Biogeologie

Seminar: Cave ecology & archaeology

Explore the Fascinating World Beneath the Rock! Our interdisciplinary seminar, designed for both biologists and archaeologists, bridges the study of modern cave ecosystems with traces of the past.

How do caves form, and why are they such excellent ecological archives? Which animals and plants have adapted to life in the darkness? And what evidence did Ice Age hunters and Pleistocene animals leave behind in these unique environments? Together, we will explore the intersection of nature and culture in one of the most extraordinary settings on Earth.

In addition to the weekly seminar, you will also take part in a weekend excursion to the Swabian Jura, where we will experience caves firsthand - from prehistoric archaeological sites to the unique biosphere reserve.

The seminar will be held in English.

 

Learning Outcomes
  • Knowing the most important prehistoric cave sites of the Swabian Jura
  • Knowing which animals and plants live in caves and how they manage to survive
Course Structure
  • Student presentations (15-20 min talk)
  • Practical learning on site at and in the cave sites
  • 2-Days excursion
  • 3 ETCS + 2 excursion days
Requirements
  • No requirements needed, just interest in cave eco-systems

 

Weekly seminar
  • Tuesdays 14:15 - 15:45
  • S521 (Hölderlinstraße 12, 3. OG)
First seminar
  • 21.04.2026
  • Introduction to the seminar
  • Assignment of presentation topics
  • Final allocation of places

More information: ALMA or via direct contact: Dr. Chris Baumann, Dr. Sibylle Wolf