Second Semester

Module abbreviation: 2.1 CLIDYN 

Title: Climate Dynamics 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained in-depth knowledge in the dynamics of geophysical fluids, in particular the variability on various time scales. 

Contents:
Compulsory courses:

• 2.1.1 Climate Dynamics (Marotzke)
• 2.1.2 Dynamics of Land-Atmosphere InteracGons (Beer)
• 2.1.3 Uncertain Climate Futures (Baehr, Behrens, Brüggemann, Hense, Kutzbach, Rödder, Scheffran) 

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam, as a rule: written exam. Deviations will be announced at the beginning of the courses
• Requirements for registration: Course-specific
• Language: English
• Duration/Size: maximum 120 minutes (written) or 45 minutes (oral)

Credit Points: 9

Course Type and Usability: Compulsory for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: one semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.1.1 (63-879) 

Title: Climate Dynamics 

Learning Outcomes: Students have a thorough understanding of the theoretical basics of climate dynamics, and know the art and science of constructing conceptual models of the climate system. 

Contents: Concepts and models are introduced that help us understand fundamental aspects of the earth’s climate, such as global mean temperature, global-scale temperature differences, and what might cause these to vary on timescales of decades and longer. Particular emphasis will be placed on oceanic and coupled ocean atmosphere processes. While we cover observed elements of the climate system and a hierarchy of models ranging from the simplest models to general circulation models, the focus will be on the art and science of constructing simplified models that help us obtain conceptual understanding. Discussing what is not understood, and hence identifying areas of current and future research, will be a crucial element of the course. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS), homework assignments

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic calculus and differential equations; some introduction to atmospheric or oceanic science

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam
• Requirements for registration: An overall grade of at least 50% in homework assignments
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 24 hours
• Self-study: 36 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Compulsory for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: one semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturers: J. Marotzke 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.1.2 (63-863) 

Title: Dynamics of land-atmosphere interactions 

Learning Outcomes: Students have an understanding of key biophysical and biogeochemical land-atmosphere interactions that influence climate dynamics. They know basic mathematical and numerical concepts of how to represent the underlying terrestrial processes in land surface models. 

Contents: The lectures will address dynamics of land-atmosphere interactions due to energy and greenhouse gas balances that are imortant for climate dynamics on a decadal to cenenntial time scale, and respective feedback mechanisms. We will discuss specific modelling concept used in land surface models and their limitations. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam
• Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 42 hours
• Exam Preparation: 20 hours

Course Type and Usability: Compulsory for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: one semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: C. Beer

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.1.3 (63-921) 

Title: Uncertain Climate Futures 

Learning Outcomes: After completing the seminar, students will be able to (i) reproduce the emergence of uncertainties in the context of climate research and climate policy and the views of various actors, (ii) understand the causes of different approaches to the problem of "uncertainty" and (iii) think through and develop alternative options for dealing with "uncertainty". Additionally, the students will train to empathize with different actors, to position themselves with regard to certain questions and to reflect their opinion and understanding critically. 

Contents: Uncertainties in the context of climate change have long since emerged from purely scientific consideration. Nowadays, uncertainties are of concern, and influence not only science but also journalism, politics and a broad public. In the course, students and teachers will jointly understand the various causes and the development of uncertainties, experience multi-perspectivity and illuminate and understand the handling and communication processes of the various actors. 

Educational Concept: Seminar (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam
• Requirements for registration: 80% participation at the seminar
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 50 hours
• Exam Preparation: 12 hours

Course Type and Usability: Compulsory for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: one semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturers: J. Behrens, M. Brüggemann, J. Baehr, I. Hense, L. Kutzbach, S. Rödder, J. Scheffran 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.1 (63-732) 

Title: Waves and Turbulence 

Learning Outcomes: Students will have obtained knowledge about the physical theoretical foundations of the spectrum of variability in the ocean (from periodic processes to mesoscale eddies to turbulence). They understand the fundamental mechanisms, their mathematical description and their treatment in ocean general circulation models. 

