Module Guide of the Master Program International Master of ... · International Master of Environmental Sciences University of Cologne . ... climate change (autoecology and biogeography),

Module Guide of the Master Program

International Master of Environmental Sciences

University of Cologne

Basic Module „Atmosphere“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2

Duration: 2 semesters

1 Courses: a) General Aspects of Meteorology b) Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology

Contact time 30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3

2 Type of course: lectures, seminar

3 Number of participants: maximum 30

4 Goals of qualification: To get an insight in fundamental physical principles upon which atmospheric sciences are based. Basic knowledge in thermodynamics of the atmosphere, some dynamics of the atmosphere, global circulation, technics of weather prediction an remote sensing and atmospheric chemistry and air pollution.

5 Contents: a) In the lecture, fundamental physical principles upon which atmospheric sciences are based will be

introduced. The goal is to provide an elementary description and interpretation of a wide range of atmospheric phenomena. Main topics are a survey of the atmosphere including measurement devices, basic laws describing the atmosphere, a fundamental understanding of synoptical weather systems including numerical weather predictions and aspects of remote sensing.

b) The lecture will focus on the global circulation including the theory of air masses and weather

patterns. In relation to this topic the concepts of scales of atmospheric motions, air mass classifications and the Polar front theory are introduced. In order to do weather analyses with the help of synoptic weather charts the techniques of weather forecasting will be presented also with reference to the phenomena of severe weather. Basics and the history of the discovery of atmospheric chemicals will be the essential topics of the second part of the lecture, including discussions about aspects of urban air pollution, aerosol particles in smog and the global environment and the effects of meteorology on air pollution.

6 Status of the module in the study program: Obligatory module in the IMES-program

7 Requirements for participation: none

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a and b) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for each course 1 (a) or 3 (b) 3 written tests during the semester, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these accomplished written tests Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to point 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.

9 Requirements for allocation of credit points: Credit points are allocated when examinations in each of the module parts (according to point 1) have been successfully completed with the minimum grade sufficient (4.0).

10 Significance of the grading in the final grade 4 %

11 Frequency: annually (a: winter term, b: summer term)

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Kerschgens and members of the Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie

13 Further information:

Basic module „Biosphere“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Ecology I b) Ecology II

Contact time 30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3

2 Type of course: Lecture, Seminar


4 Goals of qualification: Understanding general ecological principles, overview on aspects of autecology, population ecology, community ecology and ecosystem ecology. Ability to identify and work on issues in applied ecology and environmental science based on knowledge from ecological processes and patterns.

5 Contents: The basics of ecology are taught including the microbiological, botanical and zoological aspects of the factors determining the abundance and distribution of organisms. All aspects are discussed in the context of applied issues: Methods of ecological research incl. theoretical methods and hypotheses oriented studies. Nature of complexity of interactions. Basic abiotic factors characterising the different regions of the biosphere. Physiological ecology of adaptations to environmental conditions. Population ecology incl. intra- and interspecific interactions of organisms, population dynamics, life history strategies, and productivity on different trophic levels. In the second part, the lecture focuses on community ecology and ecosystem ecology (competition, predator-prey interactions, diversity, food-web organization, flow of energy and material). Environmental case studies are used to illustrate these concepts: invasion of exotic species (dispersal), climate change (autoecology and biogeography), pest control (trophic interactions), fisheries and overexploitation (food web organization), biomonitoring (autecology).



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a and b) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for each course (a and b) 2 to 3 written tests, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these accomplished written tests Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures (a and b) of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.

9 Requirements for allocation of credit points: Credit points are allocated when examinations in each of the module parts (according to point 1) have been successfully completed with the minimum grade sufficient (4.0).

10 Significance of the grading in the final grade: 4%


12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Hartmut Arndt, Universität zu Köln – Zoologisches Institut Prof. Dr. Michael Bonkowski, Universität zu Köln – Botanisches Institut


Basic module „Geosphere“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Introduction to Environmental Geophysics b) Physical Geology c) Landscape Formation

Contact time 30 h 30 h 30h

Self-study 60 h 60 h 60 h

Credit points: 3 3 3

2 Type of course: Lectures, seminar


4 Goals of qualification: a) The main goal is the understanding of basic concepts, methodology and interpretative procedures

of the applied geophysical methods used in the environmental studies. b) Understanding basic concepts of physical geology, understanding the interaction and effects of the 3 major earth systems, discussing catastrophic natural geological phenomena as they affect environmental science. A small amount of lecture time will be devoted to an active participation seminar aimed at a critical appreciation of the scientific literature where physical geology as it affects the environment is concerned. c) Knowledge and understanding of the factors, dynamics and outputs of landscape evolution with special regard to the Quaternary and the interaction of natural phenomena and human activities.

