Students will be able to independently describe and document soil profiles and derive site assessments.
This involves reflecting on basic soil function assessments and requirements for soil use in urban areas. Conflicting objectives can be identified and discussed. 
Upon completion, participants will be able to formulate requirements in the areas of soil protection, nature conservation, and soil management in material cycles and present them to an interested public.

Soils in urban environments are characterized by great heterogeneity and have often only been developing for relatively short periods of time on technogenic or relocated source substrates. This poses a particular challenge, which is why urban soils have not been mapped comprehensively. In collaboration with Mr. Erdmann from the Lower Soil Protection Authority of the City of Bochum, we will discuss the main features of the Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance and the strategic soil management of the City of Bochum. Based on the KA6 soil mapping guidelines, we then want to go out this summer semester and, wherever possible, e.g., at current construction pits and drilling profiles, describe soil profiles of the city of Bochum through comprehensive field surveys and determination of basic parameters in the field and laboratory. We will document the results on a digital “Thinklink” map for public use.

Seminar, field work, laboratory analyses

Cheval et al. 2025, BENCHMARKS soil sampling protocol. Guidelines for urban systems. Natural resources and bioeconomy studies 41/2025 https://jukuri.luke.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/5361b5b2-f6b2-446e-b0b6-0c84592ea995/content

The seminar aims to provide an in-depth understanding of structural support projects and their impact.  Evaluation and impact measurement

The seminar covers the measurement and evaluation of the impact of regional structural development projects. It provides an overview of structural development programs in a multi-level system and develops approaches to measuring impact. The core of the seminar is the examination of specific development projects whose initial funding dates back several years. To this end, locations in the Ruhr region that were created or upgraded some time ago as part of regional structural development programs will be visited.  Working in groups, students will prepare and conduct short excursions to these locations. They will then evaluate the impact of the funding on the basis of research and empirical work. Finally, together with experts from academia and practice, they create a ranking of the funded locations visited in a discursive format, thus critically reflecting on the effectiveness of regional structural funding.

• Introduction: 60 years of structural change and structural policy in the Ruhr region
• Structural policy and regional challenges
• Structural support programs in the Ruhr region
• Evaluation and impact assessment
• Several excursions to structural support locations in the Ruhr region (e.g., Gelsenkirchen Science Park, H2 Herten Application Center, Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park) 
• Critical reflection
• Writing evaluation reports 

• Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK), 2024: Gleichwertigkeitsbericht 2024. Für starke und lebenswerte Regionen in Deutschland. Online:  https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Wirtschaft/gleichwertigkeitsbericht-der-bundesregierung-2024.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=90 
• Chilla, T.; Kühne, O.; Neufeld, M., 2016: Regionalentwicklung. (=UTB, 4566). Stuttgart: Ulmer.
• Mattissek, A.; Pfaffenbach, C.; Reuber, P., 2013: Methoden der empirischen Humangeographie. (2. Auflage). (=Das Geographische Seminar). Braunschweig: Westermann.

Students will

• understand conceptual frameworks such as the Planetary Boundaries and Global Tipping Points
• explain major tipping points (with earth observation (EO))
• understand the role of EO in studying the Earth System
• evaluate strengths and limitations of EO-data 
• gain insights in complex Human-Environment-Systems
• describe feedback mechanisms that drive tipping points dynamics
• identify methods to monitor tipping points
• critically examine scientific literature on global tipping points and remote sensing- based monitoring approaches
• communicate geospatial findings effectively
• discuss ethical, political and societal impacts of identifying and monitoring tipping points using EO

In a rapidly changing world, societies are confronted with multiple natural hazards and transformations of the Earth system. To understand these developments and their consequences, scientists rely on conceptual frameworks such as the Planetary Boundaries and Climate Tipping Points. This seminar focuses on tipping points a highly-active field of current Earth system research.

Climate tipping elements are large-scale, essential components of the Earth system that exhibit threshold behaviour. They may appear stable under gradually increasing global temperatures, but once a critical threshold is crossed, even a minimal additional disturbance can trigger an abrupt transition into a fundamentally different state. Some key tipping elements discussed in recent research include the irreversible loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the onset of peak water in extra-polar glaciers, large-scale coral reef die-offs, and the potential dieback of the Amazon rainforest. Crossing individual tipping points can have severe environmental and societal consequences, threatening ecosystems, infrastructure, and human livelihoods. Moreover, feedback loops may propagate these changes, potentially setting off a domino-like cascade of additional tipping points across the Earth system.

In this seminar, we will explore several major climate tipping elements, examine the processes and risks associated with them, and learn how they can be monitored and analysed using remote sensing techniques.

First, we will give an introduction into tipping points and the framework behind it. In the following weeks students will present a tipping point of their choice and how remote sensing can be specifically used to analyze this specific tipping point.

