Bachelor course

Module: Native Fauna
Module Group: General Biology IV

Contents: This module provides an overview of selected animal groups native to Central Europe. It imparts basic knowledge of systematics and taxonomy, as well as methods for the quantitative assessment of biological diversity, and includes hands-on training in species identification using actual specimens. The selection of fauna focuses on specific taxa or on particular habitats and lifestyles. Field exercises in various habitats deepen the knowledge gained from laboratory identification by applying it to living organisms, including aspects of their ecology and behavioral biology.

Module: Fundamentals of Animal Ecology
Module Group: Advanced Biology

Contents: The lecture provides a brief introduction to general and specific topics in autecology and community ecology of animals in temperate regions. Subjects include ecological niches, resource use, plant-animal interactions, and biodiversity. Building on these topics, the course introduces and explains experimental planning and corresponding experimental designs. Laboratory and field experiments, behavioral observations, and biodiversity assessments are carried out on the ecological topics introduced in the lecture. The experimental design of each experiment is discussed, and data collection, entry, and analysis are practiced using basic computer-based evaluation methods. Students also learn how to compile, summarize, and present 

Module: Excursion on the Ecology and Developmental Biology of Marine Organisms
Module Group: Special Biosciences I

Contents: This laboratory course, combined with field excursions, provides insights into the diversity of organisms in a marine ecosystem and the life of the littoral zone on the North Sea island of Helgoland. The course includes comparative studies of morphological adaptations, reproductive strategies, and developmental patterns of marine organisms, as well as their ecological relationships. In addition to taxonomic work, experiments are conducted with several important marine model organisms used in cell and developmental biology. The excursion is accompanied by a related seminar.

Module: Excursion on the Ecology and Faunistics of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Temperate Zone
Module Group: Special Biosciences I

Contents: This field excursion is designed to familiarize students with the characteristic species of a terrestrial ecosystem in the temperate zone within their ecological context. Various methods of ecological data collection are applied during faunistic surveys. Students will deepen their knowledge of species identification and their understanding of synecological relationships, while also gaining practical skills in the systematic collection of ecological field data.

Module: Excursion on the Ecology and Faunistics of a Tropical Ecosystem
Module Group: Special Biosciences I

Contents:
In a tropical ecosystem of the Palaeo- or Neotropics, excursions are conducted to study the local fauna and flora, along with small research projects addressing ecological or conservation-related questions. These projects cover the entire process from experimental design and implementation to data analysis and presentation. Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of tropical biodiversity and learn how to design, carry out, and present ecological studies in the Palaeo- or Neotropics.

Module: Evolutionary Ecology
Module Group: Special Biosciences I

Contents: Every organism survives and reproduces in an environment that includes members of its own species, members of other species, and an abiotic environment. This module explains the key mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation to these environmental conditions, and thus why individuals, populations, or species differ in their traits. Fundamental principles are illustrated through topics such as life-history evolution, the evolution of phenotypic traits and behaviors, and the coevolution between hosts and their parasites. The course consists of a lecture component and practical exercises that include both theoretical and empirical elements.

Module: Ecology and Nature Conservation
Module Group: Special Biosciences I

Contents: This course offers a solid and practice-oriented introduction to applied conservation biology. It focuses on the key theoretical concepts that form the scientific basis for biodiversity conservation, as well as their implementation through modern monitoring and analytical methods. Students learn how birds and butterflies can be used as important indicator species to assess habitat conditions and detect changes in ecosystems. The course provides insights into current methods for collecting and analyzing biodiversity data. A special emphasis is placed on the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) as an essential tool for spatial analysis and planning in nature conservation. 

Module: Animal Ecology 2
Module Group: Special Biosciences II

Contents:
This module provides hands-on training in the statistical analysis of ecological data and the design of scientific experiments in animal ecology. It combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, guiding students step by step from data collection to the interpretation of ecological relationships. The course begins with the basics of statistics and an introduction to R, followed by key methods such as descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, chi-squared tests, logistic regressions, and paired tests. A central focus is experimental design, which is practically implemented through a long-term aphid experiment on biological pest control – including the evaluation of real data on predation and functional responses. In addition, modern tools and topics such as GIS analyses, modeling of bird species distributions under climate change, biodiversity assessment, habitat fragmentation, and the identification of insect orders are integrated. The course is rounded off by training in scientific writing, literature research, and data visualization using R, enabling students to present their results professionally. This module combines statistics, methodology, and ecological practice – ideal for students who wish to investigate ecological questions using data-driven and modern analytical approaches.

Module: Animal Ecology 4
Module Group: Special Biosciences III

Contents: This module provides insights into the research questions, approaches, and methods of specialized animal ecology and actively involves students in ongoing research projects. The submodule 07-6S3NVO3-1 is mandatory, and one of the remaining submodules must be selected. Students acquire theoretical and practical skills in scientific work within the field of specialized animal ecology. They are qualified to analyze and present the results of their own ecological research and to discuss them in the context of current scientific literature.

Module: Animal Ecology 4
Module Group: Special Biosciences III

Contents: This module provides insights into the research questions, approaches, and methods of specialized animal ecology and actively involves students in ongoing research projects. The submodule 07-6S3NVO3-1 is mandatory, and one of the remaining submodules must be selected. Students acquire theoretical and practical skills in scientific work within the field of specialized animal ecology. They are qualified to analyze and present the results of their own ecological research and to discuss them in the context of current scientific literature.

Module: Bachelor's thesis in Biology

Contents: The student has the ability to work on an academic problem using scientific methods within a specified period of 10 weeks and is able to document and discuss the results in writing and orally, and to critically evaluate them in light of current knowledge on the subject.