5 Contents: a) The lecture will give a general introduction to the most important methods of geophysical

exploration. These methods represent a primary tool for the investigation of the subsurface and are consequently very important for environmental scientists. Several aspects of the various survey methods such as the physical principles, methodology, interpretative procedures and fields of environmental application will be discussed, the main emphasis being placed on electromagnetic and seismic methods as the most intensively used techniques. The main goal of the lecture is to demonstrate the possibilities of applied geophysics in the assessment of environmental risk.

b) An overview is given about the origin, composition and structure of the Earth, including the three main earth systems (climate, plate tectonics, and geodynamics) with limited discussion of the biosphere (mainly as it relates to the Earth processes). The main emphasis is placed on a basic understanding of geological processes, how they shaped the Earth throughout its history, and how they relate to the environment. Particular emphasis is placed on current issues such as climate changes, natural catastrophes, and other geologically driven phenomena which affect Earth and the biosphere.

c) The lecture will address the fundamental factors, dynamics and outputs of landscape evolution. Special focus is driven to relief-forms (their morphography, morphometry, morphodynamics and morphochronology) as they are fundamental control factors in each ecosystem. Beside the natural landscape formation, the effects of human activities (e.g. technical landforms) and of climate change on (catastrophic) geomorphological processes (e.g. floods and landslides) will be demonstrated.

6 Status of the module in the study program: Obligatory module in the IMES-program.


8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a-c) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for each course (a - c) 2 to 3 written tests, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these accomplished written tests Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.

9 Requirements for allocation of credit points: Credit points are allocated when examinations in each of the module parts (according to 1) have been successfully completed with the minimum grade sufficient (4.0).


11 Frequency: annually (a, b: winter term, c: summer term)

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: a) Prof. Dr. Bülent Tezkan, Universität zu Köln - Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie b) Dr. Sharon K. Reamer, Universität zu Köln - Erdbebenstation Bensberg c) Prof. Dr. Heinz Sander, Universität zu Köln – Geographisches Institut


Basic module „Hydrosphere“

Work load: 90 h

Credit points: 3

Semester 2

Duration: 1 semester

1 Courses: Physical Hydrology

Contact time 30 h

Self-study 60 h

Credit points: 3

2 Type of course: Lecture with accompanying ILIAS online course for self assessment, self study and discussion

3 Number of participants: Maximum 30

4 Goals of qualification: Understand the underlying concepts of hydrology and gain an understanding of hydrological methods used in water resources management. Based upon the understanding of processes, which govern of water fluxes and water storages, as well as the methods available to gain qualitative information about our water resources, the students will learn to assess the potentials and limits of different water uses. Hydrological processes are discussed particularly with respect to issues of water resources management. Building upon the thorough understanding of physical hydrological processes, methods and options of integrated water resources management are discussed in follow up courses of the 3

rd

semester.

5 Contents: This lecture provides an introduction to terrestrial physical hydrology. We will focus on quantitative aspects of hydrology. You will learn about basic hydrological concept such as the water cycle on different spatial scales (global hydrological cycle to plot scale), various fluxes of water as well as water storage terms on the land surface. You will obtain an understanding and appreciation of hydrology as a quantitative science describing the occurrence, distribution and movement of water at and near the surface of the earth. We will discuss the impact of different environmental properties upon the water availability and discuss the parameters used to determine these fluxes. Fundamental methods and concepts to describe, measure and model these fluxes will be presented. Based upon the discussion of the hydrological principles and physical laws you should be able to develop a sound understanding of the physical processes involved in the land phase of the hydrologic cycle. This will provide a framework to derive temporal and spatial distribution of the available water resources and the foundation to determine opportunities and limits of sustainable use of available water resources. As water is a key environmental resource, which determines and limits future development possibilities a sound knowledge of physical terrestrial hydrology is crucial for future decision makers. While this course focuses on the aspects of physical hydrology a multitude of cross references and implications to environmental problems as well as applied issues of environmental management are obvious, since water is a key substance for environmental processes and well as social and economic issues such as water environmental management. The participants are required to prepare the classroom meetings prior to each session based upon the teaching material presented on the e-learning platform ILIAS. This enables the students to follow the explanations and to pose relevant questions. The lecture format permits a close student-teacher interaction, through the discussion of the fundamental concepts and their relevance in the context of environmental sciences and environmental management.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam will be announced at the start of the course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: ILIAS based exam questions are provided for each lecture. These exam questions are used to clearly demonstrate the requirements of the final test. Grading will be done based upon the final exam. The final exam will use similar questions as are given in the ILIAS sample tests. Thus preparation for the final exam will be equally distributed throughout the semester. Usually a second date for the final exam is provided at the beginning of the following semester for students who were unable to attend the first exam. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: equals the grading of the course


10 Significance of the grading in the final grade: 2 %

11 Frequency: annually (summer term)

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Karl Schneider, Universität zu Köln - Geographisches Institut


Basic module „Environmental Technology“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Environmental Organic, Inorganic and

Material Cycles b) Environmental Technologies

Contact time 30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3



4 Goals of qualification: a) - To get insight and understanding of physical and geochemical principles

- Understanding of natural and anthropogenic environmental processes and cycles b) - To get insight and understanding of different technologies used to treat and manage waste - To get insight and understanding of environmental biotechnologies with emphasis on environmental monitoring, bioremediation and natural resource recovery c) To be able to prepare an essay about the application of a specific environmental technique to address an environmental problem related to pollution or energy production based on a search of the relevant literature d) To be able to prepare and communicate an oral presentation about the application of environmental technologies to environmental problems and to discuss this work in a scientific context with peers

