12949 - Geoecology Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12949
Module Title:Geoecology
  Geoökologie
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Dr.-Ing. Repmann, Frank
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every 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 in the environment, to living organisms with particular focus on soil. In this course students will learn about:
- aspects of geoecology
- basic concept of ecotoxicology
- existing natural and synthetic chemicals
- influence of industrial and agricultural development/processes with regard to chemicals in the environment
- fate of chemicals (distribution, uptake, accumulation and possible degradation)
- detection and risk assessment of contamination
 
Seminar:
The block seminar offers a practical approach, which is necessary to understand the fundamentals of geoecological research. Students will learn about:
- study design and planning
-field sampling
-laboratory analyses
-preparing a scientific report
Contents:Part 1: Lecture: 
  • goals and definitions
  • classes/groups of chemicals and their potential negative impacts on the environment
  • routes of entry of these chemicals into the environment and relevance
  • fate of chemicals
  • general principles of ecotoxicology -> toxicity -> dose-response relationships -> reception
  • factors that can possibly influence the toxicity of environmental chemicals
  • investigation methods
    • exploration of contaminated sites
    • detection of contaminants
o   measurement and assessment of basic site/soil parameters
o   selected toxicity tests
o   risk assessment
·        special investigation methods and selected case studies
·        phytoremediation
·        two short tests (approx. 30 minutes each)
Part 2: Block seminar, practical work in the field and laboratory:
·       study design/problem formulation
·       sampling in the 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, B. (Ed.) (1999): 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: two tests (25% each, together 50% of final grade),
  • Block seminar: written report (50% of final grade)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:7
Part of the Study Programme:
  • 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
Remarks:
Module Components:
  • 240437 Lecture Ecotoxicology
  • 240411 Block Seminars Geoecology
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: