Theory of Ecosystem Dynamics and Decomposing Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and interactive tutorials.

Learning Outcomes

Students understand the direct and indirect interactions of biomass production in ecosystems. They are able to identify the key decomposers and to describe their position in the decomposing network, as well as their reactivity on changing constraints.

Additionally students will be enabled to understand the relations of decomposition with major environmental challenges like eutrophication or the accumuations or release of toxic substances.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Interaction of production and decomposition in ecosystems, relevance for the functioning and resilience of ecosystems, indication of indirect effects of ecosystem uses, comparative analysis of decomposing networks from different ecosystems.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 100.0%

Bibliography

Several papers in indexed journal, which change every year and that will be provided during the course.