Module M.Forst.1601: Bioclimatology and Global Change
Learning Outcomes & Core Skills
Scientific basis of climate and climate change, trace gas budgets of soils and whole ecosystems and the potential to sequester carbon and nitrogen in managed and unmanaged terrestrial ecosystems.
Course: Bioclimatology and Global Change (Lecture)
The module “Bioclimatology and Global Change” will introduce the students to the global climate system and its interaction with the biosphere. A lecture course will focus on the scientific basis of climate and climate change covering basic physical and chemical processes governing the climate system, climate zones, modelling as well as global and regional climate phenomena with a focus on tropical climates. A seminar course will highlight trace gas budgets of soils and whole ecosystems and their potential to sequester carbon and nitrogen in managed and unmanaged terrestrial ecosystems and their vulnerability to climate change. Using journal literature the students will work out oral presentations concerning current research topics concerning the global climate system and its interaction with the biosphere.
Examination
Written exam (90 minutes) and oral presentation (ca. 20 minutes)
Examination requirements: Understanding the most relevant processes at the biosphere-atmosphere interface and of biogeochemical cycles. Being able to find, read, evaluate, and present scientific literature related to Global Change.
Workload
4 WLH
Attendance time: 56 h
Self-study-time: 124 h
General Information
Person responsible for module: Prof. Dr. Alexander Knohl
Course Frequency: each winter semester
Duration: 1 semester