Registration does not begin until 02.10.2026 at 08:00. It ends on 12.10.2026 at 23:59.

You will register automatically for this course if you register for one of the following courses:
Site Characteristics & Biogeochemical Processes (Lab exercise A) (David Walmsley),
Site Characteristics & Biogeochemical Processes (Lab exercise B) (David Walmsley)

The registration is restricted to the following fields or courses of study:

• Masterprogramm Sustainability: Sustainability Science: Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Society / alle Semester

An advanced knowledge of site characteristics and biogeochemical processes is an important prerequisite to meeting the many challenges that can occur when trying to restore or protect natural systems. This course aims to deepen an understanding of (terrestrial) ecosystem processes from a biogeochemical point of view. Due to the central role of soil in biogeochemical cycles, and thus ecosystem restoration, the course will have a strong focus on basic soil science but also consider (interactive) processes between soils, plants and other components of terrestrial ecosystems. Lab and field exercises will complement lectures and seminars and will impart knowledge on soil analyses and understanding the biogeochemical processes that are a main driver of ecosystem function both locally and at larger scales. During the course we will also discuss human impacts on processes and biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems and how to consider this aspect when devising nature-based solutions towards a more sustainable future.

Students will have acquired knowledge of the principle components of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, specifically energy, carbon, water and nutrient cycling.
Students will gain an understanding of the basic state factors (i.e. climate, parent material, topography, potential biota) that are the main drivers determining the site characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems and how they interact over time.
Students will have learnt how to consider impacts of specific human activities on ecosystem processes and biogeochemical cycles, especially how these impact soil processes.
The students will have learnt how to characterise a field site in terms of abiotic conditions, with a special focus on soil properties and properties directly related to the soil (e.g. hydrological processes).
In lab and field exercises students will have learnt how to characterise and measure soil properties including organic matter, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous content, pH, cation exchange capacity, soil colour and texture.

Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/evaluation/course-evaluation.html