Ecology of aquatic communities in lentic and lotic water. Adaptations and distribution patterns due to competition, predation and isolation. Applied case studies of different Swiss lakes and rivers.

Structures and processes of freshwater ecosystems. Field techniques and analytical methods in limnology

Determinations of algae and aquatic microinvertebrates including protozoans, rotifers and crustaceans using the microscope.

Identification and description of the relationship between habitat (abiotic factors) and different biocoenoses.

This introductory lecture in ecology covers basic ecological concepts and the most important levels of complexity in ecological research. Ecological concepts are exemplified by using aquatic and terrestrial systems; corresponding methodological approaches are demonstrated. Threats to biodiversity and the appropriate management are discussed.

Basics of limnology. Characteristics of chemistry, physics and biology of aquatic habitats. Interactions and adaptations of aquatic organisms. Applied limnology including restoration of lakes and rivers. Excursions to lentic and lotic water habitats.

Essentials of aquatic and terrestrial ecology. Introduction of basic methods for the analysis of aquatic and terrestrial populations. Comparisons of neophytes and indigenous plants. Chronology of herbs. Adaptations of organisms to specific habitats. Community ecology of plankton, neuston and benthos in lotic and lentic waters.

Basics of limnology. Characteristics of chemistry, physics and biology of aquatic habitats. Interactions and adaptations of aquatic organisms. Applied limnology including restoration of lakes and rivers. Excursions to lentic and lotic water habitats.

Chemical and physical characterisitcs of freshwater habitats. Aquatic communities of lentic and lotic waters ant their interspecific and intraspecific interactions.

Ecology of the most important lentic and lotic freshwater ecosystmes including springs, wetlands, riparian vegetation and groundwater.

No description available.

The pedological excursions are field trips to personally inspect the major soil types in our region. The various soil horizons can be seen and assessed in excavated soil pits. The purpose of this excercise is to recognize the important features of these soils and to understand the ecosystem processes at these sites. This unit complements the teaching materials and contents of the courses taught in

Determination of aquatic freshwater organisms (orders and families of algae and invertebrates) using keys.