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This module allows students to learn about theories and concepts related to ecosystem ecology and systems thinking. Students will develop a deep understanding of core principles that help assess complex social-ecological systems and sustainability problems, such as tropical deforestation, lake eutriphication or rangeland degradation. The course participants learn and practice a range of system analysis tools to model the feedbacks between biotic and abiotic components of such systems, and to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics, stability, and resilience of social-ecological systems - with a focus on ecological processes. Moreover, students attain a methodological basis to quantify and assess ecosystem services, and to analyze trade-offs and synergies between them across scales. The course participants will deepen their skills in critically evaluating, summarizing, and discussing primary research literature.
The seminar will build the theoretical foundation for the course, via lectures, group discussions, literature reviews, and targeted debates. Topics that will be covered include:
- Foundations of ecosystem ecology: components of ecosystems, ecosystem functioning, energy, water, and nutrient cycling, trophic dynamics and food webs
- Spatial and temporal dynamics in ecosystems across scales
- Non-linearity, tipping points and resilience in social-ecological systems
- Role of biodiversity in ecosystems
- Ecosystem services (concepts, quantification, evaluation)
- Trade-offs and synergies
- Ecosystem management and stewardship
The computer-based seminar will focus on providing training in, and application of, analytical system-modelling tools. Exercises will include:
- Modeling spatiotemporal dynamics in ecosystems and social-ecological systems (e.g. water cycles, nutrient cycles, tropic interactions)
- Quantifying, mapping, and assessing ecosystem services
- Scenarios and model uncertainty
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