PIK (2025): Tipping Elements – big risks in the Earth System

Lenton, T. M., Milkoreit, M., Willcock, S., Abrams, J. F., Armstrong McKay, D. I., Buxton, J. E., Donges, J. F., Loriani, S., Wunderling, N., Alkemade, F., Barrett, M., Constantino, S., Powell, T., Smith, S. R., Boulton, C. A., Pinho, P., Dijkstra, H., Pearce-Kelly, P., Roman-Cuesta, R. M., Dennis, D. (eds), 2025, The Global Tipping Points Report 2025. University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. ©The Global Tipping Points Report 2025, University of Exeter, UK, https://global-tipping-points.org

Students should acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of geographical health research. This concerns both methodological and theoretical-conceptual approaches to explaining the connection between health-related processes and manifestations in space.

The seminar begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of geographical health research and then focuses on various methodological and theoretical-conceptual approaches as well as different areas of research. This is intended to highlight both the breadth and the interfaces with which geographical health research/health geography has positioned and established itself interdisciplinarily in recent decades. The different approaches will be prepared on the basis of presentations and discussed in the seminar group. The following topics are available for selection:

• Health and illness – between demarcation and continuum
• Social and cultural determinants of health and illness
• Human ecological perspectives on people, the environment, and health
• Disease ecology: What is it?
• From medical geography to geographical health research 
• The importance of sense of place, place identity, and awareness of home for health
• Cultural identities and health
• Cultural turn: the concept of therapeutic landscapes and its reception
• Walkability and other approaches to measuring urban development that promotes physical activity
• Obesogenic environments: Do they really exist?
• The health significance of everyday racism
• Spatial epidemiology – health sciences in their spatial turn
• Planning health care: the role of accessibility analyses
• Health aspects in development cooperation
• Health systems in international comparison
• One Health, Global Health, Planetary Health – are they all the same?
• Global crises: a topic for geographical health research?
• Nature (conservation) and health – global perspectives
• Global health markets 
• The World Health Organization: sphere of influence and limitations
• Urban health in the Global North versus the Global South
• Global food security and health
• Refugee dynamics and health
• Infectious diseases on the rise?

• Augustin, J., Koller, D. (Hrsg.)(2017): Geografie der Gesundheit – Die räumliche Dimension von Epidemiologie und Versorgung. Bern: Hogrefe (ehem. Huber).
• Brown, T., Andrews, G.J., Cummins, S., Greenhough, B., Lewis, D. (2018): Health geographies: a critical introduction. Wiley.
• Crooks, V.A. , Andrews, G.J., Pearce, J. (Hrsg.)(2020): Routledge Handbook of Health Geography. Routledge.
• Gatrell, A.C., Elliott, S.J. (2014): Geographies of Health: An Introduction. 3. Aufl., Wiley.
• Kistemann, T., Schweikart, J., Butsch, C. (2019): Medizinische Geographie. Westermann-Verlag, Braunschweig (Das Geographische Seminar).

Further reading will be announced in the preliminary discussion and in the seminar sessions.

The research workshop at the GI is intended to enable students to work on research projects both individually and in small groups, not bound to a specific seminar, or to initiate their own small projects outside of a project seminar. The projects can be carried out in a wide variety of subject areas, can be regional or international, purely geographical but preferably interdisciplinary.
Involving students in research practice as early as possible offers them both a broader and deeper horizon of learning and experience, which will have a positive effect on the choice of a topic for their Master's thesis as well as their later career decision. Practising self-organisation, independent work and the assumption of responsibility are important goals that should lead to greater motivation and a stronger commitment to their studies and geography.

The content can be requested individually from other lecturers.

Andreas Pflitsch:

For the summer term 2026, I am offering the following topics and locations:

Alaska

As part of research in the glacier caves and former copper mines of Kennekott/McCarthy in Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska, a 12-day research trip will be conducted (planned for 23.09. to 04.10.2026). Up to seven students can participate in this trip.

The expedition will focus on recording various climatological parameters such as air and surface temperature and air currents in glacier caves and in the frozen copper mines of Kennecott/McCarthy.

The trip has a certain adventurous character. The research work is quite strenuous, as we sometimes have to hike for several hours to reach the study sites. We are accommodated in tents, without much comfort. We will reach one of the research sites by small plane, where we will then stay for a few days. At least there is a simple hut with a stove, so we can warm up in the evening and dry our wet clothes. In addition, you should be prepared for outhouses and washing in glacier water. However, there is hardly a better way to experience the breathtaking landscapes and glaciers of Alaska.

The cost will be approximately €1,100 to €1,300 (excluding flights to the USA but including flights within Alaska).