Contents: Sound, internal and planetary waves, propagation in variable environment, instability of waves. Three- and two-dimensional turbulence, generation and dissipation, energy and entropy cascades, relationship between turbulence and mixing, parameterization of turbulence in models. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (4 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 56 hours
• Self-study: 14 hours
• Exam Preparation: 20 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: C. Eden

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.2 (63-733) 

Title: Waves and Turbulence Practicals 

Learning Outcomes: Students will have obtained in depth practical experience of solving common theoretical problems. They will understand the fundamental mechanisms and the mathematical description of ocean theory. They will gain experience about ocean general circulation models. 

Contents: Various wave solutions and their practical application of internal and planetary waves. Common problems of linear stability analysis and instability of waves. Mixing and parameterizations in ocean models. 

Educational Concept: Exercises (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 48 hours
• Exam Preparation: 14 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturers: L. Czeschel, A. Griesel 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Module abbreviation: 2.2 CLITRAC-P 

Title: Climate Science Track: Physics 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained detailed experience and are specialized in questions, methods and results in physical climate sciences. 

Contents:
A maximum of 9 CP from the following courses will be accredited (contributing to the total of 18 CP that have to be accumulated out of module 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4):

• 2.2.1 Waves and Turbulence (Eden)
• 2.2.2 Waves and Turbulence PracGcal (Czeschel, Griesel)
• 2.2.3 Advanced Numerical Methods . . . (Behrens)
• 2.2.4 Concepts of Climate Modeling (Baehr)
• 2.2.5 Concepts of Climate Modeling PracGcal (Baehr)
• 2.2.6 Atmospheric CirculaGon Systems: II (Borth)
• 2.2.7 Sea Ice Physics, ObservaGons and Modelling: II (Notz)
• 2.2.8 Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate (Sillmann)
• 2.2.9 Numerical Prediction of Atmosphere and Ocean (Serra, Stam- mer, Vasylkevych, Zagar) 

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam, as a rule: oral. Deviations will be announced at the beginning of the courses
• Requirements for registration: course-specific
• Language: English
• Duration/Size: Maximum 45 minutes (oral) 

Credit Points: 3, 6, or 9 are possible

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.3 (63-938) 

Title: Advanced Numerical Methods for Climate Modeling 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained insight in advanced numerical methods for climate modeling, especially for conservation laws, efficient parallel solvers for large linear systems of equations, multi-level methods, etc. 

Contents: Introduction to numerical methods for the implementation of conservation laws: introduction to structure of conservation laws, finite volume methods, discontinuous Galerkin methods, finite element methods, advanced time integration schemes, issues in high performance computing. Parallel solution of large systems of linear equations: introduction to parallel architectures and HPC systems, iterative solution of large systems of equations: Krylov subspace methods, multi-level methods, and efficient preconditioners. 

Educational Concept: Lectures, practical exercises (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: Regular participation in the course Introduction to Numerical Approaches.

Recommended Prerequisites: Knowledge of mathematical concepts in ordinary and partial differential equations, basic knowledge of theoretical meteorology and/or oceanography

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 42 hours
• Exam Preparation: 20 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: J. Behrens

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.4 (63-937) 

Title: Concepts of Climate Modeling 

Learning Outcomes: Students will have a basic understanding of the advantages and limitations of climate models, and their use to enhance our understanding of the climate system. 

Contents: Investigate the use of (components of) climate models. The analysis will be guided by questions posed by the instructor as well as the students themselves. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: J. Baehr

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.5 (63-937) 

Title: Concepts of Climate Modeling Practicals

Learning Outcomes: Students will have a basic understanding of the advantages and limitations of climate models, and their use to enhance our understanding of the climate system. 

Contents: Investigate the use of (components of) climate models. The analysis will be guided by questions posed by the instructor as well as the students themselves. 

