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

M.Sc. Geoecology

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

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

Bachelor courses

B.Sc. Geosciences

B.Sc. Geoecology, Environmental Natural Science

B.Sc. Archeological Sciences

B.Sc. Biology

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 to determine when in the animals' lives the trophic impact of humans occurred; thesis is connected to the DFG project: “Drill a little bit deeper”
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

First steps in wolf domestication

Description: Isotope study of teeth and mandibles of individual Magdalenian wolves previously identified as potential dogs to determine when in the animals' lives the trophic impact of humans occurred; thesis is connected to the DFG project: “Drill a little bit deeper”
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

Monitoring of mammal and bird use of caves

Description: Monitoring of caves with camara traps; analysis of cave use and activities within the cave; construction baseline of cave use patterns for archaeological studies; thesis is connected to GACT and Project “Monitoring of Vertebrate Use of Caves
Methods: Field work (camara traps), computer work (baseline reconstruction)
Suitable for: M.Sc. Biology (EvE | BEE), M.Sc. Geoscience (Geoecology)
Specialist supervisor: Dr. Chris Baumann

Monitoring of amphibian and reptile use of caves

Description: Monthly visits to caves to monitor amphibians and reptiles; analysis of cave use and activities within the cave; analyse the role of caves for climate adaptation; thesis is connected to GACT and Project “Monitoring of Vertebrate Use of Caves
Methods: Field work (visits)
Suitable for: B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Geoscience (Geoecology)
Specialist supervisor: Dr. Chris Baumann, Dr. Tobias Massonne