300301 UE Central European habitat types (2026W)

Students gain an overview of the key ecosystem factors and ecological interactions characterizing different habitat types. They become familiar with basic field survey methods and essential field equipment and acquire fundamental knowledge in chemistry, soil science, climatology, and geosciences. In addition, they learn to identify the most important native plant and animal species of the habitats studied. Students are able to recognize ecological and landscape-ecological relationships and interpret their interconnections. Furthermore, they develop fundamental skills in ecological data analysis and scientific presentation techniques.

The course content is delivered through introductory lectures followed by one-day thematic field and laboratory modules focusing on different habitat types, including saline lakes, windbreaks (hedgerows), the steppe lake (Lake Neusiedl), and other characteristic ecosystems. During each course day, students work in small groups under multidisciplinary supervision to explore the ecological characteristics of the respective habitat. Activities include soil, climatic, hydrological, and physicochemical measurements, as well as botanical and zoological surveys. Based on the collected physicochemical data and the recorded flora and fauna, examples of organismal adaptation strategies and ecological assessment methods are introduced and discussed. The collected data are processed, identified, and analyzed through group work, culminating in student presentations of the results. Supporting materials, including handouts, identification keys, and relevant scientific literature, are provided via Moodle.