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.
Learning 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.
Lecture notes
Handouts will be available on the webpage of the course.
Literature
Will be discussed in class.
Prerequisites / Notice
This course is based on fundamental knowledge about plant ecophysiology, soil science, and ecology in general. Course will be taught in English.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Techniques and Technologies
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Problem-solving
fostered
Project Management
assessed
Social Competencies
Communication
assessed
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
assessed
Self-direction and Self-management
assessed
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination
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.
Performance assessment as a semester course
: Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers