Registration ends on 12.10.2026 at 23:59.

You will register automatically for this course if you register for one of the following courses:
Ecosystem functions and services Seminar (Victoria Temperton)

The module „Ecosystem functions and services“ comprises two parts: a set of lectures and a set of seminars.
The lectures will be introduce you to the global terrestrial biomes (from the tropical rainforest to the tundra), their most important ecosystems and their functions and services.
In the seminar, students will select one aspect of ecosystem functioning and services and present it to their fellow students for discussion. Each presenatation is based on one or two original scientific papers about biodiversity& ecosystem functions or biodiversity & ecosystem services . Overall the topics covered will show the diversity of perspectives and interpretations of the importance of biodiversity for how ecosystems function and the services they provide. [This semester we will focus on the provisioning of ecosystem functions and services from a global science-policy persoective and take a close look at the topic of what may be the best foci to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. You will see that it is not a simple topic.]

The module therefore includes discussions of important and up to date literature in the research field of ecosystem functioning and services. We will critically discuss the research findings in respect to their application in nature conservation and ecological restoration. You will learn the main characteristics of the global terrestrial biomes and the environmental variables shaping them, and the ecological theories that can be tested in them as well as sustainability relevant issues related to global change and ecosystems.

Qualifikationsziele:
Professional skills
You will also learn how natural sciences evaluate ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, productivity, herbivory, carbon sequestration, pest control, pollination. You will also find out that inter- and transdisciplinary methods are needed to adequately evaluate, conserve or restore ecosystem services. The module therefore teaches basic ecological and applied knowledge necessary to understand sustainable use of ecosystems and their resources and to prioritize international conservation goals.

Methodenkompetenz:
Methodological skills
You will learn how to search for original scientific papers using Web of Science and google scholar including how to get in contact with international scientists if the paper is not easily available. You will learn how to present research findings in a given time period; this includes teaching of the “do and don’ts” in presentation techniques. You will learn to prepare and lead a scientific discussion and how to participate in such discussions. Finally, you will learn how to design an adequate handout of a predefined length. I am aiming to implement a field excursion to strengthen the learned knowledge and experience even if this is limited during the winter period.

Social skills
You will prepare an introduction to an aspect of ecosystem functioning and services together with one or two fellow students. This requires (i) thematic emphasis and compilation of the main themes to form your presentation and (ii) discussions with other students and the lecturer. Participations in the discussions at lectures and seminars will be highly encouraged by the lecturer; students will learn to inspire short-spoken students to actively take part in discussions. You will learn an interdisciplinary set of professional terminology. You will lose your fear (if you have any) of applying another (most likely non-mother tongue) language while discussing with students and the lecturer.

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