Dechenhöhle Iserlohn and other topics:

On individual request

If you have any further questions, please contact me by e-mail (andreas.pflitsch@rub.de).

If you are interested, please contact the respective lecturer personally and discuss the further procedure individually.

Will be announced by the lecturers.

Currently, a reorientation of mobility, traffic and transport processes is being called for under the buzzwords "traffic turnaround" or "mobility turnaround" in the context of climate change. Since the turn of the millennium, environmentally relevant perspectives have increasingly been incorporated into transport and logistics planning, often under image-driven buzzwords such as "sustainable mobility" or "green logistics". I

In this current socio-political context, the lecture presents and discusses ideas, concepts and implementation options for so-called sustainable transport from a scientific perspective.

The lecture as a course of the Institute of Geography and organised by the Chair of Economic Geography, in particular Transport and Logistics, focuses on the spatial perspective of this topic - the view of transport geography.

Both freight and passenger transport are included with regard to their environmental and sustainability dimensions. Building on fundamental findings from transport science, environmental research and the sustainability debate, specific issues relating to passenger and freight transport are considered from the perspective of transport geography. Approaches, concepts and instruments for the design of sustainable transport structures are discussed and evaluated.

The following topics will be addressed in the lecture:

-The concept of sustainability and its relationship to (transport) geography

-Environmental impacts of transport: noise, air, energy, land use

-Planning concepts: car-friendly city, pedestrian-friendly city, "Traffic turnaround"

-Transport economics and transport policy from the perspective of sustainability

-Sustainability concepts in logistics

-Sustainable transport concepts in Germany, Europe and beyond

The seminar focuses on concepts and implementations of mobility management and transport planning in the context of sustainability in urban areas, linked to the lecture ‘Transport and Sustainability – Perspectives on Transport Geography’.

Specific problem constellations and solution concepts from passenger and freight transport in the city are presented, analysed and discussed. The seminar is embedded in the geographical sub-disciplines and research perspectives of transport, economic and urban geography, thus the spatial science perspective guides the content.

Module: Lecture + Seminar
- Seminar for the lecture: Block seminar expected on 29 + 30 July 2026 ‘Sustainable mobility management in urban passenger and freight transport’
- Preliminary discussion of the seminar: in the lecture on 04.05.2026 - Compulsory attendance: assignment of presentation topics and organisational information
- Module grade: half of the grade results from the written exam grade and half from the seminar grade (paper with presentation and abstract/handout; no term paper)

Lecture schedule:

20.04.2026 1. basics of the organisation and structure of the lecture;
                       Concept of sustainability and its application in transport

27.04.2026 2. Transport, environment, energy: interactions and influencessustainability in transport: a practical observation task

04.05.2026 3. Transport policy requirements for sustainability in transport, seminar preliminary discussion

11.05.2026 4. Elements of a sustainable transport transition and the role of space and spatial planning

18.05.2026 5. Sustainability in urban transport and individual transport behaviour

25.05.2026     Whit Monday - public holiday: no lecture

01.06.2026 6. Sustainability in freight transport and ‘green logistics’

08.06.2026 7.Transport modal shift: possibilities and limitations modal shift: possibilities and limits

15.06.2026 8. Inland waterway transport: sustainability and intermodality in freight transport, air transport in the context of the sustainability debate

22.06.2026 9. Air transport in the context of the sustainability debate

29.06.2026 10. Regional case studies I: Ruhr area, Switzerland

06.07.2026 11. Regional case studies II: United Arab Emirates, USA

13.07.2026 12. Perspectives and restrictions: Sustainability in transport

20.07.2026 13. closed session (12:15-13:15 pm)

29 + 30 July 2026 Block seminar ‘Sustainable mobility management in urban passenger and freight transport’

Presentation topics:

1. Mobility management: definition, development, implementation
2. Sustainability in urban transport: integration into planning concepts since the 2nd World War
3. Resident parking: current problems and concepts
4. Closing city centres to car traffic – concepts, implementation, criticism
5. Cycling in the city: concepts, initial situation, problems, concepts & case study Amsterdam
6. E-scooters - a contribution to the so-called traffic turnaround
7. Concepts for strengthening pedestrian mobility in cities
8. Possibilities and limits of integrating passenger shipping into urban public transport
9. Autonomous buses in public transport: concepts, possibilities, limits
10. Renaissance of the tram in urban areas
11. Freight trams: Ideas, realisations, problems
12. Urban commercial transport - a shadowy existence or a key element of the transport transition?
13. Car-free and low-car residential neighbourhoods: Idea, realisation, problems
14. Corporate mobility management: concepts, players, realisation
15. Industrial estates - a poor relation of sustainable transport planning

Performance requirements:

• Participation in the preliminary discussion and block seminar

• Preliminary discussion of term paper/presentation: Structure and content focus during office hours by appointment (via email) by mid-June 2026 at the latest

• Active participation in the seminar

• Presentation of the presentation: max. 20 minutes followed by discussion, including preparation of a summary (handout) in keywords, max. four pages (A4 front and back), font size Arial 12 pt, line spacing 1.5, Word standard margins, including maps, tables, illustrations and literature (no QR code); distribution BEFORE the presentation; each presentation is followed by a discussion moderated by the seminar leader

• The spatial science perspective must be taken into account when dealing with the topic!

