Teaching

BSc course “Introduction to scientific working in ecology” (in German), Univ. Potsdam, Bachelor programme “Biowissenschaften”

This course is part of the module System Ecology. It provides insights and hands-on experience in planning scientific work and in scientific writing. The course is taught in German.

MSc course “R preparatory course” (in English), Univ. Potsdam, Master programme “Ecology, evolution and conservation”

The preparatory block course Introduction to R is a facultative course in the Master programme "Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (EEC)". The main goal is to provide a basic understanding of R and a reference site for future use throughout the Master programme.

Link to teaching materials

MSc module “Experimental design and data analysis” (in English), Univ. Potsdam, Master programme “Ecology, evolution and conservation”

This module introduces the mathematical and conceptual foundations of statistical data analysis.

Participants learn about experimental study design and the appropriate statistical methods for analysing different types of data. The contents cover descriptive statistics, inferential statistics including statistical tests, and predictive statistic including regression. In the exercise, participants learn how to apply the statistical methods in the statistical software environment R.

MSc module “Macroecology and global change” (in English), Univ. Potsdam, Master programmes “Ecology, evolution and conservation” and “Geoecology”

This module provides an introduction into the field of macroecology. The participants will get introduced to concepts and methods in modern macroecological and quantitative biodiversity research. Based on a broad range of contemporary international literature, they will learn about observed and expected biodiversity response to global change, and international efforts to conserving biodiversity. In a mix of lectures and exercises, the participants will learn different macroecological analyses and species distribution modelling. All analyses will be carried out within the R software environment. The participants will apply the gained theoretical and methodological knowledge to case studies and solve practical problems related to macroecology and global change.

Link to teaching materials.

MSc module “Quantitative conservation biogeography” (in English), Univ. Potsdam, Master programmes “Ecology, evolution and conservation” and “Geoecology”

This module provides an introduction into the field of quantitative conservation biogeography. The participants will get introduced to concepts and methods in conservation biogeography and biodiversity monitoring. In a mix of lectures and seminars on contemporary international literature, we will learn about different concepts of basic biogeography, applied island biogeography, systematic conservation planning incl. prioritization, and different monitoring approaches (e.g., standardized monitoring programmes, citizen science). The module will also teach practical applications. Specifically, the participants learn to apply occupancy modelling to account for imperfect detection in biodiversity data, and to apply spatially explicit population models for adaptive monitoring and adaptive management. All analyses will be carried out within the R software environment. The participants will apply the gained theoretical and methodological knowledge to case studies and solve practical problems related to quantitative conservation biogeography.

Link to teaching materials.

MSc module "Ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity" (in English), Univ. Potsdam, Master programme “Climate, Earth, Water and Sustainability (CLEWS)”

Natural ecosystems are dynamic systems governed by different abiotic and biotic drivers operating over short to long time scales. Human activities are rapidly changing the environment with many direct and indirect effects on ecosystem dynamics. In consequence, we are experiencing a major biodiversity crisis that could result in the sixth mass extinction of the Earth’s history. Understanding the complexity of past and current ecosystem dynamics and their main drivers is key for developing more sustainable futures.

This module will provide the conceptual basis for understanding ecosystem dynamics by drawing on lessons from ecological theory, paleoecology, and modelling. Participants will learn how a combination of data and models can help us understand past and anticipate future responses of species and ecosystems to environmental changes, and how these insights can be applied to design dynamic conservation and more sustainable ecosystem management.

Link to teaching materials