Tropical excursion to Kenya

In practical course “Tropical Ecology” we have excursion to Kenya every second year. We will visit various ecosystems in East Africa, including coastal forests, mangroves, coral reefs, the Eastern Arc mountains and the African savannah. The excursion provides insights into the biodiversity and ecology of tropical ecosystems and their vulnerability due to human land use and climate change.

Photo from Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter

Summer excursion to Fabrikschleichach

In practical course “Forest Ecology” we have summer excursion to Field Station Fabrikschleichach. Here we will focus on the role of invertebrates in forest ecosystems, in particularly the role of forest insects in conservation and pest management. We will visit the coppicing with standard forests of Bad Windsheim as well as the experimental sites of the Beta-For DFG research unit in the University forest.

Photo from Jörg Müller

ECTS points: 25

Thesis is the continuance of the F2 practical course.

A defined scientific question is addressed by adequate techniques. Students plan and perform experiments to solve problems or summarize and interpret existing data. The students have to develop a research plan and apply advanced and novel techniques in the context of a given research project according to good scientific practice. The results are summarized in a written thesis. The project lasts for six month.

Thesis must be co-supervised from a lecturer at JMU and a lecturer at UiB.

Defense:

Verification of thesis content through oral examination. Total length should not exceed 45 min. (30 min. plus 15 min. of questions pertaining to the thesis, as well as related subjects)