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751-5118-00L 2 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-ARCH , D-GESS
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Global Change Biology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann, Dr. Kukka-Maaria Kohonen, Dr. Flavian Tschurr, Dr. Yu Zhou
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:51

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
Attendance and active participation during all parts of the course is expected (min. 80% attendance in presence). Performance assessment consists of different parts: (1) active participation (counts 20%), (2) executive summary (group work; 4-5 persons per group; counts 30%) and (3) group presentation; counts 50%). All parts are due during the semester. The use of AI for writing will be discussed.Group/Topic registration is open until Thursday, 20 February, 11:59 pm. The entry for group work counts as registration for the performance assessment. Last deregistration date for this course is Friday, 28 February, 11:59 pm. Please note that after that date, no deregistration is accepted, and the course will be graded in any case.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Global Change Biology
  • Mon 10:15-12:00 (CHN E 42)
2 h weekly

Offered In