5 Contents: a) The aim of this lecture is to provide an introduction of concepts and principles of environmental

geochemistry. The earth as a global system, with existing natural material cycles in inter-related compartments (atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere) will be discussed. Sources and cycles of CO2, Sulphur dioxide, ground- and waste water, inorganic and organic pollutants and waste will be examined. The ways in which humans by industrial and agricultural activities have changed the natural environmental cycles will be explained. An introduction for the qualitative and quantitative techniques for the analysis of pollutants and methods for the description of environmental cycles will be given.

b) The aim of this lecture is to provide an introduction the use of environmental technologies to solve environmental problems. Classical and new technologies for waste water treatment and solid waste management are introduced as well technologies for energy production and new technologies for production of metals (Cu, Ni, Co). Environmental policies and ecological and economic comparisons of various technologies will be explained. An introduction to environmental biotechnology is presented and applications for using micro-organisms to monitor pollutants and to treat and remove pollutants from the environment are demonstrated. Environmental Monitoring covers bioindicators, biomarkers and biosensors. Different stategies for bioremediation (bioaugmentation, use of transgenic micro-organisms, phytoremediation) are discussed.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a and b) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: (1) for each course a and b, one written test (1 hr each), (2) for each course a and b, one written report, (3) for either course a or b (choice of the students) one oral presentation (10 min) plus discussion. The grading of the course will be calculated as follows: 50% for the written tests, 25% for the essays, 25% for the presentation plus discussion. The arithmetic mean of individual grades will be formed. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Michael Melkonian, Universität zu Köln – Botanisches Institut


Basic module „Environmental Medicine“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Environmental Medicine I b) Environmental Medicine II

Contact time 30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3

2 Type of course: Lectures


4 Goals of qualification: Students are introduced to the study and assessment of the impacts of physical, chemical, and biological agents in the environment on human health and disease and to means for their measurement and control.

5 Contents: In the course of 2 integrative semesters, Environmental Medicine I and II prepare students to study and assess the impacts of physical, chemical, and biological agents in the environment on human health and disease and introduce means for their measurement and control. The curriculum is syndisciplinary, including environmental medicine and epidemiology, toxicology, hygiene, and risk assessment. a) Environmental Medicine I places emphasis on:

- global threats: past and current - information resources - human physiology - statistical methods - study designs - waterborne diseases, - airborne diseases, - risk assessment and public health.

b) Environmental Medicine II places emphasis on: - statistical methods - study designs - water- and airborne diseases, - ionizing radiation, - non-ionizing radiation, - skin and environment, - preventive and interventive research, - risk assessment and public health.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a and b) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for each course (a and b) one written test with questions from the 6-7 scholars who teach the multi-faceted module per semester. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Dr. Thomas Erren, Universität zu Köln - Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin


Basic module „Environmental Law“

Work load: 180 h

Credit points: 6

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Introduction to Comparative Environmental

Law Systems b) Introduction to International Environmental

Law Systems

Contact time 30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3

2 Type of course: Lectures, seminar, online-courses


4 Goals of qualification: - Learn the basics of finding sources of domestic, European and international environmental law - Learn the relevance of legal history to environmental law - Learn the basics of the substance of domestic environmental law - Learn the advantages and disadvantages of comparativism - Learn the use of (international) law as just one possible tool to correct environmental problems - Learn the limitations of international law compared to the law of any domestic system

5 Contents: a) This Module will introduce the non-law student to the discipline of law. Focus will be upon

domestic legal systems, and upon recognising where environmental law fits within the domestic systems. To achieve the learning goals, students will learn how environmental problems were, and still are, solved through the law without dedicated environmental legislation, and how and why dedicated environmental legislation changes the ability of the law to address problems. Students will be introduced to the concept of sources of law as the basics of finding applicable law to a problem.

b) This Module will introduce the non-law student to international law, building upon the first semester‟s understanding of domestic and comparative law. Focus will be upon international legal systems, and upon recognising where environmental law fits within the international systems. To achieve the learning goals, students will learn how international environmental law builds upon domestic legal systems, how the sources of international environmental law differ from the sources of domestic environmental law, and how European Union environmental law combines elements of international law with elements of domestic law. Students will advance their understanding of the concept of sources of law as the basics of finding applicable law to a problem.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a and b) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for each course (a and b) there will be three distance-learning assignments completed individually by the students, submitted, marked and returned. There will also be an oral presentation of research during the live portion of the seminar, and finally the students will submit a ten-to-twelve page research and analysis paper at the end of the course. Each of these three assignments will be equally weighted and the final mark will be determined by an arithmetic mean of the three assignments by the students. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Dr. Kirk Junker, Universität zu Köln – Lehrstuhl für US-amerikanisches Recht


Basic module „ Environmental Policy and Governance “

Work load: 270 h

Credit points: 9

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Environmental Policy and Management b) Political Ecology I c) Political Ecology II

