Module

Voraussetzungen

Inhalte

This course combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on experiments in group to provide a comprehensive understanding of forest ecology and scientific research methods. The course is structured around the following key components: Lectures (followed by short multi- option quiz): Lecture series on disturbance ecology and the impacts of climate change on forest regeneration and nutrient cycling These lectures explore how various ecological disturbances and changing climatic conditions affect forest regeneration and nutrient cycling. The lectures cover both natural and humaninduced disturbances (e.g., wildfire, forest management), examining their individual and combined impacts on forest ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on understanding how climate change influences the frequency, intensity, and ecological consequences of various disturbances. The lectures integrate theory with current research to highlight the complex interactions between disturbance regimes, forest recovery, and nutrient dynamics. Experimental design and statistical analysis Core principles of designing ecological experiments and applying basic statistical tests (e.g., ANOVA, linear regression, correlation). Scientific communication Basic understanding of how to write and communicate research. Practical Components Practical experiment (each student chooses one of the two following experiments): 1. Greenhouse experiment- drought impact on seedling growth (2 groups with 3-4 students in each group) One tree species (P. sylvestris or Betula) x 2 drought treatments x 4 replicates, total 8 pots. The course leader will pre-germinate the seeds. Students then plant and maintain the experiment during a couple of weeks. Seedlings are harvested, above and belowground biomass and aboveground height are obtained. Statistical tests are performed, followed by a written report of maximum 5 pages (excluding references), structured as a scientific paper and presented in class. Supporting paper: Ibáñez et al., 2022. 2. LICOR Soil respiration experiment- variances of soil moisture and temperature impact on soil respiration (3 groups with 3-4 students in each group). Students, together with the course leader, install five collars on campus and measure, over a gradient, soil respiration, temperature and moisture. Statistical tests are performed, followed by a written report of maximum 5 pages (excluding references), structured as a scientific paper and presented in class. Supporting paper: Kelley et al., 2022. Workshop in experimental design Workshop session: Each group of 2-3 students will, after introduction, design a small hypothetical ecological experiment comprising a research question, hypotheses, experimental design. Presented and discussed by the end of the workshop in class. Supporting literature includes textbooks and recent peer-reviewed papers relevant to each experimental activity.

Lernziele

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Theoretical learning outcomes - Demonstrate knowledge of forest disturbance ecology, with a particular focus on wildfire impacts, forest regeneration processes, and climate change effects. - Evaluate how forest management practices in Europe influence ecological regeneration and nutrient cycling under changing climate conditions. - Understand the principles of scientific communication. - Apply key concepts of experimental design to ecological studies. Practical learning outcomes - Collaborate in small groups to perform all aspects of experimental work, from setup through data collection and analysis to scientific presentation. - In group develop and communicate research ideas by during a workshop session designing a small hypothetical experiment, including a research question, hypotheses, experimental design. - Interpret and apply basic statistical methods commonly used in ecological research.

Prüfungsleistung

• Group experiment- performance, written report (5 pages excluding references and appendix), presentation (15 minutes). Submit the written report and presentation (20 %) • Each student will read the report from one other group and formulate two questions to ask following their presentation. Submit the questions (10 %) • Quizzes after each lecture (5-10 short questions, 30 minutes) (30 %) • Mandatory Workshop (180 minutes) in experimental design (10 %) • Written exam, 80 min. (30%)