• The formal criteria mentioned here are fundamental for the assessment.

• Module grade: consists of half the exam grade and half the seminar grade (presentation with handout; no term paper).

in the lecture

During the seminar, you will learn important basics of experimental design, 
implementation, and evaluation of soil science issues, which you will apply yourself in the form of your own small research project. After a thematic introduction, you will work with the lecturers to plan a soil science greenhouse experiment that investigates the mechanisms of soil additives on the chemical and biological properties of soil and plant growth. During the ongoing experiments, statistical evaluation methods, the visual presentation of the results, and the process of scientific interpretation will be developed jointly within the framework of the seminars. The results you collect independently will then be presented and discussed in the form of a scientific lecture in the course. 
You will then discuss and compare the results you have collected in a written paper with the help of international scientific literature.
By designing and conducting your own small experiment, you will learn the important steps of experimental planning and implementation and will be able to develop appropriate time management skills for analytical work. In addition, you will learn approaches and methods for processing empirical data and deepen your scientific presentation skills by presenting your own results.

In many regions of the world, soils suffer from drought stress and nutrient deficiency. Nevertheless, people depend on these soils for agricultural use and often lack the technical means to compensate for this situation. The use of various soil additives, such as mineral fertilizers or compost, will be investigated to determine whether soil fertility and water supply can be improved in order to promote sustainable agriculture and secure yields.

Seminar + laboratory work + field work:

• Theoretical principles: Self-study of assigned specialist articles and preparation of a short presentation for the first session. Introductory events and experiment planning in the seminar.
• Practical part: Supervision of a greenhouse experiment and laboratory work.
• Evaluation part: Teaching of application-oriented data evaluation methods and scientific data presentation.
• Independent work: Reviewing international articles on the topic, laboratory analysis, presentation of results in the seminar, and report writing in paper format. 
• Short excursion: If applicable, a one-day excursion to an outdoor experiment.

Will be announced in the seminar.

The following objectives are to be achieved:

• Overview of responsibilities in the field of nature conservation in North Rhine-Westphalia
• Overview of selected current legal bases, strategies, and concepts for nature conservation
• Knowledge of the ecology and protection of selected species as well as the ecological requirements of selected habitats
• Overview of measures for the protection and management of habitats and species (selected examples)
• Knowledge of the implementation of nature conservation measures in North Rhine-Westphalia in protected area management, projects, and landscape recultivation
• Competence in presenting and explaining ecological content and contexts

The seminar will cover the following topics:

• Organization of protected area management and habitat and species protection nationwide and in North Rhine-Westphalia
• Basics of the EU Natura 2000/FFH report and the new restoration ordinance
• Examples of current strategies and concepts for nature conservation in North Rhine-Westphalia
• Ecology, distribution, and endangerment of selected species of conservation importance
• Overview of measures for the conservation, optimization, and restoration of selected habitats
• Planning of measures and development of concepts in nature conservation
• Implementation of nature conservation measures in North Rhine-Westphalia using the example of LIFE projects

Additional content can be determined jointly on the first day of the seminar.
The content of the seminar will be explored in greater depth during full-day excursions. The first excursion on June 26 will focus on the management of protected areas and the implementation of measures to protect habitat types and species. Among other things, there will also be a full-day excursion (July 24) to the “Rheinisches Revier” lignite mining region, where participants will learn about the environmental damage caused by lignite mining, the recultivation of open-cast mining areas, and ecological compensation measures.

Seminar block days: 17.04. / 08.05. / 19.06. / 03.07.2026, 9am - 1pm; full day excursions: 22.06. / 10.07. / 24.07.2026

Will be announced in the seminar.

Students learn about the importance of urban green spaces for neighborhoods in terms of ecology and social issues. They critically examine ecological system services and deepen their knowledge of sustainable urban development. Newer research approaches from action research will be tested and transformative development research will be further developed jointly. Students will then be familiar with various participatory processes and which governance approaches promote participation and democracy. Embodiment approaches will be linked to transformative sustainability research and tested jointly. Learning is transformative and experience-oriented.