Contact time 30 h

30 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

60 h

60 h

Credit points: 3 3 3

2 Type of course: Lecture, seminar, online-course


4 Goals of qualification: 1. To provide students with applications context for the various elements of environmental science

addressed in other courses within the IMES curriculum. 2. To assist students in understanding how international and national policies on environmental

issues are developed and implemented. 3. To provide students with understanding of how the private sector, inter-governmental and non-

governmental organizations recognize and address their environmental obligations 4. To enable students to recognize the important elements of an organization‟s environmental

performance and to understand how such performance is measured, improved, and reported to stakeholders

5 Contents: to a) This course will examine various aspects of environmental policy and management, primarily in

the U.S. It is intended to provide the IMES students with application context for much of the science covered in the IMES curriculum. The course will have both classroom and online components using Duquesne University‟s Blackboard® course management system. We will examine how a national environmental policy develops and various means of implementation. We will than address the environmental aspects of organizations and how those aspects dictate the driving forces for organizational activities dealing with human health and the environment.

to b and c) This course will examine the interplay between institutions, actors, and the environment. Although including the local and regional scales, our primary focus lies at the global level, where sets of rules, actions and processes constitute what is usually referred to as “Global Environmental Governance”. The stress will be on the aspect of change, such as with climate change, desertification, or loss of biodiversity, and how political systems, corporate actors as well as the public drive, are impacted upon and respond to environmental change. The course will take an inter-disciplinary approach and operate at the interface between basic and applied science. Case studies and narratives will be examined.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (a - c) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: for a) for b and c) for each course, the examination consists of a graded oral presentation and a written examination, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these grades (1:1) Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.



11 Frequency: annually (winter term)

12 Persons in charge of the module and primary teachers: Dr. Andreas Rechkemmer, Executive Director, International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP)


Basic module „Environmental Sociology and Cultural Ecology”

Work load: 225 h

Credit points: 7.5

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Environmental Sociology: Basic

Approaches and Research Results b) Introduction to Cultural Ecology c) Urban Environments

Contact time 30 h

15 h

30 h

Self-study 60 h

30 h

60 h

Credit points: 3

1.5 3



4 Goals of qualification: - To get an overview on the topics, theoretical approaches and empirical findings of Environmental Sociology - To demonstrate, how environmental sociology is linked to general theories of Sociology - To exemplify how empirical studies on environmental problems are to be designed, conducted and analyzed - To obtain an overview of the culture-specific attitudes as well as the use of different environments (deserts, rain forest, arctic etc.) of the different populations.

5 Contents: a) In the first part, a brief introduction to sociological reasoning will be given, followed by some

examples of environmental problems. For these examples, the sociological approach will be demonstrated. The second part pertains to two theories used in environmental sociology: Rational Choice Theory and the Theory of Collective Goods (or common pool resources). We than move to complex decision structures under uncertainty. The next part is devoted to empirical studies of the relationship of environmental knowledge, environmental concern and environmental behavior, followed by a series of studies on the conditions of pro-environmental behavior. All sessions will be introduced by an overview of the topic suggested literature. The session will than be devoted to the discussion of mainly two major texts for the topic under study. Students are expected to have read these two texts in advance.

b) In this lecture the focus is directed towards different culture-specific perceptions and attitudes towards the different habitats concerned as well as on the various economical strategies used to exploit them. Here the interdependence of human cultural (e.g. „traditional‟ economic) activities and the various environmental factors in different biotopes/habitats shall be discussed. The second main topic concerns the theme: „Culture and the Changing Environment‟; here the specific themes comprise problems as those of „Sustainability‟, „Political Ecology‟, „Vulnerability‟, the so called „Tragedy of the Commons‟, the „Problems of Mega-Dams etc.

c) The topics: Urban environments and urban ecology: Approaches and concepts; Global change: Concepts and discussions; Human dimensions of global change: Phenomena and identification; Urban water resources and management; Danger and effects of urban heat islands; Georisks in urban areas; Disaster prevention in different urban socioscapes; Urban food security; Urban governance and participation; Monitoring urban environments: New methodologies and methods; Complex reaction: Decision-support systems and scenarios.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: (a) two presentations and elaborated papers on texts of the course; b) and (c)) 2 to 3 written tests, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these accomplished written tests Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.



11 Frequency: annually (a, b: winter term, c: summer term)

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Friedrichs, Universität zu Köln - Forschungsinstitut für Soziologie Prof. Dr. Frauke Kraas / Prof. Dr. Dietrich Soyez, Universität zu Köln - Geographisches Institut


Basic module „Environmental Education“

Work load: 135 h

Credit points: 4.5

Semester 1, 2


1 Courses: a) Basic aspects of environmental education b) Didactics of excursions

Contact time 15 h

30 h

Self-study 30 h

60 h

Credit points: 1.5

3

2 Type of course: Lecture, seminar, working groups, practical


4 Goals of qualification: The students get an overview of theory and practical aspects of environmental education. Interdisciplinary cooperation of natural sciences is strongly emphasised (for example: biology and chemistry work together for water research, geography and biology: climate change and vegetation). At the end of winter term: Examination. Participants are prepared to organize excursions. At the end of summer term: Excursion-reports and planning an own excursion.

