acquire, evaluate and summarize information from scientific literature and to combine information from different sources. They can prepare and give scientific presentations on their knowledge.

Key competences:

Students are able to discuss ecological, social, nutrition and political aspects of heavy metal pollution and rising CO2. They are able to elaborate and problem statements and to develop and communicate mitigation and adaptation strategies. They can evaluate regulatory measures and suggest improvements. Students acquire international competence and gain a European perspective by working in groups of students from different nationalities.

Comments:

This module is based on a partnership between the University of Hohenheim and the University of Siena (Italy).
The module consists of three compulsary parts: (i) an e-learning part in which students are thought how to create a video about environmental issues in the respective home location, (ii) lectures and excursions in and around Siena, and (iii) lectures and excursions in and around Hohenheim.

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