Module: Methods in Landscape and Plant Ecology (3201-420)

Persons:

• Prof. Dr. Frank Schurr (verantwortlich)
• Prof. Dr. Andreas Fangmeier (begleitend)

Degree Program:

• Environmental Science - Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (Regulations 2019) (Master, since 01.04.2019)
  3. Semester, elective
• Environmental Science - Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (Regulations 2014) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, semi-elective
• Environmental Science - Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (Regulations 2019) (Master, since 01.04.2019)
  3. Semester, semi-elective

Relation to other Modules:

“Methods in Landscape and Plant Ecology” builds on, and supplements, the other modules in the respective semester package.

Prerequisites for Attendance:

Completion of three out of the other four semi-elective modules in the semester package “Biodiversity and Landscapes”. Students are strongly advised to consult Prof. Schurr or Prof. Fangmeier before selecting the four modules in this semester package. Please note that participation in an introduction to the module is compulsory. This introduction will be announced in the Course Catalogue as "Introduction to Methods in Landscape and Plant Ecology".

Sprache:

English

ECTS:

7,5 credits

Frequency:

every winter semester

Length of the Module:

4 weeks (in March)

Compulsory assignment:

written paper in the form of a project report (participation in methodological exercises)

Final examination:

written exam

Workload:

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

Professional competences:

The participants work on an ecological research project that enables them to acquire sound knowledge of state-of-the art methods used in landscape ecology and plant ecology.

Knowledge:
The participants acquire in-depth knowledge of an aspect of landscape or plant ecology. They learn about specific processes driving the dynamics of biodiversity or ecosystems.

Skills:
The specific methodological skills acquired depend on the precise topic of the project; they can include methods used in ecophysiology, evolutionary ecology, population biology, ecosystem science, remote sensing, statistical ecology or ecological modelling. These methods can comprise field or lab work, experiments, data analyses or modelling. After completing the course the students should be able to answer ecological questions with scientific methods.

Key competences:

The participants deepen their skills in work organization, time management and analytical thinking. Preparing the written paper they learn how to synthesize current knowledge using literature databases, and how to place their subject-specific knowledge into a wider context, e.g. to assess effects of global change and other environmental changes. Moreover, they practice their skills in scientific writing.

Comments:

Participation in an introductory course during the first week of the winter semester is compulsory.

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