Geosphere-Biosphere Interactions (EN)
The module is compulsory for M.Sc. Geoökologie/Geoecology. It introduces the processes at biogeochemical interfaces including an understanding on feedback mechanisms of bio-geosphere interactions.
The course will focus on biogeochemical interactions between the Geosphere and the Biosphere and will start with an introduction into the biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S, Fe, water). Thereafter, key interactions at bio-geochemical interfaces will be analyzed process-based regarding their impact on and feedbacks between bio- and geosphere. These processes include weathering and multidirectional fluxes by plant roots (rhizosphere processes), lichens and biofilms, bioturbation by animals, erosion (and its prevention by living organisms), and many more.
Field Course on Geo-Bio-Interactions in tropical landscapes of Kenya (EN)
Field course is an elective Module for M.Sc. Geoökologie/Geoecology (can be used for Field Ecology 2), M.Sc. Applied and Environmental Geoscience, M.Sc. Geowissenschaften/Geosciences. Course will provide a fundamental understanding of the processes shaping Geo- and Biosphere in tropical landscapes.
The module contains basic lectures on geology, geomorphology, hydrology, pedology and ecology of the visited landscapes with specific focus on Biosphere-Geosphere Interactions. The following landscapes and ecosystems will be covered:
- Marine and costal ecosystems
- Dry and humid savannah (several national parks and mzima springs)
- Highland landscapes (rift valley formation, volcanism (Mt. Elgon) and inland lakes systems)
- Tropical rainforests (national park)
- Lake Victoria basin landscapes
Anthropogenically affected areas will be characterized in parallel to their natural systems (mostly national parks) to understand human impact on African ecosystems. Collected knowledge and data will be summarized in scientific presentations at the end of the course.
Experimental and Analytical Methods in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (EN)
It is an elective Module for M.Sc. Geoökologie/Geoecology. Module course concentrates on practical skills and offers mastering experimental and analytical methods currently applied in ecotoxicology and/or environmental chemistry at the state-of-art level. The detailed information on the methods offer at BGI group may be found here.
