Konzepte und Forschungsmethoden der Ökologie

What it is about

In the module you learn the basics and methods of ecology: from auto- and population ecology to community and functional ecology up to global biogeochemical cycles. You will practice the analysis of biological communities, the assessment of biodiversity and the evaluation of human influences. In the end you will be able to explain central ecological terms, apply ecological mechanisms and discuss ecological causes and consequences of land use and climate change.

What you will be able to do

• Define important terms of auto- and population ecology
• Explain terms and concepts of the ecology of biological communities and global ecosystems
• Understand basic principles of biogeochemical cycles
• Discuss causes and consequences of the biodiversity crisis
• Describe ecological and evolutionary mechanisms (e.g. dispersal, speciation, selection)
• Analyze applied problems of species conservation and land-use scenarios

What the module consists of

• VorlesungDelivery of fundamental concepts of ecology (auto-, population-, community-, functional ecology, global biogeochemical cycles)
• ÜbungIn-depth analysis of biological communities, documentation of biological diversity and examination of human influences

Teaching method

• VorlesungIntroduction and presentation of important concepts
• Active learning activities (exercises, discussions, debates, reading scientific articles)Deepening of selected topics and consolidation of understanding
• Recurring session structureCombination of input and applied sessions to better engage students