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Global Change Biology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:36
Abstract
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.
Objective
Students will better understand the impacts of global change on ecosystems and food systems at a range of spatial and temporal scales, be able to synthesize knowledge from various disciplines in the context of global change, and be able to evaluate options for sustainable resource use, climate mitigation and adaptation options. Students will learn to present scientific information to a scientific audience by preparing an executive summary and an oral presentation to answer a specific scientific question. Students will get extensive feedback from teachers and peers. Thereby, students will also learn how to give constructive feedback to peers.
Content
Changes in climate and land use are major issues that students will be faced with during their working life, independently of where they will work. Thus, an advanced understanding on how global change, ecosystem processes, land use practices, politics, and society interact and that it is critical to act responsibly and work as an agricultural or environmental scientist in the future. Thus, during this course, the effects of global change on forests and agro-ecosystems as well as their feedbacks to the climate system will be presented and discussed. Effects on ecosystem structure, composition, productivity and biogeochemical cycling, but also on the stability of production systems against disturbances will be addressed. Up-to-date scenarios and models for coupled human-environmental systems will be discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of different management options will be evaluated, including sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Global Change Biology |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Crop- and Grassland Science (This minor is new and in force from the academic year 22/23. The complete courselist for this minor will be published on the website of the Study Programme.)
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Core Courses (The core courses build on the basic courses and convey basic, broad knowledge in the core areas of landscape architecture in relation to design lessons. Some of the core courses are compulsory and some are freely selectable. Further details, in particular about taking these subjects, for performance assessments and for compensating for failed subjects, are regulated in Art. 27 and Art. 31 Paragraph 4.)
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