Educational Concept: Tutorials (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: J. Baehr

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.6 (63-931) 

Title: Atmospheric Circulation Systems: Part II 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained a deeper insight into selected atmospheric circulation systems and acquire basic knowledge on global atmospheric circulation modeling. 

Contents: Important topics are: moist entropy and tropical circulation systems; potential vorticity and mid-latitude dynamics; atmospheric global circulation modeling; atmospheric transport. 

Educational Concept: Lectures including discussions (2 SWS); exercises and worked examples (1 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Participation in the course Atmospheric Circulation Systems: Part I

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 39 hours
• Self-study: 21 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: H. Borth

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.7 (63-761b) 

Title: Sea ice physics, observations and modeling II 

Learning Outcomes: This course provides a hands-on introduction into the physics of sea ice and its interaction with the atmosphere and the ocean. Particular focus will be on the scientific methods used to explore sea ice, including satellite remote sensing, scientific instrumentation and large-scale climate modelling. We will examine how the different methods are ideally combined to provide robust insights into the functioning of sea ice, and thus use sea ice as a proxy to gain experience in working as a climate researcher. 

Contents: Large-scale forcing of the Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice cove; impact of interval variability and external forcing; seasonal, decadal and centennial predictitons and projections; techniques of in-situ and remote sensing observations; modelling sea ice; analyzing field and laboratory data; writing scientific reports. 

Educational Concept: Lectures and tutorials (4 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: Previous participation in Sea ice physics, observations and modeling I is highly recommended.

Exam Framework:

• Type: Usually reports
• Language: English

Credit Points: 6

Workload:

• Campus Study: 56 hours
• Self-study: 64 hours
• Exam Preparation: 60 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinators

Course Lecturers: D. Notz, S. Kern 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.x (63-932) 

Title: Weather and Climate Extremes in a changing climate 

Learning Outcomes: Students have learned physical processes related to weather and climate extremes and various statistical methods for analyzing extremes in observations and climate model simulations. They will have an overview of how weather and climate extremes have been assessed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Students have developed an understanding of how weather and climate extremes contribute to societal risks.

Contents: The course covers physics and statistics of extreme weather and climate events, scenario development for climate change projections, insights in the assessment reports of the IPCC, and socio-economic aspects of climate-related risks. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic meteorology and climate dynamics

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint Track Exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 42 hours
• Exam Preparation: 20 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One week (ca. 5 hours per day) 

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturer: J. Sillmann

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.2.x (63-887) 

Title: Numerical Prediction of Atmosphere and Ocean 

Learning Outcomes: The course will provide basic description and practical exercises with simplified models of different complexity of numerical weather prediction (NWP) as an initial value problem, coupled to the ocean. Knowledge and understanding include atmospheric and ocean observations, data assimilation methods in theory and practice, formulation of numerical forecast models, predictability, ensemble forecasting, interpretation of outputs of forecast models. Students develop understanding of various components of the numerical prediction model and how they contribute to the model outputs. 

Contents:

• Numerical weather and ocean prediction as an initial value problem: general introduction.
• Components of the global observing system. Types of observations. Observation errors. Relative importance of various observations
• Data assimilation for numerical weather prediction (NWP) and for the ocean: probability calculus, function fitting, early methods of data assimilation, method of successive corrections, background state, statistical interpolation, variational methods, (3D-Var, 4D-Var), background-error covariance modelling, Kalman filter and assimilation methods based on ensembles of forecasts and analyses.
• Initialization of numerical models: balance issues and the process of geostrophic adjustment, nonlinear normal-mode initialization, digital filter initialization.
• Formulation of NWP models: global and limited-area models, initial and lateral boundary conditions, nesting. Bottom and top boundary conditions. Issues in mesoscale modelling.
• Lateral boundary problem and methods for coupling the regional and global models. One-way and two-way nesting.
• Atmospheric predictability: fundaments of theory of chaotic systems, forecast error growth and predictability limits.
• Ensemble forecasting: sources of uncertainties, formulation of initial conditions for ensemble forecast, interpretation and application of ensemble products. Monthly, seasonal and long-range forecasts. 

