Inhalte:
Scope: The aim of this course is to provide insight into mechanisms of ecosystem processes, exemplified on microbial and stoichiometric controls on decomposition of organic material. Based on field data, this course will focus on data analysis and integration. One major part will be the implementation of an ecological model for litter decomposition considering the succession of different microbial groups.
Methods: data analysis and statistics and mathematical modelling (Software: Anylogic).
 

Art der Leistungskontrolle:
Students will analyse an existing large data set on litter decomposition processes in aquatic and terrestrial systems and develop an ecological model of decomposition processes. They will present their work and interpretation of the data orally and in written form at the end of the class.