Ecological Excursion
Ökologische Exkursion
12 CPWinterENFÜS
Contents
Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar" • Fauna and Flora (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates) • contemporary ecological challenges (biodiversity conservation, climate change, invasive species, ecosystem services) • contemporary social challenges (human wildlife conflicts, poaching, food security, colonial history) The seminar classes are organised as 8 double blocks of lectures by the lecturer and seminar presentations by the students during the semester. Lectures will be complemented by discussions and individual contributions from students. Self-organised work is required, in particular the preparation of seminar presentations and the acquisition of previously discussed content for the field trip. Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion" • study design and hypothesis testing • multidisciplinary teamwork • communication skills The field trip will last up to 16 days.
Learning outcomes
The Ecological Excursion module provides hands-on experience of biodiversity threats and conflicts and basic ecological adaptations to dryland conditions. Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar" The seminar introduces students to the main components of terrestrial dryland ecosystems and provides a forum for discussion of topics relevant to the field trip. Students will learn about: • biodiversity crisis and threats • human-wildlife conflicts • German colonial history • competent use of English Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion" The Ecological Excursions provide a hands-on experience that combines elements of scientific expeditions, teamwork projects and taxonomic identification of organisms. Students will learn about: • independent and team-oriented ecological project work • adaptations of animals and plants to local conditions • poverty alleviation and food security • geological and hydrological conditions and processes • ecological concepts such as food webs, species inventories, sampling theory
Assessment
Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar" One oral presentation, 15 min followed by discussion (50%) Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion" An individual log of a pre-assigned field day (25%) and a species list of a pre-assigned taxonomic group after the field day (25%, one list for every two students participating).
Literature (1)
- Relevant literature and equipment needed during the field trip will be provided to the participants.
Remarks
The excursion to Namibia is associated with costs for participants (around 2.500 €). In previous years, stipends were available for qualified students to reduce the costs. PLEASE NOTE: The module can only be offered with a minimum number of 8 participants! If fewer than 8 participants register for the module, the module must be cancelled.
Source: BTU's module description · retrieved 28 Sep 2026Original