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751-5125-00L 2 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS

Stable Isotope Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann, PD Dr. Federica Tamburini, Dr. Roland Anton Werner, Prof. Dr. Arthur Gessler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:20

Abstract

This course provides an overview about the applicability of stable isotopes (carbon 13C, nitrogen 15N, oxygen 18O and hydrogen 2H) to process-oriented ecological research. Topics focus on stable isotopes as indicators for the origin of pools and fluxes, partitioning of composite fluxes as well as to trace and integrate processes. In addition, students carry out a small project during lab sessions.

Objective

Students will be familiar with basic and advanced applications of stable isotopes in studies on plants, soils, water and trace gases, know the relevant approaches, concepts and recent results in stable isotope ecology, know how to combine classical and modern techniques to solve ecophysiological or ecological problems, learn to design, carry out and interpret a small IsoProject, practice to search and analyze literature as well as to give an oral presentation.

Content

The analyses of stable isotopes often provide insights into ecophysiological and ecological processes that otherwise would not be available with classical methods only. Stable isotopes proved useful to determine origin of pools and fluxes in ecosystems, to partition composite fluxes and to integrate processes spatially and temporally. This course will provide an introduction to the applicability of stable isotopes to ecological research questions. Topics will focus on carbon (13C), nitrogen (15N), oxygen (18O) and hydrogen (2H) at natural isotope abundance and tracer levels. Lectures will be supplemented by intensive laboratory sessions, short presentations by students and computer exercises.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be available on the webpage of the course.

Literature

Will be discussed in class.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Attendance and active participation during all parts of the course is expected (min. 80% attendance).Performance assessment consists of different parts: (1) active participation, and (2) group work within an IsoProject (3-4 persons per group). The "IsoProject" takes place in the afternoon sessions and includes experimental design, carrying out of specific experiments, data acquisition, lab and data analyses, data interpretation. During the last day, the IsoProject will be presented to the peers.

Registration & Places

Max Places
20
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 06.09.2026 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Stable Isotope Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Block course from 15 January to 22 January 2027 (Friday to Friday), 9:00-18:00.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In