• Fundamental theory and practice of community development and urban greenery
• Social Presencing Theater as an embodiment approach for research and practice
• Systemic intervention and scientific collaboration
• Critical analysis of the bioeconomy strategy of North Rhine-Westphalia  

Interactive, dialogical and transformative

Adam, B. (2021). Gärtnern in der Stadt. Stadtforschung und Statistik: Zeitschrift des Verbandes Deutscher Städtestatistiker, 34(2), 33–43.

Albert, C., Hansen, R., Dehnhardt, A., Deppisch, S., Fürst, C., Geißler, G., Gerner, N., Marzelli, S., Poßer, C., Rathmann, J., Schrapp, L., Schröter-Schlaack, C., & Warner, B. (2022). Das Ökosystemleistungskonzept in der räumlichen Planung – _zehn Thesen. Raumforschung und Raumordnung | Spatial Research and Planning, 80(1), 7–21. https://doi.org/10.14512/rur.76

Andersson, E., Tengö, M., McPhearson, T., & Kremer, P. (2015). Cultural ecosystem services as a gateway for improving urban sustainability. Ecosystem Services, 12, 165–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.08.002

Asah, S. T., & Blahna, D. J. (2012). Motivational functionalism and urban conservation stewardship: Implications for volunteer involvement. Conservation Letters, 5(6), 470–477. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-263X.2012.00263.x

Baier, A., Müller, C., & Werner, K. (Hrsg.). (2024). Unterwegs in die Stadt der Zukunft: Urbane Gärten als Orte der Transformation (1. Aufl., Bd. 11). transcript Verlag. https://doi.org/10.14361/9783839471630

Haury, S., & Dosch, F. (2022). Neues Stadtgrün – _vielseitiger Nutzen. Rahmenbedingungen, Potenziale und Handlungsansätze für grünere Innenstädte. Informationen zur Raumentwicklung, 2.

Hirschfeld, J., Baier, A., Bürgow, G., Simone, M. D., Flötotto, J., Franck, V., Horn, A., Karge, T., Kliem, L., Kuhlmann, M., Lang, M., Leleu, B., Lodes, F., Million, A., Müller, C., Petzold, J., Prystav, G., Püffel, C., Remmel, V., … Welling, M. (2022). Der Wert urbaner Gärten und Parks: Was Stadtgrün für die Gesellschaft leistet. IöW.

Welling, M., Kliem, L., & Möllney, T. (2024). Gemeinschaftsgärten für zukunftsfähige Städte—Wie Kommunen mit urbanen Gärten Klimaresilienz, Lebensqualität und sozialen Zusammenhalt fördern können (IÖW Impulse No. 8)._

Having successfully passed the module, students will be able to:

• have fundamental knowledge of principles of urban expansion simulation models and their application (drivers, effects and measures);
• are familiar with innovative urban projects and complex project set-ups: public-private partnership, innovative institutional structures, sustainable urban planning;
• can estimate the impacts of urban expansion on the coupled human environment system and urban rural interactions, considering issues like mobility, climate change, CO2 emissions, exposure to floods and other types of hazards;
• are able to work with remotely sensed, cadastral and crowd sourced data;
• are able to visualize the results of urban expansion models through a combination of static and dynamic supports;
• know the limitations of methodological approaches embedded in current software and theoretical definitions of key concepts underlying urban expansion;
• envision the smart, resilient, green, and equitable city

• Introduction to concepts of urban systems, planning, and simulation;
• Overview of data sources (EO, VGI, cadastral and more) and their specific characteristics and application possibilities;
• Complexity of urban systems;
• Urban planning and concepts of sustainable urban areas;
• Application of urban models and geodata for modelling urban-rural dynamics;
• Policy orientations as regards with no net land take, in-fill development, urban containment and densification policies through comparative approaches in Europe;
• Planning and creating individual practical projects.

SDGs addressed in the module:

• SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 15 Life on Land

Theory-based discussions, (hands-on) tutorials, group work, final practical project

After successful completion of the module, students will

• have gained a critical understanding of the diverging meanings of core concepts of landscape and environmen in various fields of politics in Europe and in Germany,
• have a knowledge of the tasks and structure of landscape planning in Germany,
• are familiar with the most important instruments of landscape and environmental planning.