Educational Concept: Lectures and exercises based on numerical labs of various complexity. Each lab covers some aspects of lectures and students perform simple numerical experiments under the guidance of a teacher, prepare their answers to questions, and write brief reports (2 SWS).

Language: English, Teaching material: script based on slides, addiGonal literature in English and German.

Formal Requirements for Participation: Basic knowledge of geophysical fluids and numerical methods

Recommended Prerequisites: Knowledge of theoretical meteorology

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint Module Exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation. Students are expected to submit a written report for each mandatory lab (4-5 labs). 
• Language: English

Credit Points: 6

Workload:

• Campus Study: 60 hours
• Self-study: 90 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One week (ca. 5 hours per day)

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator physics

Course Lecturers: N. Serra, D. Stammer, S. Vasylkevych, N. Zagar 

Literature: 

• E. Kalnay: Atmospheric modelling, data assimilation and predictability. Cambridge university press 2003.
• Selected parts of Lecture notes for ECMWF training courses, by diffe- rent authors. http://www.ecmwf.int/newsevents/training
• Lecture notes.

Module abbreviation: 2.3 CLITRAC-B 

Title: Climate Science Track: Biogeochemistry 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained detailed experience and are specialized in questions, methods and results in biogeochemical climate sciences. 

Contents:
A maximum of 9 CP from the following courses will be accredited (contributing to the total of 18 CP that have to be accumulated out of module 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4):

• 2.3.1 Soil, Water and VegetaGon Processes and Their Coupling to the Atmosphere (Kutzbach, Knoblauch)
• 2.3.2 Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems (Hense)
• 2.3.3 Selected Topics of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics (Hense)
• 2.3.4 Soils and Land Use of Wetlands (Pfeiffer, Kutzbach)
• 2.3.5 Field Course on Soil-Atmosphere Coupling (Kutzbach, Knoblauch)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam, as a rule: oral. Deviations will be announced at the beginning of the courses
• Requirements for registration: course-specific
• Language: English
• Duration/Size: Maximum 45 minutes (oral) 

Credit Points: 3, 6, or 9 are possible .

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.3.1 (63-313) 

Title: Soil, Water and Vegetation Processes and Their Coupling to the Atmosphere 

Learning Outcomes: Students have knowledge of the biogeochemical and biophysical processes in soils and the vegetation, and their interaction with the atmosphere. They will obtain a good scientific basis for both measurement- and model- based studies of the coupled processes of soils, vegetation and atmosphere. 

Contents: Atmospheric boundary layer characteristics, wind and turbulence mass and energy exchange; aeolian transport and deposition of elements; soil energy budget; soil water dynamics; plant-soil-microorganism interactions; soil organic maker processes, organic maker humification and mineralization, heterotrophic respiration; soil methane cycle: production, oxidation and soil-atmosphere transport mechanisms; lateral transport of carbon and nutrients; soil-vegetation-atmosphere water and carbon exchange processes, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, autotrophic respiration; instrumentation for biometeorological measurements (e.g. closed chambers, eddy covariance method, isotope analyses). 

Educational Concept: Lectures with short group work exercises (2 SWS).

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of soil science and/or plant ecophysiology and/or meteorology

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation in exercises
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Lecturers: L. Kutzbach, C. Knoblauch 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.3.2 (63-942) 

Title: Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems 

Learning Outcomes: Students are able to understand and interpret spatial and temporal distribution pakerns of marine ecosystem variables. This includes time series and distribution maps of biological and physico-chemical variables in the ocean. The students are able to identify and describe the underlying processes leading to the variability in the biological fields. 

Contents: In this lecture the factors and processes regulating marine primary production and transfer to higher trophic levels are explained. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns and variability in biological, nutrient and physical fields in the ocean are presented and the interaction between the biota and its physico-chemical environment is discussed. Examples include coastal regions, upwelling systems, fronts and oligotrophic oceans. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: Regular participation in the lecture courses Physics of the Climate System and Global Biogeochemical Cycles and the Climate System

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of physical oceanography and biogeochemical cycles

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 45 hours
• Exam Preparation: 17 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Lecturer: I. Hense

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.3.3 (63-943) 

Title: Selected Topics of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics 

Learning Outcomes: Students are able to present scientific results from other people’s work. They have become acquainted with state-of-the-art research topics in the field of biological oceanography/marine ecosystems. The students are able to identify the major gaps in current research. 

Contents: In this seminar topical papers from high-ranking peer reviewed journals in the field of biological oceanography and marine ecosystems are presented and discussed. The articles cover a wide range of topics and deal with recent advances made in research during the past five years. 

Educational Concept: Seminar (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: Concurrent participation in the course Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems.

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of physical oceanography and biogeochemical cycles

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: 80% participation in the seminar
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 45 hours
• Exam Preparation: 17 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Lecturer: I. Hense

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.3.4 (63-945) 

Title: Soils and Land Use of Wetlands 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained knowledge about the genesis, properties and functions of hydromorphic soils of marshes and peatlands in the coastal lowlands of Northern Germany. They have developed their understanding of how landscape development, geomorphology, hydrology, and land use are interlinked with the diversity and distribution of wetland soils. Students are able to evaluate the ecological and economic functions of wetlands and their response to land use and climate changes.  

Contents: Landscape development of the coastal lowlands of Northern Germany; geologic processes during Pleistocene and Holocene; geomorphology of marshes and river floodplains; land use history, diking and agriculture; soils of tidal flats and different marsh types; soils and vegetation of bogs and fens; German, US and international soil classification systems; ecological and economic functions; impact of past and present land use and climatic changes. 

Educational Concept: 3 full days of excursion and 0.5 day seminar, practical groupwork (6-8 students each)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of soil science

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation, field protocol (5 pages) 
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 35 hours
• Self-study: 30 hours
• Exam Preparation: 25 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: Block course

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Lecturers: E.-M. Pfeiffer, L. Kutzbach

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.3.5 (63-946) 

Title: Field Course on Soil-Atmosphere Coupling 

Learning Outcomes: Students advance their experience with soil-scientific field measurement campaigns, gas flux measurements and data analysis for investigating soil-vegetation-atmosphere interactions. 

Contents: Soil-scientific survey and description of reference soil profiles, soil gas concentration profile measurements, closed-chamber approach to measure land-atmosphere fluxes of trace gases, flux calculation, basic statistical data analysis. 

Educational Concept: Field (2 full days) and laboratory practice (0.5 day) plus seminar (1 full day).

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge about soil processes, e.g. through participation in the course: Soil, water and vegetation processes and their coupling to the atmosphere.

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation, 80% presence at the seminar 
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 30 hours
• Self-study: 30 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: 3-day block + 0.5-day block, both after the lecture period (or in the semester break) plus preparation meeting at beginning of semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator biogeochemistry

Course Lecturer: L. Kutzbach, C. Knoblauch 

Literature: Literature recommendations will be given at the planning meeting.

Module abbreviation: 2.4 CLITRAC-ES 

Title: Climate Science Track: Economic and Social Sciences 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained detailed experience and are specialized in questions, methods and results in economic and social climate sciences. 