5 Contents: The module consists of two parts: A theoretical introduction (Winter-term) and a practical part dealing mainly with didactics of excursions (Summer-term).

a) Basic aspects of environmental education (Winter-term): Basic aspects of education, basic aspects of environmental education with special emphasis on botany, zoology, ecology and geography. Environmental issues and the public. Environmental experiments in biology and physics – much more interesting as the pure theory! Project-teaching. Team-teaching.

b) Didactics of excursions (Summer-term): Theoretical introduction, participation in at least two excursions (Environmental themes), planning and organizing of one full-day excursion for students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Evaluation report.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: a) written examination; b) report and presentation Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the weighted (by credit points) arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Hans Georg Edelmann, Seminar für Biologie und ihre Didaktik


Basic module „Spatial Environmental Methods“

Work load: 90 h

Credit points: 3

Semester 2


1 Courses: Introduction to GIS

Contact time 30 h

Self-study 60 h

Credit points: 3

2 Type of course: Seminar


4 Goals of qualification: Understanding of the principles of spatial data concepts, handling, analysis, and presentation

5 Contents: In this lecture, the IMES students get an introduction to the basic concepts and methods of spatial data handling, management, analysis, and presentation by using GIS. The lecture bases on the Virtual Campus Course “Introduction into ArcGIS, Part I” provided by ESRI. So, the students also learn how to use the GIS-Software ArcGIS and how to handle ESRI‟s spatial data formats like shapefiles, coverages, geodatabases, and grids.



8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: 2 to 3 written tests, the grading of the course will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of these accomplished written tests Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: equals the grading of the course



11 Frequency: annually

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Georg Bareth, Universität zu Köln - Geographisches Institut


Basic module „Excursion“

Work load: 90 h

Credit points: 3

Semester 1, 2

Duration:

1 Courses: Excursions

Contact time 45

Self-study 45

Credit points: 3

2 Type of course: Excursion


4 Goals of qualification: Practical work with and demonstration of environmental issues outside the university

5 Contents: 1. Seismological Station Bensberg (Winter term, Hinzen) Students get an insight to the activities of a local seismic network, which is involved in the civil protection and emergency management of the state of Northrhine Westfalia. Seismic Instrumentation, networking and routine data processing including Location, Magnitude determination and Internet publication of results is shown. 2. Urban Recreational Lakes: Eutrophication, Restoration and the Primary Producers (Winter term, Melkonian). The excursion consists of two parts. In the first part (9.00-12.00) we will visit several sites (lakes) in urban Cologne which are subjected to anthropogenic eutrophication. Measures to restore the water quality are discussed as well as the roe of primary producers in eutrophication. We will take samples of the water and measure physical and chemical parameters of water quality. This part requires travel by car (bring a car if you have one). In the second part (12.00-15.00) we will study the primary producers (algae) by light microscopy in the Department of Botany and will identify the organisms to genus level using an intuitive key. Finally, we will summarize the chemical and biological data and reach a conclusion about the status of the different lakes based on these data. 3. Drinking Water Treatment Facility (Summer term, Melkonian) We will visit the Drinking Water Treatment Facility of the "Wahnbachtalsperrenverband" (Siegelsknippen, 53721 Siegburg). It consists of the "Wahnbach-Water Reservoir" where we will see the dam and its function, the phosphate elimination plant at the water reservoir and the drinking water treatment plant. Our local guide will be Dr. Packroff, a scientist from the company. Bring clothing for wet weather and material for documentation (notebook, pencil, etc.) plus a lunch packet. 4. German Federal Institute of Hydrology (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde) in Koblenz (Winter term, Melkonian). We will visit this national institution and several of its departments and will be introduced into their work (with emphasis on biomonitoring, biotechnology and laboratory work). 5. Excursion “Urban environments: Stadtwald Köln” (summer term; Hillebrand) We will visit the Stadtwald in Cologne and see how urban recreational environments are maintained and treated, which kind of native and exotic species are ther. 6. Excursion “Hydrogeography, Dissenbach” (summer term; Schneider) 7. Excursion “Problems of international nature conservation – zoological garden Cologne (Arndt) 8. Excursion “Problems of the restoration of large rivers – Ecological Rhine Lab Bayenthal” (Arndt) 9-12. Further Excursions are provided connected to Environmental Technology and to Basic environmental education, these have shifting destinations and content



8 Type of exam: No examination.

9 Requirements for allocation of credit points: Credit points are allocated when successful participation has been shown by individual protocols, which are reviewed by the lecturer.

