methods
Module No.
Module name
P 7
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
Module coordinator
Prof. Dr. H. Rennenberg Email: heinz.rennenberg@ctp.uni-freiburg.de
Additional teaching staff
Prof. Bauhus, Prof. Boppré, Prof. Fink, Prof. Hildebrand, Prof. Mayer, Prof. Reif, Prof. Spiecker,
Prof. Storch, Prof Pelz, Prof. Leibundgut
Syllabus
This module focuses on the theory of experimentation and the practical application of a set of
different approaches and methods to address questions in ecosystem analysis. In this
module students will be given the opportunity to learn methods required in their MSc
research. In addition, students will be familiar with fundamental concepts in experimentation
such as accuracy, replication, reproducibility, documentation etc. Following a general
introduction to the principles of experimental design and analysis, students will work in small
groups according to research areas in which they envisage to undertake their MSc research.
These small groups will learn research methods in the following areas:
• Forests and Climate Change (Tree Physiology, Meteorology, Hydrology, Soil Science,
a. o.)
• Forest Structure and Function (Silviculture, Forest Growth, Forest Botany, Tree
Physiol. a. o.)
• Population and Community Ecology (Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, Vegetation Ecology,
a. o.)
In each of these areas, students will collect samples or data using a range of methods,
analyse samples were applicable (in the field or the laboratory), and compile, screen,
analyse and interpret data, to allow a critical appraisal of the whole process.
Learning goals and qualifications
Students will learn:
• Principles of experimental design and how to translate a research question into an
experimental approach incl. the choice of appropriate methodology
• Important steps in the research process from the formulation of hypotheses to the
interpretation of data and the writing of a short research paper
• To evaluate critically the accuracy, different types of errors and reproducibility of
ecological measurements, the issue of scaling up of results etc.
• To apply a range of methods confidently to particular areas of ecosystem research
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, practical exercises, field and lab work, tutorials, peer review
Prerequisites
A basic course in statistics
Requirements for registration
Distribution of work load
Contact hours 80 h (Lectures, exercises, field and lab work)
Independent learning 65 h (data analysis and interpretation, writing of report)
Proposed assessment
Report on experimental work conducted
Link to learning resources
Preliminary Reading
Comments
Module name
P 7
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
Module coordinator
Prof. Dr. H. Rennenberg Email: heinz.rennenberg@ctp.uni-freiburg.de
Additional teaching staff
Prof. Bauhus, Prof. Boppré, Prof. Fink, Prof. Hildebrand, Prof. Mayer, Prof. Reif, Prof. Spiecker,
Prof. Storch, Prof Pelz, Prof. Leibundgut
Syllabus
This module focuses on the theory of experimentation and the practical application of a set of
different approaches and methods to address questions in ecosystem analysis. In this
module students will be given the opportunity to learn methods required in their MSc
research. In addition, students will be familiar with fundamental concepts in experimentation
such as accuracy, replication, reproducibility, documentation etc. Following a general
introduction to the principles of experimental design and analysis, students will work in small
groups according to research areas in which they envisage to undertake their MSc research.
These small groups will learn research methods in the following areas:
• Forests and Climate Change (Tree Physiology, Meteorology, Hydrology, Soil Science,
a. o.)
• Forest Structure and Function (Silviculture, Forest Growth, Forest Botany, Tree
Physiol. a. o.)
• Population and Community Ecology (Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, Vegetation Ecology,
a. o.)
In each of these areas, students will collect samples or data using a range of methods,
analyse samples were applicable (in the field or the laboratory), and compile, screen,
analyse and interpret data, to allow a critical appraisal of the whole process.
Learning goals and qualifications
Students will learn:
• Principles of experimental design and how to translate a research question into an
experimental approach incl. the choice of appropriate methodology
• Important steps in the research process from the formulation of hypotheses to the
interpretation of data and the writing of a short research paper
• To evaluate critically the accuracy, different types of errors and reproducibility of
ecological measurements, the issue of scaling up of results etc.
• To apply a range of methods confidently to particular areas of ecosystem research
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, practical exercises, field and lab work, tutorials, peer review
Prerequisites
A basic course in statistics
Requirements for registration
Distribution of work load
Contact hours 80 h (Lectures, exercises, field and lab work)
Independent learning 65 h (data analysis and interpretation, writing of report)
Proposed assessment
Report on experimental work conducted
Link to learning resources
Preliminary Reading
Comments
Attention Applicants: Restructuring of the Forest Related M.Sc. Programs