Contents:
A maximum of 9 CP from the following courses will be accredited (contributing to the total of 18 CP that have to be accumulated out of module 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4):

• 2.4.1a Energy Landscape and Climate Policy (Scheffran)
• 2.4.1b Models of Human-Environment Interaction (Scheffran)
• 2.4.3 Estimating Sustainable Land Use (Schneider)
• 2.4.4 Integrated Climate-Economic Modeling (Held) 
• 2.4.5 Climate Communication (Brüggemann) 

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint module exam, as a rule: oral. Deviations will be announced at the beginning of the courses
• Requirements for registration: course-specific
• Language: English
• Duration/Size: Maximum 45 minutes (oral) 

Credit Points: 3, 6, or 9 are possible

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator Economic and Social Sciences

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.4.1a (63-951) 

Title: Energy Landscape and Climate Policy 

Learning Outcomes: The students have an understanding of the key factors and patterns in energy landscapes and climate policy on national and international levels, and are able to assess different energy pathways according to multiple criteria and strategies. 

Contents: Introduction to geographic, socio-economic and political aspects of energy landscapes, resources and technologies, including fossil, nuclear and renewable energy systems. Different assessment dimensions will be covered: energy security and sustainability; environmental impacts and CO2-emissions from energy production; climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies; comparison of energy and climate policy regimes and institutions; energy transformation and governance mechanisms. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Every other year in the summer semester

Duration: Block course

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator Economic and Social Sciences 

Course Lecturer: J. Scheffran

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.4.1b (63-954) 

Title: Models of Human-Environment Interaction 

Learning Outcomes: Students have achieved knowledge and basic skills about models and integrated frameworks of human-environment interaction, including major model types, computational means and soaware tools, and key phenomena at the intersection of human and natural systems. 

Contents: The lecture provides an introduction to models of human-environment interaction, relevant in integrative geography, complexity science, conflict research, climate and sustainability science. Overview of basic model types: dynamic systems and spatial models, statistical and probability models, complex adaptive systems and cellular automata, agent-based and network models, game theory, decision and optimization models, integrated assessment and world models. Instructive application areas will be used to demonstrate the relevance of models at the intersection of environmental and socio-economic systems, including climate change, energy, natural resources, sustainable development, environmental conflict and cooperation. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: Block course 

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator Economic and Social Sciences 

Course Lecturer: J. Scheffran

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.4.4 (63-953) 

Title: Integrated Climate-Economic Modeling 

Learning Outcomes: Students have an overview on integrated climate-economic modeling that supports an assessment of how, and by what policy instruments global warming could be mitigated. 

Contents: The status of the scientific arguments behind global warming mitigation targets and instruments is reviewed, covering competing schools within climate economics. The necessary modeling tools are introduced together with a module-adjusted short course on resource economics and economic growth theory. 

Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS) in an interactive format (interactive elements: discussion of homework; test exam and discussion)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Bachelor-level of applied mathematics, climate dynamics, an introduction to welfare economics, and scientific English.

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: Active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator Economic and Social Sciences 

Course Lecturer: H. Held

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.4.5 (63-955) 

Title: Climate Communication Research 

Learning Outcomes: Students will have learned about current patterns and dynamics in the global debate on climate change: How do scientists, journalists and political actors interact and produce public communication about climate change? Why is the climate debate different in different media contexts and in different countries? By exploring these questions in small projects, students get an enhanced understanding of climate communication, of how to conduct qualitative content analysis and how to collaborate with students across disciplines. 

Contents: 

• Current research in the field of climate communication
• The climate debate in different countries
• Traditional ways of climate reporting and new types of outlets
• How to do qualitative (and quantitative) content analysis

Educational Concept: Seminar (2 SWS): Groups of students from journalism studies and from ICSS will work together on small research projects on climate communication, doing a content analysis of climate coverage in different countries or different kinds of news outlets.