• Landscape Definitions (e.g., European Landscape Convention, UNESCO World Heritage Convention)
• Federal Nature Conservation Act (German: BNatSchG u. LSchG NRW)
• Environmental Aspects (Concerns) in Binding Land use Plans and in Regional Planning
• Nature Conservation, Biotope (Value) Assessment and Compensation
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA - German: UVP, UVU, UVS)
• Environmental Indicators and Environmental Quality Goals and Standards
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Methods of Multi-dimensional Ecological Impact Analyses for Planning

SDGs addressed in the module include:

• SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 15 Life on Land

Lectures, group discussions, short field trips and oral contributions

Having successfully passed the module, the students

• Perform hydrological field measurements, including streamflow, water quality, soil moisture, and microclimate monitoring.
• Collect high-quality georeferenced datasets within the Cajas Biosphere Reserve for analysis.
• Understand the fundamentals of optical, radar, and thermal remote sensing relevant to mountain ecosystems.
• Process satellite data (e.g., Sentinel, Landsat) and compute vegetation, water, and land-surface indices for biodiversity and hydrology studies.
• Apply remote-sensing approaches to monitor ecosystem health, glacier remnants, páramo dynamics, and hydrological patterns.
• Conduct spatial analyses in QGIS/ArcGIS Pro, including classification, terrain modeling, hydrological modelling, and habitat mapping.
• Produce high-quality maps, visualizations, and spatial datasets suitable for scientific reporting.
• Understand the ecological significance of the Andean páramo and lake systems within the Cajas Biosphere Reserve.
• Identify key biodiversity indicators and environmental pressures within high-mountain tropical ecosystems.
• Assess human–environment interactions and conservation challenges in biosphere reserves.

The summer school provides an integrated program combining field-based training in the Cajas Biosphere Reserve near Cuenca, Ecuador, with analytical and technological skills in remote sensing, GIS, biodiversity research, and hydrological monitoring. Participants engage in hands-on fieldwork, sensor deployment, and geospatial analysis, supported by expert instruction and collaborative project work. Key contents include:

• Remote Sensing for Mountain Ecosystem Monitoring
• GIS and Spatial Data Analysis
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics
• Hydrology and Catchment Processes
• Fieldwork in the Cajas Biosphere Reserve

The summer school will take place at the Universidad del Azuay (UDA) in Cuenca, Ecuador between 22.9. – 26.9.2026, Training will be on Campus, field research to Cajas Biosphere Reserve will be realized for data collection. Costs for travel, accommodation and field trip will be covered.

Will be provided during the course

The seminar aims to impart knowledge and skills in scientific policy advice. It prepares students for a possible career in this field and offers a critical reflection on the practice of scientific policy advice.

Geographers work in planning offices, associations, institutions, applied research facilities and universities to produce studies on current topics in urban and regional development. Starting a career in this field of scientific policy advice is often like jumping in at the deep end: scientific work and meticulous research must be reconciled with the often time-critical and content-related requirements of policy advice.

The seminar provides insights into the practice of scientific policy advice in the context of urban and regional development. It shows how geographical knowledge and corresponding methods are used in advising federal, state and municipal institutions.

As part of a group project, a short scientific study is prepared and presented to accompany the seminar. All the essential steps of scientific policy advice - from the preparation of the proposal to the attractive presentation of the results - are run through in a practical manner.

• Introduction
• Positionality and banalization
• Support programs and funding
• Creating offers 
• Methods 
• Presenting results
• Writing studies
• Critical reflection

Chilla, T.; Kühne, O.; Neufeld, M., 2016: Regionalentwicklung. (=UTB, 4566). Stuttgart: Ulmer.

Mattissek, A.; Pfaffenbach, C.; Reuber, P., 2013: Methoden der empirischen Humangeographie. (2. Auflage). (=Das Geographische Seminar). Braunschweig: Westermann.

Meier Kruker, V.; Rauh, J., 2005: Arbeitsmethoden der Humangeographie. (=Geowissen kompakt). Darmstadt: Wiss. Buchges.

At the end of the seminar, students should:

• Be able to distinguish between different concepts and subject areas of AI
• Understand and be able to apply “ready-to-use” tools from the field of machine learning
• Understand the concepts and basics of deep learning
• Be able to build, train and apply their own simple neural networks in Python

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction, but an integral part of the digitalized world. Even in ancient times, myths dealt with artificially created beings whose ways of thinking were modeled on those of humans. But the development of computer-based AI algorithms began at the latest with the founding of the research field of “Artificial Intelligence” in 1956. Today, artificial intelligence algorithms can be found in almost all disciplines. The terms “artificial intelligence”, “machine learning”, and “deep learning” seem to be omnipresent and are often difficult to differentiate. At the same time, the terms have been heavily mystified in recent years, so that their functioning may seem like magic. This seminar aims to dispel such prejudices and provide an introduction to the topics of machine learning and deep learning. 

The course covers the theoretical foundations of various artificial intelligence approaches, ranging from established machine learning algorithms to neural networks from the field of deep learning and distributed artificial intelligence techniques for geosimulation of cells and agents. In the scope of the course, different approaches will be learned and applied with a focus on geographic and especially geodata-related issues using GIS environments and Python scripts. Established algorithms from the field of machine learning (e.g. Random Forest and Support Vector Machines) will be discussed and applied.

