bio650 - Basic Ornithology

++ deepened biological expertise
+ deepened knowledge of biological working methods
+ critical and analytical thinking
+ independent searching and knowledge of scientific literature
++ data presentation and discussion in German and English (written and spoken)

The module imparts advanced knowledge on different aspects of ornithology. The students acquire:

• An extended knowledge of morphological and physiological fundamentals and the resulting ecological and behaviour-biological consequences in birds
• Knowledge, presentation and discussion of relevant English literature from various fields of ornithology.

The module is composed of the lecture "Ecology and Physiology of Birds" and differnt seminars.

Lecture “Ecology and Physiology of Birds”:
This lecture consolidates special aspects of systematics, morphology, physiology, migration, orientation, population biology, communication and behavioural ecology in birds.
Seminar “Current Questions of Ornithology”:
In this seminar, original English publications are presented and discussed which deal with current research results from various fields treated in the lecture. Every student reads a paper on one scientific article and discusses the results of that article with the other participants.
Seminar “Behavioural Ecology of Birds”:
In this seminar, students choose, present and discuss papers treating different aspects relevant to the protection of nature and species. Every student reads a paper on one article each and the respective research results and discusses them with the other participants.
Seminar “Migratory Strategies and Nutritional Ecology of Wading Birds”:
This seminar is based on current exemplary ecoethological cases and deals with the importance of the Wadden Sea as a pivot for migrating wading birds as well as water birds and various aspects of migratory strategies, nutrition, energy balance, fat deposition, annual periodicity, day and night rhythmicity, tidal rythm, and predator-prey relations of wading and water birds.

Please look at the german version!

http://www.ifv- /vogelwarte.de//downloads/54/master_in_biology.pdf

Written examination in the last week of semester
Registration proceeding: via StudIP

Presentation(s) (60 %)
Written examination (40 %)
Regular active participation is required for the module to be passed.