This course provides hands-on training in state-of-the-art methods to study microbial structures and biogeochemical processes in diverse Alpine systems. The emphasis is on field-scale measurements of biogeochemical processes, but the course also includes introductory lectures, laboratory experiments/analyses, as well as excursions, and concludes with student presentations of collected data.

In this field course, physical properties and exchange processes (methane, carbon dioxide) of snow and soil as determinants in high-altitude ecosystems are experimentally investigated. The students interpret the measurements and write a short research proposal based on the observations.

Microorganisms catalyze a large number of reactions that are of great importance to terrestrial and aquatic environments. To improve our understanding of the dynamics of a specific environment, it is important to gain a better understanding of microbial structures and their functions under varying environmental conditions.

In this self-study course, students learn about relevant processes that control the water cycle on earth. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed.

The course aims to describe the relevant processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed.

This practical course provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques.The experiments cover a wide range of techniques, including analytical and synthetic techniques (e. g. investigation of soil and water samples or the preparation of simple compunds). Furthermore, the handling of gaseous substances is practised.

First, the students learn how to analyze soil systems with physical, chemical and microbiological methods. Later, the students train their experimental skills by conducting kinetic experiments in the laboratory and by quantifying process rates under field conditions in a river.

The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarise the information in a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practice this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper of scientific quality on a topic of relevance for research in the areas of biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics.

This class is the 2nd part of a series and participation is conditional on the successful completion of "Term Paper 1: Writing". The results from the term paper written during the previous term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed with the audience.

Project work in plant ecology, soil chemistry, soil protection, and soil microbiology with the aim of learning and applying field and laboratory methods for the investigation and description of terrestrial ecosystems.