The subject area of deep learning will be taught using the joint programming of simple neural networks in the Python programming language.

Contents of the seminar are:

• Pattern and object recognition in data (e.g. traffic observation, ship detection in radar  images, etc.)
• Prediction of natural and economic phenomena (e.g. modeling of the housing market, weather forecasts, etc.)
• Geosimulation (e.g. spatiotemporal prediction of urban growth processes)

Theoretical basics, basics of Python programming, hands-on practical examples, and individual processing of data sets

Géron, A. 2019: Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit Learn Keras and Tensorflow – Concepts Tools and Techniques to Build Intelligent Systems

Canty, M. 2019: Image Analysis, Classification and Change Detection in Remote Sensing: With Algorithms for Python

Douilliard, A. 2018: Object Detection with Deep Learning on Aerial Imagery

Students 
know

• basic theoretical considerations on the orientation towards the common good in cities
• different actors with their options for action, programs and projects

can

• develop criteria for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of projects and initiatives oriented towards the common good
• analyze specific projects 
• and discuss them critically and formulate ideas for further development.

Although not mainstream, a focus on the common good is a phenomenon that is attracting increasing interest in current urban development. From the reformulation of the Leipzig Charter at EU level to neighborhood projects and the “right to the city” movement, it is a common thread running through all levels. What is the cause of this phenomenon? What are the basic ideas behind it? What options are there for achieving them? Which actors are involved in the implementation and where are the limits of feasibility? 

Part 1: Theory

• Economic and social developments as the cause of the current interest in the common good
• Legal and planning backgrounds
• Scientific concepts

Part 2: Practice 

• Actors (from the EU to the “Right to the City” movement)
• Programs and projects (selected by the participants, combined with excursions and guest lectures)

Suitable for reading in: Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen 2020: Glossar zur gemeinwohlorientierten Stadtentwicklung. 

The research workshop at the GI is intended to enable students to work on research projects both individually and in small groups, not bound to a specific seminar, or to initiate their own small projects outside of a project seminar. The projects can be carried out in a wide variety of subject areas, can be regional or international, purely geographical but preferably interdisciplinary.
Involving students in research practice as early as possible offers them both a broader and deeper horizon of learning and experience, which will have a positive effect on the choice of a topic for their Master's thesis as well as their later career decision. The practice of self-organization, independent work and the assumption of responsibility are important goals that should lead to greater motivation and a stronger commitment to their studies and geography.

The content varies and must be requested individually from other lecturers.

Andreas Pflitsch:

I offer the following topics and locations:

Alaska, & USA Southwest: - can also be taken as an English-language course.

If you have already successfully completed an excursion on regional geography, Bachelor's students can participate in the research workshop with their own project or an individual question in the course of the excursions on regional geography to Alaska or the Southwest of the USA.

Master's students can also take part in the Regional Geography excursions (Bachelor's programme) to Alaska or the Southwest of the USA with their own project or individual research question.

A number of reserved places are available for these options.

Cave Climatology: Dechenhöhle Iserlohn

Various cave research projects are currently being carried out or are in the process of being set up. You can carry out your own investigations in the Dechenhöhle cave.

The investigations focus on the following topics:

Microclimatology such as air and rock temperatures, humidity, wind currents.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail (andreas.pflitsch@rub.de).

If you are interested, please contact the respective lecturer personally and discuss the further procedure individually.

Will be announced by the lecturers.

Lecture “Transport Economics and Transport Policy - Geography of Logistics and Transport”:

The lecture of the Institute of Geography provides an introductory overview of facts, problems, concepts and design options in transport geography, transport economics and transport policy as well as (spatial) logistics. Central topics are the differentiated analysis and evaluation of means and modes of transport, the transport policy framework and control options, the production and evaluation of transport services, the transport markets and the spatial and planning aspects of transport.

Seminar "Rail Transport"

The seminar is part of the module Transport Geography, alongside the lecture "Transport Economics and Policy – Geography of Logistics and Transport."

Contents of the lectures:

01) 13.10.2025: System Transport: Fundamentals, Terms, Categories, and Spatial Scientific Approaches

02) 20.10.2025: Transport – Mobility: Historical Development & Current Significance; Literature

03) 27.10.2025: Transport Economics: Supply & Demand, Laws, Distance, Costs & Prices

04) 03.11.2025: Transport Policy: Control Options, Concepts, Goals; Seminar Preliminary Discussion (Attendance mandatory)