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation:

• For ICSS students: prior attendance of the introduction into social sciences/climate communication (Brüggemann/Rödder)
• For Journalism students: having attended all classes due in the first semester of the MA JKW
• Other students (dependent on capacities): having attended an introduction into social science research, its approaches and methods; and a seminar on media/journalism

Exam Framework:

• Type: Research report
• Language: English

Credit Points: 6

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 28 hours (JKW), 56 hours (ICSS)

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students from MA JKW; further programs: dependent on capacities

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Track coordinator Economic and Social Sciences 

Course Lecturer: M. Brüggemann

Literature: 

• Hoffman, Andrew J. (2015): How culture shapes the climate change debate. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press
• Contributions in: Oxford Encyclopedia of Climate Change Communication. URL: hkp://climatescience.oxfordre.com/page/climate-changecommunication/

Module abbreviation: 2.5 CLITECH 

Title: Technical Skills 

Learning Outcomes: Students have gained working knowledge in tools used for scientific programming and data analysis or software development. 

Contents:
2 courses have to be chosen:

• 2.5.1 Scientific Programming in Python I (Sadikni)
• 2.5.2 Scientific Programming in Python II (Sadikni)
• 2.5.3 Geographic Information Systems and Science (Heider)
• 2.5.4 MATLAB in Earth System Science (Borth, Schubert, Zhu)
• 2.5.5 Introduction to GAMS (Schneider)
• 2.5.6 Scientific Visualization Course (Brisc) 

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses

Exam Framework:

• Type: Course specific exam (pass/fail), as a rule: practicals. Deviations will be announced at the beginning of the courses
• Requirements for registration: >80% attendance of the courses
• Language: English

Credit Points: 3

Course Type and Usability: Compulsory for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the summer semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.2 (63-967) 

Title: Scientific Programming in Python I 

Learning Outcomes: Students have learned the programming language Python from scratch. They got in touch with common scientific libraries for analyzing and plottig geoscientific data. 

Contents: Introduction to Python: data types, control flow statements, data structures, functions, input/output, modules, errors and exceptions, classes. Introduction to scientific libraries like numpy, scipy and matplotlib. This course is designed for novice programmers and will focus on the basics of programming. 

Educational Concept: Lectures with practical training (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular participation (> 80%)
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 17 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS

Course Lecturer: R. Sadikni

Literature: Material will be provided.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.3 (63-968) 

Title: Scientific Programming in Python II

Learning Outcomes: Students have learned the programming language Python from scratch. They got in touch with common scientific libraries for analyzing and plottig geoscientific data. 

Contents: Introduction to Python: data types, control flow statements, data structures, functions, input/output, modules, errors and exceptions, classes. Introduction to scientific libraries like numpy, scipy and matplotlib. This course is designed for novice programmers and will focus on the basics of programming. 

Educational Concept: Lectures with practical training (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular participation (> 80%)
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 17 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter semester

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS

Course Lecturer: R. Sadikni

Literature: Material will be provided.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.4 (63-652) 

Title: Geographic Information Systems and Science 

Learning Outcomes: Students know basic GIS concepts, how to create, access and manage geodata and obtain a comprehensive overview to vector and raster related tools and analyses. 

Contents: This course gives a comprehensive overview to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related scientific applications. 

Educational Concept: Lectures with practical training (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 17 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually during the lecture-free period

Duration: 1 week block course

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturer: K. Heider

Literature: Will be announced during the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.5 (63-963) 

Title: MATLAB in Earth System Science: An Introduction 

Learning Outcomes: Students can handle the basic operators as well as data and control structures of Matlab and apply those to typical simple problems of data manipulation and visualization in Earth System Science. 

Contents: The course offers an introduction to Matlab as a high-level programming language as well as an introduction to data streaming, analysis and visualization in Matlab with worked examples from Earth System Science.

Educational Concept: Seminar (1 SWS) and exercises (1 SWS). The course consists of lecture units, worked examples and hands-on exercises.

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Background in geosciences and some experience with structured problem solving typical for natural sciences. Basic knowledge of Linux will be helpful.

