Forschungspraktikum: Bestäuber in Urbanen Ökosystemen

What it is about

You work on current research projects related to pollinators in urban ecosystems and learn data collection, processing and analysis of insect samples (focus on Hymenoptera). In the end you can independently carry out a small research project, identify and prepare insects, as well as statistically analyze the collected data with R and present it in scientific form.

What you will be able to do

• Preparation of Hymenoptera according to museum techniques
• Identification of adult Hymenoptera and their nests (genus/species) with identification literature
• Applying dichotomous identification keys
• Working with museum comparative material
• Development and processing of your own scientific questions and hypotheses
• Statistical analysis of the data with R
• Scientific presentation and communication of the results
• Expansion of scientific reading and writing competencies

What the module consists of

• Praktikum (six weeks, laboratory)Execution of the research project, data collection and analysis; schedule adaptable to the study plan
• Participation in working group meetingsDiscussion of project progress and feedback
• Creation of a scientific manuscriptDocumentation and assessment of the project

Teaching method

• Instruction and demonstration on equipment (e.g., stereo microscope)Safe acquisition of practical techniques such as preparation and identification
• Guidance talks and meetingsDevelopment of questions, supervision and feedback during the project
• Independent laboratory work and data analysisPractical implementation, familiarization with methods and execution of statistical analyses
• (Group) discussions and presentationsReflection of intermediate results and training in communication skills
• Self-study of specialist literatureExpansion of background knowledge and preparation of the scientific manuscript