05) 10.11.2025: Transport Geography: Transport and Space

06) 17.11.2025: Transport and Infrastructure Planning

07) 24.11.2025: Urban Transport and Urban Mobility Management

08) 01.12.2025: Logistics: Concept, Development, Concepts in Theory and Practice

09) 08.12.2025: Sectoral Examination I: Rail Transport

10) 15.12.2025: Sectoral Examination II: Road Transport 

Christmas holidays

11) 05.01.2026: Sectoral Examination III: Shipping and Waterways

12) 12.01.2026: Sectoral Examination IV: Air Transport

13) 19.01.2026: Networking in Transport: Combined Transport, Multimodality, Hubs and Interfaces

14) 26.01.2026: Outlook: Transport Today and Tomorrow – Transformation of Transport and Traffic Shift

15) 02.02.2026: Exam (12:15-13:15)

Possible presentation topics in the seminar:

01. shipping, waterways and ports as a subject of research in transport and economic geography

02. container traffic: a success story from the perspective of transport, logistics and port locations

03. shipping companies and terminal operators: changes under the influence of internationalization and globalization

04. The Rhine: development and significance as a waterway

05. The Moselle: Development and importance as a waterway

06. The Danube and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal: Development and importance as waterways

07. The Meuse: development and importance as a waterway and economic axis

08. Kiel Canal: Development and importance as a waterway

09. The St. Lawrence Seaway: development and importance as a waterway and economic axis

10. Port of Rotterdam: development, importance and prospects

11. Port of Antwerp: development, importance and prospects

12. Port of Hamburg: development, importance and prospects

13. Port of Jade-Weser: development, importance and prospects

14. Inland port of Duisburg: development, importance and prospects

15. Ports on the Lower Rhine: development, importance and prospects (excluding Duisburg)

16. Canal port of Dortmund: development, importance and prospects

17. Port of Dubai: development, importance and prospects

18. Ports in functional change: urban development and waterfront development projects

Lecture (please see dates above):

As part of the module on Transportation Geography (6 CP), a mandatory seminar is offered in addition to the lecture for students of Master's TLog (UDE) and Geography (RUB). There will be a compulsory preliminary meeting in the lecture on November 3, 2025, where the topics for presentations will be assigned. The seminar will take place as a 2-day block event on February 10 + 11, 2026 (10 AM - 4 PM; Room SM 102), focusing on presentations prepared, presented, and subsequently discussed by the participants.

• Preliminary meeting with allocation of presentation topics: during the lecture: Monday, November 3, 2025, 1:15 PM, Room SM 102 – Attendance is mandatory!
• Discussion of the thematic focuses of the topic (literature, outline, core points) until the beginning of the Christmas holidays 2025 during office hours (Monday 11 AM - 12 PM; appointment can be made via email).
• Block dates with presentation and discussion of the presentations: February 10 + 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Room SM 102; attendance is mandatory.

Performance requirements in the seminar (partial module performance):

• Full personal attendance and active participation in preliminary discussion and block seminar
• Preparation of an academic term paper on the topic (max. 12 pages incl. bibliography), submission as PDF by e-mail no later than February 3, 2026 (12:00 noon) - i.e. before the block seminar!
• Presentation/lecture: 15-20 minutes with subsequent discussion
• Abstract (copies) of the presentation: maximum two pages, including illustrations and literature
• Please note: The geographical, i.e. spatial or spatial science perspective is obligatory for the term paper and presentation.
• The seminar performance results from: Term paper, collaboration, presentation with abstract.

The above requirements are mandatory without exception. Non-compliance will result in exclusion from the seminar.

Environmental impact assessment is an important field of work for geographers at official level, in ministries and state offices, at large companies or in private consultancy firms. At the interface between the determination/mapping of biotope types, flora and fauna and the preparation of landscape and environmental planning reports, a solid background knowledge of the content and methodological approach of the classic planning instruments is essential and often a decisive factor in the allocation of jobs. The aim of the course is to impart this background knowledge and to illustrate it with a case study to be worked out by the participants themselves.

• Introduction to the instruments of environmental impact assessment
• Conveying content and methodological procedures in the context of preparing expert reports on impact regulation (LBP), environmental impact assessment (UVS), Natura 2000 impact assessment and species protection assessment (saP) 
• Legal basis (BNatSchG, FFH Directive, UVPG etc.)
• Identification and assessment of relevant protected assets 
• Forecast and assessment of environmental impacts
• Development of components of an expert opinion using a practical example

• Introduction and overview of the instruments
• Working on an instrument using a practical example
• Presentation and written account of the results 

Will be announced in the course

• To be able to discuss how soils and urban ecosystems are interlinked in both the past and the present.
• Get in touch with ongoing and emerging concerns for urban soils and critically assess remediation options.
• Based on a sound understanding of soil physical and chemical properties discern soils as essential resources for sustainable urban populations

• Formation and properties of urban soils
• Urban soil functions
• Contaminants in urban soil
• Urban soils as sources and sinks

Seminar with input lectures, journal club and initial proposal writing