12261 - Ecological Excursion Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12261
Module Title:Ecological Excursion
  Ökologische Exkursion
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Birkhofer, Klaus
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every winter semester
Credits: 12
Learning Outcome:The Ecological Excursion module provides hands-on experience of biodiversity threats and conflicts and basic ecological adaptations to dryland conditions.
 
Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar"
The seminar introduces students to the main components of terrestrial dryland ecosystems and provides a forum for discussion of topics relevant to the field trip. Students will learn about:
  • biodiversity crisis and threats
  • human-wildlife conflicts
  • German colonial history
  • competent use of English
Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion"
The Ecological Excursions provide a hands-on experience that combines elements of scientific expeditions, teamwork projects and taxonomic identification of organisms. Students will learn about:
  • independent and team-oriented ecological project work
  • adaptations of animals and plants to local conditions
  • poverty alleviation and food security
  • geological and hydrological conditions and processes
  • ecological concepts such as food webs, species inventories, sampling theory
Contents:Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar" 
  • Fauna and Flora (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates)
  • contemporary ecological challenges (biodiversity conservation, climate change, invasive species, ecosystem services)
  • contemporary social challenges (human wildlife conflicts, poaching, food security, colonial history)
The seminar classes are organised as 8 double blocks of lectures by the lecturer and seminar presentations by the students during the semester. Lectures will be complemented by discussions and individual contributions from students. Self-organised work is required, in particular the preparation of seminar presentations and the acquisition of previously discussed content for the field trip.
Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion"
  • study design and hypothesis testing
  • multidisciplinary teamwork
  • communication skills
The field trip will last up to 16 days.
Recommended Prerequisites:
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 1 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Excursion / 10 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 165 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Relevant literature and equipment needed during the field trip will be provided to the participants.
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Part "Ecological Excursion: Seminar"
One oral presentation, 15 min followed by discussion (50%)
 
Part "Ecological Excursion: Excursion"
An individual log of a pre-assigned field day (25%) and a species list of a pre-assigned taxonomic group after the field day (25%, one list for every two students participating).
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:18
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Environmental and Resource Management / keine PO
  • Bachelor (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2015 - 3. SÄ 2017
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2011 - 2. SÄ 2017
  • Master (research-oriented) - Double Degree / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Bachelor (research-oriented) / Umweltwissenschaften / PO 2025
  • Bachelor (research-oriented) - Co-Op Programme with Practical Placement / Umweltwissenschaften - dual / PO 2025
 This module has been approved for the general studies.
Remarks:The excursion to Namibia is associated with costs for participants (around 2.500 €). In previous years, stipends were available for qualified students to reduce the costs.
PLEASE NOTE: The module can only be offered with a minimum number of 8 participants! If fewer than 8 participants register for the module, the module must be cancelled.


Module Components:
  • 240708 Lecture/Seminar Ecological Excursion: Seminar
  • 240709 Excursion Ecological Excursion: Excursion
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: