Module

Voraussetzungen

Inhalte

Part "Terrestrial Ecology" • Definitions & measures of biodiversity • The importance of biodiversity for human well-being • Management approaches for biodiversity conservation Part “Aquatic Ecology” • Running water ecosystems: variability, characteristics and functions, connectivity, aquatic organisms, food webs, ecosystem engineers • Standing water ecosystems: genesis and typology, physical and chemical properties and biogeochemistry of water and sediment, habitats and organisms

Lernziele

Overall Students will be able to understand ecological principles and functioning of ecosystems and to apply them to different ecosystems. The connection between ecosystem integrity, ecosystem functions and resource management will be understood. Part "Terrestrial Ecology" The objective is to outline the fundamentals of ecology, including biodiversity-ecosystem function research in terrestrial ecosystems with a focus on conservation and resource management. Students will gain knowledge about biodiversity as a basic ecological concept, and will be able to understand the different dimensions of biodiversity when focusing on the protection and management of ecosystems. Students will learn about: • Ecophysiology & Population Ecology • The different dimensions of biological diversity and their applied role in conservation and ecosystem management • The role of diversity in ecosystem stability and ecosystem functioning • The ethical and economic justifications of biodiversity protection and related management strategies Part "Aquatic Ecology" Students will understand the diversity and variability of freshwater ecosystems. They will obtain knowledge on freshwater ecology, principle functioning of lakes and running waters as well as their role in biogeochemical cycling of landscapes. They will understand the connection between freshwater organisms and ecosystem services. Students will be able to apply general principles of ecology to aquatic ecosystems.

Prüfungsleistung

Written exam at the end of the lecture period (120 min.) covering both parts of the module. Each part (LE Terrestrial Ecology & LE Aquatic Ecology) contributes 50% to the total number of achievable points.