751-5118-00L  Global Change Biology

SemesterSpring Semester 2015
LecturersH. Bugmann, N. Buchmann, C. Emmel, L. Hörtnagl
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
751-5118-00 GGlobal Change Biology2 hrs
Mon10:15-12:00CHN F 42 »
H. Bugmann, N. Buchmann, C. Emmel, L. Hörtnagl

Catalogue data

AbstractThis course focuses on the effects of anthropogenic climate change as well as land use and land cover change on terrestrial systems. Our current understanding of the coupled human-environmental systems will be discussed, based on observations, experiments and modeling studies. Different management options for sustainable resource use, climate mitigation and adaptation will be studied.
ObjectiveStudents will understand consequences of global change at various spatial and temporal scales, be able to synthesize their knowledge in various disciplines in view of global change issues, know international and national treaties and negotiations concerning management and climate and land use/land cover change, and be able to evaluate different management options, including sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation options.

Students will learn to present scientific information to an audience of educated laymen by preparing an executive summary and an oral presentation to answer a specific scientific question. Students will get extensive feedback from teachers and peers. Thereby, students will also learn how to give constructive feedback to peers.
ContentChanges in climate and land use are major issues that students will be faced with during their working life, independently of where they will work. Thus, an advanced understanding on how global change, biogeochemistry, land use practices, politics, and society interact is critical to act responsibly and work as agricultural or environmental scientists in the future.

Thus, during this course, the effects of global change (i.e., changes in climate, atmospheric chemistry as well as land use and land cover) on forest and agro-ecosystems will be presented and discussed. Effects on ecosystem structure, composition, productivity and biogeochemical cycling, but also on stability of production systems against disturbances will be addressed. Current scenarios and models for coupled human-environmental systems will be discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of different management options will be studied, including the sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is based on fundamental knowledge about plant ecophysiology, soil science, and ecology in general.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits2 credits
ExaminersH. Bugmann, N. Buchmann, C. Emmel, L. Hörtnagl
Typeungraded semester performance
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionRepetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examinationActive participation in class (30%), written report (20%), oral presentation by each student (50%)

Learning materials

 
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Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Agroecosystem Science MasterAgriculture and EnvironmentW+Information
Agroecosystem Science MasterEnvironmental Crop PhysiologyWInformation
Atmospheric and Climate Science MasterMinor in Global Change and SustainabilityWInformation
Environmental Sciences MasterMinor in Global Change and SustainabilityWInformation
Environmental Sciences MasterNatural Science FoundationsWInformation
Environmental Sciences MasterElectivesWInformation