10 Significance of the grading in the final grade:

11 Frequency: Excursions covering at least 3 ECTS Credit points will be offered annually

12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: All teachers of the IMES program


Advanced module „Atmosphere“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3

Duration: 1 semester

1 Courses: a) Basics of topics 1 – 4 (s. Contents) b) Precipitation analysis c) Weather briefing (weather analysis and

forecasting) d) Impact analysis

Contact time 150

Self-study 300

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: a, c, d) seminar/practical; b) lecture/seminar


4 Goals of qualification:

Experience special meteorological measurement techniques

Learn about available meteorological data sets

Learn about data analyses methods in meteorology

Learn about presentation techniques in meteorology

Writing skills and reviewing of scientific papers

Preparation for thesis writing

5 Contents: Topics: Within the module, one of the following topics can be chosen:

1. Analysis and prediction of wind energy potential. 2. Calculation methods for air pollution on different scales – including transport and

transformation processes. 3. Impacts of meteorological extreme events, like heavy precipitation (including floods), extreme

winds and heat waves. 4. Consequences and possible impacts of climatic change.

Tools :Within the modules, different basics are introduced, which are necessary to work within the above mentioned topics during later stages. These cover for example:

- Special methods of measurement (e.g. precipitation networks, evaporation) - Available meteorological data on different scales - Data analyses of observational and simulated data - Presentation of data with the aid of Geographical Information Systems - Simulation tools (diagnostic and prognostic) for different atmospheric phenomena

Multidisciplinarity: Special emphasis is put on application oriented work, on meteorological impacts and on the links to other disciplines, e.g. to hydrology, biosphere, medicine, economy and spatial environmental methods. Structure of the modules: The expenditure of time for each module corresponds to six weeks and can be arranged at any time during the semester. The modules consist mainly of non-tutored courses with problem oriented self paced learning. One day of the week (suggestion: preferably Friday) tutored sessions will be given, mainly to cover multidisciplinary aspects; these tutored sessions are also part of other modules (e.g. of hydrology). Weekly weather briefings during that day will ensure application oriented aspects. Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.

6 Status of the module in the study program: Compulsory optional module in the IMES-program

7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Atmosphere

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: a) paper (70%), oral presentation (30%). b-d) scientific protocol (100%). The grading of the course will be calculated as the weigthed (by percent) arithmetic mean of the accomplished examinations. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Peter Speth, Universität zu Köln - Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie Prof. Dr. Kerschgens, Universität zu Köln - Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie


Advanced module „Biosphere“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3

Duration: 1 Semester

1 Courses: a) Applied issues of Aquatic and Microbial

Ecology b) Interactions between Eukaryotic

Microorganisms

Contact time 240

Self-study 210

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Vorlesungen, Seminare, Praktika


4 Goals of qualification: - learn basic techniques of ecology and bio-environmental technology - understand the role of organisms in the functioning of ecosystems - learn to address environmental problems using biological thinking - learn to use scientific literature and present results in written and oral form - prepare for Master-Thesis

5 Contents: The module Biosphere consists of hands-on practicals in basic and applied ecology and in bio-environmental technology of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems including microorganisms (bacteria and algae), plants and animals. These practicals (laboratory and field work) are accompanied by lectures addressing the theoretical framework of the practicals and a seminar during which each student will present a lecture (20 min) about a current topic based on original scientific publications/scientific reviews published in recent years. Students will work in groups of two/three in the practicals, which are problem-oriented. A protocol taking the form of a short scientific paper (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References) will be prepared by each student (about 20 pages) and handed in for grading. The following aspects will predominantly be addressed during the course:

- Applied Issues of Aquatic and Microbial Ecology (selected topics such as limnology of lakes and rivers, drinking water reservoirs, Cologne water works and drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, water quality monitoring, , nature conservation, fish ecology, Ecological Rhine station of the University, Ecological Field Station in the inundation area of the Lower Rhine)

- Interactions between Eukaryotic Microorganisms – Competition and Consumption (Laboratory microcosms will be used to manipulate the supply of resources (nutrients, light) and the presence of consumers (ciliates, rotifers) and to measure the response of microalgal assemblages. Goals are to handle aquatic microorganism, and to understand the fundamental role of biotic interactions for the structure of ecological communities.

The module will be offered during the first 6 weeks of the semester in a compact form. The course includes a one week field study (October 18- October 22, 2004) at the Ecological Field Station of the Zoological Institute in Rees-Grietherbusch, Lower Rhine Valley. Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Biosphere

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: scientific protocol (60%), oral presentation (40%). Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.

9 Requirements for allocation of credit points: Credit points are allocated when examinations have been successfully completed with the minimum grade sufficient (4.0).



12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Arndt, Universität zu Köln - Zoologisches Institut Prof. Dr. Hillebrand, Universität zu Köln - Botanisches Institut


Advanced module „Geosphere“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: Geophysics

Contact time 150

Self-study 300

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Seminare, Praktika


4 Goals of qualification: - Learn about geophysical measurement techniques - Learn about geophysical modeling - Learn about geological interpretation of geophysical data - Scientific talk and writing a scientific report

