Learning Goals

The module pursues the overarching goal of becoming familiar with recording standards of urban and landscape ecology for ecological spatial organization and practicing their use in the field. In addition, the independent conception of field investigations, action-oriented and self-responsible learning and teamwork are to be taught as skills. The data recorded in the field will be analyzed and documented, so that all steps of an ecological study are completed: from planning, data collection and analysis to the final report.

Contents

After a brief introduction to the theoretical principles of landscape ecology, the module focuses on practical field work and the evaluation as well as analysis of field findings. On the basis of data collection in rural areas, the spatial change of geofactors (e.g. along ecological gradients) and their interaction will be examined. For urban areas, sample data sets from current research work might used for analysis and evaluation.
The module is divided into the following sections:

• Lectures, independent study of literature, seminar sessions and independent group work to plan and prepare the field placement
• Field practical in a block, short presentation in the field
• Independent group work and seminar sessions for data evaluation and preparation of student presentations of the results (interactive slide presentations, written report and maps, GIS-supported geo-ecotope cadastre, statistical analysis)

Teaching methods

Seminar, practical field course

The recording of data in the field and its evaluation in the discursive process requires compulsory attendance.

Mode of assessment

Essay on key questions from selected literature (individual work), report with maps on the field course (group work).

Additional Information

Conditions for granting credit points

Passed course performance (short presentation in the field) and successful completion in the sum of the two examination tasks.

Composition of the module grade:

a) Essay  25%

b) Report 75%

Regular and active participation in the seminar sessions (max. three absences)

Usage of the module
Compulsory module

Stellenwert der Note für die Endnote
The module grade is CP-weighted and included in the final M.Sc. grade.