Biogeologie

Teaching activities of the biogeology team

The Biogeology research group offers a diverse range of engaging courses and lectures across multiple Bachelor’s and Master’s programs within the Department of Geosciences. Our teaching also extends into the fields of Archaeological Science (ASHE) and Biology, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of ancient life and environments.

Master courses

M.Sc. Geosciences

  • Geow-M403-V: Palaeoecology of terrestrial ecosystems (F. Augustin, H. Bocherens, D. Drucker, M. Ebner, M. Rabi)
  • Geow-M401-Ü2: Isotopes in Bones and Teeth (D. Drucker, H. Bocherens, C. Baumann, V. Garcías-Huidobro)
  • Geow-M103: Scientific Presentation (H. Bocherens, D. Drucker)
  • Geow-M243: Tropical Ecology of South America (M. Ebner, T. Miranda)

M.Sc. Geoecology

  • Geow-M407-21: Conservation Palaeoecology (H. Bocherens, D. Drucker, M. Ebner, M. Rabi)
  • Geow-M231-21: Geoecology Seminars (D. Drucker, M. Rabi)
  • Geow-M243: Tropical Ecology of South America (M. Ebner, T. Miranda)

M.Sc. Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution (ASHE)

  • ASHE-1a: Perspectives in Human Evolution (C. Baumann, D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-3g: Introduction to Zooarchaeology (D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-7b: Stable Isotopes in Bioarchaeology (D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-7g: Diet and subsistence in Prehistoric context (D. Drucker)

M.Sc. Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE)

  • Bio-BEE-211: Säugetiere im Freiland (C. Baumann)
  • Bio-BEE-209: Vertebraten II (C. Baumann)

Bachelor courses

B.Sc. Geosciences

  • Geow-B203-V1: Erdgeschichte (H. Bocherens, M. Ebner, M. Rabi)
  • Geow-B501-V: Paläobiologie (F. Augustin, H. Bocherens, D. Drucker, M. Rabi)
  • Geow-B304: Paläontologie (M. Rabi, M. Ebner)
  • Geow-B523: Quaternary Geology (M. Rabi)
  • Geow-B401-V3: Sedimente und Stratigraphie-Biokreisläufe (M. Ebner)
  • Geow-B105-21: Biologie für Geowissenschaftler (M. Ebner, F. Augustin)

B.Sc. Geoecology, Environmental Natural Science

  • Geow-B310-V/Ü: Climatology and Ecosystems of the Earth (H. Bocherens, D. Drucker, M. Ebner)
  • Geow-B210-21: Geoökologisches Geländepraktikum (M. Ebner)

B.Sc. Archeological Sciences

  • ASHE-1a: Perspectives in Human Evolution (C. Baumann, D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-3g: Introduction to Zooarchaeology (D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-7b: Stable Isotopes in Bioarchaeology (D. Drucker)
  • ASHE-7g: Diet and subsistence in Prehistoric context (D. Drucker)

B.Sc. Biology

  • Bio-3160: Zoologie II (C. Baumann)
  • Bio-BEE-211: Säugetiere im Freiland (C. Baumann)

Open thesis projects

Life history of Pleistocene foxes: Reconstruction of paleo-synanthropism

Description: Isotope study of teeth and mandibles of individual Pleistocene foxes previously identified as paleo-synanthropes (Baumann et al. 2020) to determine when in the animals' lives the trophic impact of humans occurred.
Methods: Lab work (collagen extraction, δ13C & δ15N analysis), statistical modeling (R knowledge required, MixSIAR diet modeling, SIBER niche modeling)
Suitable for: M.Sc. ASHE (Zooarchaeology, Archaeometry), M.Sc. Geosciences (Geoecology, Paleontology)
Specialist supervisor: Dr. Chris Baumann

Isotopic fingerprint of ecosystems

Description: Isotope study of modern plant samples from different localities in the Ammer Valley to study if there is a possible isotopic fingerprint of ecosystems. 
Methods: Field work (collecting plants), lab work (plant preparation, δ13C & δ15N analysis), statistical modeling (R knowledge required, SIBER niche modeling, ecological niche reconstruction)
Suitable for: M.Sc. ASHE (Archaeobotanical), M.Sc. Biology (Botany), M.Sc. Geoscience (Geoecology)
Specialist supervisor: Dr. Martin Ebner, Dr. Chris Baumann