5 Contents: The main aim of this block course is to demonstrate and to show the practical applications of the geophysical techniques. In a team based approach small student groups will give scientific lectures, carry out own measurements, analyze, and discuss their own data. Finally, they will interpret their data by using the geophysical modeling software. One day per week (probably Friday) tutored sections will be given. The tutor will give no lecture, but he will act as a moderator in the seminar. He will introduce the students to the geophysical devices, the geophysical measuring techniques and the geophysical modeling software. The tutor will also be in the field during the field measurements of the students. After this introduction the student group will be able to do its own research. The following time schedule is suggested for the course: Week 1: Presentation of the literature of the module, guidelines of the module, rules of presenting a scientific talk and of writing a scientific report. Week 3: Direct current resistivity method: -lecture by the students about the principles, the data interpretation, related interdisciplinary case histories, and about the demonstration of the geophysical device -Discussion about the lecture -Geophysical field measurements close to Cologne -Interpretation of data using the modeling software during the next two weeks Week 5: Magnetic methods -the same time schedule and structure as week 3- Week 7. Georadar technique -the same time schedule and structure as week 3- Week 9: Seismic methods -the same time schedule and structure as week 3- Week 11: Radiomagnetotellurics -the same time schedule and structure as week 3- Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Geosphere

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: scientific protocol Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Bülent Tezkan, Universität zu Köln - Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie


Advanced module „Hydrosphere“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: a) Seminar: The impact of global change upon

water resources, water use and water availability

b) Methods in Physical Hydrology c) Research Project

Contact time 60

Self-study 390

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: a) Seminar b) Feldkurs/Praktikum c) Tutorium


4 Goals of qualification: - Experience hydrological measurement techniques - Learn about hydrological modeling approaches - Learn about watershed management issues - Writing skills and reviewing of scientific papers - In preparation for thesis writing

5 Contents: The module Hydrosphere aims at solving real hydrological measurement, management and planning tasks.

The course will have three parts:

1. hydrological measurement and analysis class 2. global change and hydrology class 3. research project preparation

This class aims at preparing the students to successfully develop their own research agenda, to establish field research and to learn key concepts of writing and presenting a scientific paper

The major part of the workload is tutored self paced, team oriented and problem based learning.

The module will take the equivalent of 12 weeks of work. 6 weeks should be planned for preparing the course in the summer and 6 weeks during the semester. Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Hydrosphere

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: scientific protocol (50%), oral presentation (25%), protocol of the practical work (25%). Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Karl Schneider, Geographisches Institut


Advanced module „Environmental Technology“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: a) Environmental Biotechnology using

Microalgae b) Environmental Technology

Contact time 200

Self-study 250

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Praktikum


4 Goals of qualification: - learn basic techniques of environmental biotechnology using algae (growing algae, measuring

growth, microbiological methods, toxicity analysis) - understand the role of microalgae for biomonitoring and bioremediation - learn to address environmental problems using environmental biotechnology - learn to use scientific literature and to present results in written and oral form - prepare for Master-Thesis

5 Contents: The module consists of project-oriented practical work in basic and applied aspects of environmental technology. The projects (laboratory and field work) are accompanied by a lecture by participating faculty addressing the theoretical framework of the projects and a seminar during which each student will present a lecture (20 min) about a current topic on environmental technology based on original scientific publications/ scientific reviews published in recent years. Each student will work on his/her own project and is supervised by experienced staff. In collaboration with staff each student draws up a research plan and time table and performs the research according to his/her own schedule. A protocol taking the form of a scientific paper (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References) will be prepared by each student (about 20 printed pages) and submitted to the faculty for grading at the end of the module. The lecture (Wednesday, 4.15- 5 p.m., Lecture Room, Botanical Institute) is obligatory for all students participating in this module. Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program Several projects are offered and after consultation with faculty, each student chooses one project in either of the two participating laboratories (Melkonian or Rammensee). The following projects are offered: 1. Removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater 2. Removal of heavy metals from contaminated water 3. Development of a new laminated substrate for algal cell immobilization 4. Novel approaches in the cryopreservation of microalgae 5. Biological Monitoring of Toxicants (herbicides) in water: development of a chip-based whole cell

biosensor 6. Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by microalgae Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Environmental Technology

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: scientific protocol (60%), oral presentation (40%) for each course Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: a) Prof. Dr. Michael Melkonian, Universität zu Köln - Botanisches Institut b) Prof. Dr. Werner Rammensee, Universität zu Köln - Institut für Mineralogie und Geochemie


Advanced module „Environmental Law“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: a) Legal Research Methods b) International Environmental Substantive

Law c) Domestic Environmental Substantive Law d) Scientific Bases of Legal Problems

Contact time 30

Self-study 420

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Vorlesungen, online-Kurse


4 Goals of qualification: - Learn the basics of finding sources of domestic environmental law - Learn the basics of finding sources of international environmental law - Learn the basics of the substance of domestic environmental law - Learn the basics of the substance of international environmental law - Learn the use of law as just one possible tool to correct environmental problems. - Learn to recognise areas where law is not an appropriate tool for solving environmental

problems

5 Contents: The student will research and develop a thesis in environmental law, with specific reference to the interplay of intenational environmental law and domestic environmental law, through a case study on a topic such as: oil spills at sea by tankers, the riparian rights of various countries in the use of flowing waters such as the Rhein, Colorado or Nile Rivers, transboundary shipments of hazardous waste, climate change, or the importation of prohibited plant or animal species. Various centres in Cologne will provide the technical and scientific background necessary; Prof. Dr. Mansel will direct and oversee the co-ordination of the project, and Profs. Dr. Junker and King will provide the necessary tuition in areas of domestic and international law, both in substance and research methods.Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Environmental Law

