701-1613-01L  Landscape Patterns and Processes

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	This course introduces landscapes as socially perceived, spatially and temporally dynamic entities that are shaped by natural and societal factors. Concepts and qualitative and quantitative methods to study landscapes from an ecological and societal perspective are presented. The course consists of a mixture of theoretical lectures and exercises or practical sessions.
Learning objective	Students will learn: - The use of spatial data and analyses for quantifying patterns and processes in landscapes - Concepts and methods to quantify functional connectivity in landscapes and seascapes. - The use of remote sensing (satellites images, drones) to extract information about landscape structure and change, with a focus on land-use. - The use of landscape genetics and its application to biodiversity conservation. - To computationally optimize land-use planning problems. - Concepts and methods in scenario-based land-use change modelling. - Landscape ecological concepts and planning tools for management of urban landscapes. - Concepts of social preference of landscapes and related measurement methods. - how to design urban environments that foster health and well-being - The role of landscape features in influencing human well-being. - Approaches of actively influencing attitudes and behavior toward landscapes as well as their scientific evaluation.
Content	Thematic topics 1. Ecological quantification of landscape patterns: - Landscape resources and green infrastructure (e.g., ecological conservation areas). - Landscape and seascape connectivity. - Landscape genetics and conservation applications. - Concepts of spatial quantitative methods: least cost paths, resistance surfaces, Circuitscape, land-use change models, various statistical methods. - Image processing from remote sensing from satellites and drones. - Modelling future land-use. - Spatial optimization and trade-offs relative to biodiversity, agriculture and energy production. 2. Social perception and of landscapes: - Impact of urbanization on human-nature interactions - Approaches in planning urban landscapes - Theories on landscape preference and place identity. - Role of landscapes for recreation, health and well-being - Methods of investigating the human-landscape relationship and evaluating interventions
Lecture notes	Handouts will be available in the course and for download
Prerequisites / Notice	Basic Landscape Ecology courses at Bachelor level and basic knowledge of the R programming language
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making assessed Media and Digital Technologies fostered Problem-solving fostered Project Management fostered Social Competencies Communication fostered Sensitivity to Diversity fostered Negotiation fostered Personal Competencies Creative Thinking fostered Critical Thinking fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	5 credits
Examiners	L. Pellissier, N. Bauer, S. Gradinaru, D. Karger
Type	session examination
Language of examination	English
Repetition	The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Admission requirement	Students are only allowed for the exam if they passed at least 80% of the weekly compulsory continuous performance assessment.
Mode of examination	written 90 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination	- compulsory continuous performance assessment: At least 80% of the weekly compulsory continuous performance assessment must be completed (pass/fail). These elements mainly consist of quizzes, R-code, solving short exercises, and participating in a role-playing game. - The grade is determined by the written session exam (100%).
Written aids	None
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Environmental Sciences Master	Applications	W
Environmental Sciences Master	Natural Science Foundations	W