12949 - Geoecology Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12949
Module Title:Geoecology
  Geoökologie
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. phil. Raab, Thomas
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every summer semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:Rationale
Geoecology is an interdisciplinary science that integrates the geosciences with the life sciences. The purpose of this module is to extend the basic knowledge of geoecology with respect to anthropogenically induced challenges. Selected issues of soil science and applied soil protection, and related ecological problems, will be reflected. Furthermore, the fundamentals of Environmental Toxicology with regard to adverse effects of chemicals on living systems will be taught.
 
Lecture:
The lecture of Ecotoxicology deals with the potentially harmful impact of chemicals, present as pollutants of the environment, to living organisms. In this course students will learn about:
  • multidisciplinary aspects of geoecology
  • basic concept of ecotoxicology
  • influence of the industrial and agricultural development on various environmental compartments (water, air, soil, flora and fauna)
  • existing natural, synthetic and industrial chemicals
  • fate of chemicals, including distribution, exposition, uptake and metabolism pathways
Seminars:
The practical seminars offer a practical approach, which is necessary to understand the fundamentals of geoecological research. Students will learn about:
  • research design and planning
  • sampling activities
  • laboratory activities
  • preparing a scientific report
Contents:Part 1 Lecture: 
  • Goals and Definition
  • Important Aspects
  • Fate of Chemicals:
    • Routes of contaminants to enter ecosystem
    • Processes of contaminants
    • Important Properties of Contaminants and Environment
    • Biomonitoring
    • Metabolism of contaminants
  • Contaminant Sources & Effects
  • Risk Assessment
  • Students Presentations
 
Part 2 Practical Seminar:
  • study design/problem formulation
  • sampling in field
  • laboratory analysis
  • writing a technical report
Recommended Prerequisites:Knowledge in chemistry, biology and soil science
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:
  • Huggett, Richard J. 1995. Geoecology: An evolutionary approach. New York: Routledge.
  • Dickinson, G. & Murphy, K. 1997, Ecosystems. A Functional Approach, Routledge Introductions to Environment, ISBN: 0-203-13248-3
  • Ballantyne, Brian (Ed.), General and Applied Toxicology, Macmillan, London.
  • Walker, C. H., Sibly, R. M., Hopkin, S. P., Peakall, D.B., (2012): Principles of Ecotoxicology -4th ed., Boca Raton: CRC Taylor & Francis.
  • Fent, K. (2007): Ökotoxikologie. Umweltchemie - Toxikologie - Ökologie. 3. Auflage. Stuttgart, New York: Thieme.
  • Newman, M. C. & Unger, M. A. (2003): Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology. 2nd ed., Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers.
  • Crosby, D. G. (1998): Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Oxford University Press, New York
  • McBride, M. B. (1994), Environmental chemistry of soils. Oxford University Press
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:
  • Lecture: 15 min long presentation (50% of final grade)
  • Block Seminars: 20 pages report (50% of final grade)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:20
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2011
  • Master (research-oriented) - Double Degree / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
Remarks:No offered in summersemester 2024
Module Components:
  • 240437 Lecture Ecotoxicology
  • 240411 Block Seminars Geoecology
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
  • no assignment