Capstone course in which students solve complex real-world land-use problems, for which no single correct solution exists. Students work in project teams and take the role of consultants. They integrate the knowledge acquired during their previous studies and deepen their analysis, problem-solving and writing skills.

This course provides the ecological systems` knowledge needed to question applied solutions to current environmental issues. Our central aim is to balance participants' respect for complexity with a sense of possibility by providing examples from the vast solution space offered by ecological systems, such as e.g. green infrastructure to manage water.

Interdisciplinary seminar on forest and landscape issues with particular emphasis on the key processes shaping the development of forest ecosystems and landscapes. Students perform literature researches, and train presentation and moderation techniques as well as a constructive feedback culture.

In this course, the students explore ecological approaches, philosophical foundations, and practical implementations of nature conservation. Based on case studies, they are introduced to different views, values and ideals inherent in these activities.

The factors influencing the structure and function of mountain forests are analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Limiting factors along elevational gradients are evaluated, and the impacts of global change are assessed. Students engage with and critically assess contemporary concepts of mountain forest management

The lecture provides a science-based exploration of three important environmental systems: Inland waters, forest, and of food systems.

This course conveys the basics of forest ecology with an emphasis on trees as those organisms that dominate the physiognomy and the dynamics of forest ecosystems. Based on this course, students have a good grasp of the qualitative and quantitative importance of forest ecosystems at the global and regional scales, with a focus on central Europe.

This course focuses on the interactions of global change, ecosystem processes, land use practices, politics, and society. Impacts of global change on forests and agro-ecosystems that will strongly affect sustainable resource use across the 21st century and responsible and smart solutions are addressed.

Introductory course on field methods in forest ecosystem research and ecosystem management, with an emphasis on regeneration ecology, forest growth and management as well as mortality processes. The course is set up as a comparative study between a low-elevation beech forest and a mixed spruce-fir forest in the northern pre-Alps.

No description available.

Students are analyzing case studies of long-term forest dynamics based on inventory datasets and their own experience in these forests. This week-long excursion illustrates concepts from classroom courses in the BSc (e.g., Waldökologie, Landschaftsökologie), deepens the knowledge of students, and sheds light on the potentials and limitations of long-term monitoring efforts.

No description available.

Introductory course on important elements of the ecology of mountain forests of the temperate zone, with a focus on tree population dynamics and ecosystem ecology. The two major goals are to provide to students the scientific basis for the management of these systems, and to introduce students to the modern state-of-the-art research on selected topics.

In this practical, students get to know important field and laboratory methods of forest and landscape research as well as landscape management. They apply these methods in the context of small projects. The practical consists of three parts: Ecology (both forest and landscape), Site Classification (soil science & vegetation science), and Land Management.

The course introduces basic concepts and applications of dynamic vegetation models at various temporal and spatial scales. Different modeling approaches and underlying principles are presented and critically discussed during the lectures. In the integrated exercise parts, students work in a number of small projects with some of the introduced models to gain practical experience.

In this seminar, students develop the research plan for their Master Thesis, including an overview of the literature, the definition of the niche for their research, and the methods to be applied.

This summer school highlights various aspects of forest resilience, the provisioning of ecosystem services under changing environmental and socioeconomic boundary conditions, and the interactions between society and ecology. It is aimed primarily for PhD students to bring themselves up to date with the latest research, to share their research and to network with peers from all around the world.