Bachelor level: Aquatic Ecosystems (Env 321)
Inland waters are now being recognized are major players of global biogeochemical cycles. They also provide essential ecosystem services such as fresh water and fish, and link continental processes with atmospheric and marine processes. The students will receive an introduction into the physical basis of stream and lake ecosystems; they will be introduced to nutrient cycling and ecosystem metabolism, and to the role of inland waters in the global carbon cycle; biodiversity and its relationship with ecosystem functioning and services are discussed; finally, new and emerging contaminants and pollutants in aquatic ecosystems are discussed. The class (2 ECTS) is given in English by Professor Tom Battin; PhD students from the RIVER lab will read and discuss relevant papers with the students (mandatory; 1 ECTS); a flied trip to the Sorges on campus will illustrate some of the class material.
Master level: Fluvial Biogeosciences (Env 426)
Students will understand physical, chemical and biological processes in streams and rivers, and how they relate to ecosystem services and water resources. This knowledge is critical as the ecological integrity and services of streams and rivers are increasingly becoming deteriorated worldwide. At the end of the class, acquired knowledge will be converged into a discussion on ecological restoration strategies and the management of water resources in a rapidly changing environment.
The class (2 ECTS) is taught in English by Professor Tom Battin and Dr. Hannes Peter offer a practical course (mandatory, 1 ECTS) on a weekly basis with the aim to illustrate “hands one” some of the concepts taught in the class room.
Please, contact [email protected] for any questions on RIVER teaching activities.