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: scientific protocol (40%), oral presentation (20%), documented bibliography (40%). Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Dr. Kirk Junker, Duquesne University - School of Law


Advanced module „Environmental Policy and Governance“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: Environmental Policy and Management

Contact time 30

Self-study 420

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Vorlesungen, online-Kurse


4 Goals of qualification: Students will achieve: 1. An understanding of various environmental policy instruments in Europe and the U.S. 2. An understanding of how environmental regulations and other policy instruments impact businesses and other organizations 3. How environmental management creates costs within an organization and how it can be utilized to create value 4. How the environmental aspects of an organization can create business risks and how those risks are assessed and managed 5. An understanding of systems and systematization in general and environmental management systems specifically; 6. Environmental management for sustainability, including pollution prevention (i.e., cleaner production) as an alternative to pollution control and the means by which organizations can achieve cleaner production 7. The principles of environmental impact assessment and how they are applied to public and private sector projects

5 Contents: This module is an examination of environmental policy and management, primarily in North America and Europe. It is for third-semester IMES students who have taken the environmental policy and management module during their first semester of study. This is a reading-oriented module, with students reading a significant number of assigned and student-selected books and articles. The instructor and students participating in this module also will participate in a number of online discussion forums using Duquesne University‟s Blackboard course management system. The course will be conducted online. The first two-thirds of the course will deal with instructor-selected readings. During the final third of the course, students will select an environmental management topic for further study and prepare a written paper on that topic. Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Environmental Economy

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: paper (60%), report (40%). Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Robert Volkmar, Duquesne University – Center for Environmental Research & Education


Advanced module „Environmental Spatial Methods“

Work load: 450 h

Credit points: 15

Semester 3


1 Courses: a) GIS application in soil science b) GIS application in hydrology c) GIS applications in urban planning

Contact time 150

Self-study 300

Credit points: 15

2 Type of course: Tutorium/Praktikum


4 Goals of qualification: - Application of GIS in environmental and urban studies - Learning about data sources, special processing techniques and integration of GIS and spatial

models - Report writing techniques

5 Contents: This module will cover aspects of GIS use and data analysis in social as well as natural sciences. The module will cover three sections: Urban studies, soil sciences and hydrology. A focus of this course will be on learning advanced data analysis techniques in these different disciplines. Building upon the basic GIS techniques learned in in introductory course, this course will focus on providing information for decision makers and planners. The main workload of the module is occupied by self paced, problem based learning. A general problem statement will be used to identify a scientific research task. This research task will be addressed based upon suitable literature, textbooks and internet resources. The teaching staff assumes the role of a tutor, moderating the course rather than providing lectures. The urban studies section will cover the following issues under the general heading of “Spatial social segregation in global cities – Examplified by London:

1. Introduction to the research issues: Readings of the relevant literature regarding „Global Cities“ (esp. GaWC-Group, Friedman, Sassen); Identification and elaboration of the scientific problem.

2. Formulation of a research hypothesis 3. Development and justification of an solution approach to quantify segregation; Choice of

suitable variables / parameters as well as spatial reference systems. 4. Data acquisition (Geometry, Attributes), Generation of a GIS, applying / developing suitable

scripts 5. Conduction and analysis of research 6. Presentation of results (tables, graphs, maps) 7. Interpretation of results and comparison with literature.

The hydrology section will cover the use of GIS for flood modeling and prediction. The following aspects are covered:

1. Processing techniques of digital elevation data are investigated (Deliniation od watersheds and streams),

2. hydrologic data base (landuse, soils, DEM) 3. modeling soil water balance with GIS 4. modeling surface water balance (ET, Runoff)

The soil science section will cover the use of GIS for capturing, editing, analyzing and visualizing spatial soil data. The following aspects are covered:

1. Why are spatial soil data important? 2. Vector versus raster data models for soil analysis 3. Availability of soil data 4. Relief analysis 5. Disaggregation of existing soil maps 6. GIS-based soil mapping

Within the module, the students will take part in a Scientific Writing program and a project management training course.


7 Requirements for participation: Successful participation in the basic module Environmental Spatial Methods

8 Type of exam: Requirements for participation in the exam: active and continuous participation throughout the semester The dates of the exam of each course (according to topic 1 of this module description) will be announced at the start of each course. The enrollment for the exam will be simultanuous with the start of the exam. Re-examinations will also be announced orally, herefore the person in charge of the module can choose other types of examination. Examiners: Teachers of the module if according to §95 Abs.1 HG Type of examination: two short (25% each) and a long (50%) paper. Subject of examination: the contents of the lectures according to topic 5 of this module description Grading of the module: the grading of the module is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the courses which are assigned to this module.




12 Person in charge of the module and primary teacher: Prof. Dr. Georg Bareth, Universität zu Köln – Geographisches Institut


Documents

Module Guide of the Master Program International Master of ... · International Master of Environmental Sciences University of Cologne . ... climate change (autoecology and biogeography),