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation and a report for a worked example
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 25 hours
• Self-study: 10 hours
• Exam Preparation: 10 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually during the lecture-free period

Duration: 1 week block course

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturers: H. Borth, S. Schubert, X. Zhu 

Literature: Tutorials, worked examples and documentation presented in the official MathWorks Documentation Center (www.mathworks.de -> support -> documentation -> matlab). Further literature or reading will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.6 (63-964) 

Title: Introduction to GAMS (Generalized Algebraic Modeling System) 

Learning Outcomes: Students have learned mathematical programming of optimization problems. 

Contents: Overview (capabilities, applicability, requirements, help); basic modelling (representation of mathematical problems, sets, data, variables, equations, conditions, model types, model solving, error detection and correction); output (interpretation, modification, option commands, report writing, export). 

Educational Concept: Exercises in computer lab (1 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 20 hours
• Self-study: 25 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually during the lecture-free period

Duration: 3 day block course

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturer: U. Schneider

Literature: B.A. McCarl, T.H. Spreen: Applied Mathematical Programming Using Algebraic Systems

(http://agecon2.tamu.edu/people/faculty/mccarlbruce/books.htm).

Course Number: (63-xxx)

Title: Advanced GAMS (Generalized Algebraic Modeling System) 

Learning Outcomes: Students have learned mathematical programming of optimization problems. 

Contents: Overview (capabilities, applicability, requirements, help); basic modelling (representation of mathematical problems, sets, data, variables, equations, conditions, model types, model solving, error detection and correction); output (interpretation, modification, option commands, report writing, export). 

Educational Concept: Exercises in computer lab (1 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 20 hours
• Self-study: 25 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually during the lecture-free period

Duration: 3 day block course

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturer: U. Schneider

Literature: B.A. McCarl, T.H. Spreen: Applied Mathematical Programming Using Algebraic Systems

(http://agecon2.tamu.edu/people/faculty/mccarlbruce/books.htm).

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.5.8 (63-965) 

Title: Scientific Visualization Course 

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the students know: the latest techniques used in scientific visualization; hands-on ways to use visualization in research work, publications and presentations; where to locate further visualization resources. 

Contents: Overview of scientific visualization (history, goals, definitions): Color theory and color systems; data representation in scientific visualization (data types and formats, conversion tools, grids-structured and unstructured, scattered data); visualization software and resources; traditional and state-of-the-art visualization techniques; methods of effective use of visualization throughout the stages of research work; data analysis and visual communication; display methods and devices - from computer screen to virtual and immersive 3D worlds. 

Educational Concept: Lectures with practical training (2 SWS)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: None

Exam Framework:

• Type: Practicals pass/fail
• Requirements for registration: >80% participation
• Language: English

Credit Points: 1.5

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 27 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Frequency of Offer: Annually during the lecture-free period

Duration: 1 week block course

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturer: F. Brisc

Literature: Material will be provided.

Course Number: ICSS-M-2.4.3 (63-955) 

Title: Agent-based Modelling – Theory and Applications in the Social Sciences 

Learning Outcomes: Students are familiar with agent-based modeling to explore macro phenomena emerging from micro behavior of agents. 

Contents: The seminar provides an introduction to agent-based modelling. The course considers the theory how to describe, communicate, design, calibrate, and validate agent-based models and presents examples from applications in the social sciences, e.g. economics, sociology, political science, human and integrative geography. 

Educational Concept: Seminar with Introduction - 3 sessions introduction, Wednesdays 14:15-15:45, Start 20 Oct. 2022. 2 Block Seminars later in the semester - GB 5, Rm 006 (online if necessary)

Language: English

Formal Requirements for Participation: None

Recommended Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of programming is not required but recommended.

Exam Framework:

• Type: Joint track exam
• Requirements for registration: ≥80% participation
• Language: English
• Duration/Size: 1 hour presentation, 10-15 pages written report 

Credit Points: 3

Workload:

• Campus Study: 28 hours
• Self-study: 32 hours
• Exam Preparation: 30 hours

Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.

Duration: One semester

Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS 

Course Lecturer: S. Hokamp, J. Scheffran 

Literature: Will be announced during the course.