Geoecology

In times of global environmental change, species extinction and dwindling resources (such as clean water and healthy soil), it is more important than ever to understand the interactions between the atmosphere, soils, biotic communities and humans. Geoecology is an interdisciplinary field of research that deals with precisely these interactions between geological, biological and anthropogenic systems. It investigates how natural and human processes influence the earth's surface and its ecosystems. Both the spatial and temporal dimensions of ecological phenomena are considered. The study of geoecology provides you with the basis for developing sustainable strategies for the use and protection of natural resources (clean water and healthy soil) for a healthy environment. The program is of interest to all those who are committed to a healthy environment and the preservation of biodiversity and want to get to the bottom of things. To do this, you need to know a lot about biology, chemistry and physics, but of course you also need to know specific methods, e.g. from environmental chemistry or ecology. Of course, you will also learn about central methods for geoecological research, e.g. ecological and pedological field methods, methods from climate research, handling remote sensing data (e.g. satellite images) or laboratory methods. All methods are used to record ecosystem processes. Based on the data generated, you will learn to develop models and scenarios that can be used to assess the impact of humans on their environment and identify the possible consequences. What ultimately distinguishes you after graduating in geoecology is the ability to think across disciplines and creatively draw on a broad range of scientific methods to solve environmental issues. This is why geoecology is also referred to as an environmental science. During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.