Third Semester
Copyright: UHH/Gottschalk
You do not have any mandatory courses in the third semester, therefore you could either participate in the Climate Study Project and some elective courses from our three program tracks, or use this opportunity to spend time abroad in one of our partner programs. In this case, you will participate in the Climate Study Project and the electives e.g. in your fourth semester.
The Climate Study Project is an individual research project in preparation for your master’s thesis. During the lecture period, you will work on a supervised project of your choice in one of the research groups within the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability. You will document your findings in a report. In addition, all students present their projects in a seminar.
Overview of the modules offered in the third semester:
Climate System Science Seminar
Module abbreviation: 3.1 CLISEM
Title: Climate System Science Seminar
Learning Outcomes: Students are able to present aspects of their work in the study project to an audience with similar background but different specialization. Students have an overview of current topics and the state-of-the-art in integrated climate system sciences.
Contents:
Compulsory seminars:
3.1.1 Climate System Science Seminar (Beer)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: Concurrent participation in the module: Climate Study Project
Recommended Prerequisites: See specific announcements for the individual courses
Exam Framework:
- Type: Presentation and report
- Requirements for registration: >80% attendance of the courses
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: Oral presentation of 20-30 minutes. Report of 3 to 5 pages (1000 to 1500 words).
- 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS
Climate System Science Seminar (Course)
Course number: ICSS-M-3.1.1 (63-949)
Title: Climate System Science Seminar (Course)
Learning Outcomes: Students are able to present aspects of their work in the study project to an audience with similar background but different specialization. Students have an overview of current topics and the state-of-the-art in integrated climate system sciences.
Contents: Seminar presentation and discussion on the pre-thesis work of the ICSS students.
Formal Requirements for Participation: Concurrent participation in the module: Climate Study Project
Recommended Prerequisites: None.
Exam Framework:
- Type: Presentation and report
- Requirements for registration: >80% attendance of the courses
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: Oral presentation of 20-30 minutes. Report of 3 to 5 pages (1000 to 1500 words).
- Weight Factor for Module Grade: 75% presentation and 25% report
Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 14 hours
- Self-study: 76 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 winter semester
Duration: 1 semester, 3 day seminar event
Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS
Course Lecturer: C. Beer
Climate Study Project
Module abbreviation: 3.2 CLISTUDY
Title: Climate Study Project
Learning Outcomes: Students have gained the necessary background knowledge, as well as methodological, technical and writing skills to begin a master thesis in one of the three tracks.
Contents:
Compulsory courses:
3.2.1 Climate Study Project (Beer)
3.2.2 Scientific Writing (Baehr, Kutzbach)
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: Report
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: 20-25 pages
- Credit Points: 18
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: Every semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS
Scientific Writing
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.2.2 (63-966)
Title: Scientific Writing
Learning Outcomes: Students acquired science communication skills. They are able to concisely present (i) what they will do in their study project, (ii) why this specific research question/topic is of interest and (iii) how they will address the research question (which method they will use).
Contents: The structure of a scientific paper will be presented; the most important ingredients of an abstract “what”, “why”, “how” will be elaborated. Students will prepare their own abstract, which will be discussed in class and revised afterwards.
Educational Concept: Comments on oral presentations and written abstracts
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: Participation and Homework.
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Requirements for registration: Active participation, submission and presentation of homework
- Language: English
Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 14 hours
- Self-study: 76 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Head of SICSS
Course Lecturers: J. Baehr, L. Kutzbach
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Climate Study Project
Course number: ICSS-M-3.2.1 (63-950)
Title: Climate Study Project (Course)
Learning Outcomes: Students are able to carry individual project studies related to climate system sciences.
Contents: Projects related to integrated climate system sciences are being performed. Individual research with supervision by advisor in preparation of the M.Sc. thesis.
Educational Concept: Theoretical and practical training (10 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None.
Recommended Prerequisites: None.
Exam Framework:
- Type: Report
- Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: 20-25 pages
Credit Points: 15
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: Every semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: C. Beer
Course Lecturers: C. Beer and ICSS thesis advisors
Literature: Will be announced during the project.
Climate Science Additionals
Module abbreviation: 3.3 CLIADD
Title: Climate Science Additionals
Learning Outcomes: Students have sufficient specialization in one of the 3 tracks.
Contents:
- 63-319 Permafrost Soils and Landscapes in the Climate System (Beer, Kutzbach)
- 63-512 Internal Waves and Instabilities Lectures (Zagar)
- 63-512a Internal Waves and Instabilities Excercises (Zagar)
- 63-741 Predictability and Predictions of Climate (Borchert, Klockmann)
- 63-885 The Asian Monsoon System (Zhu)
- 63-912 Integrated Assessment of Sustainable Landuse (Schneider)
- 63-917 Interactions between natural and social systems (Sillmann, Borchert)
- 63-924 Reflecting on Sustainable Development Goals (Sillmann, Borchert)
- 63-925 Lecture Series Extremes in the Earth System (Sillmann, Borchert)
- 63-927 Climate Science-Policy Nexus: Actors, Institutions and Processes (López Rivera)
- 63-952 Climate Change – Settled Science and Open Questions (Schmidt, Stevens)
- 63-957 Marine Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Modeling (Hense)
- 63-959 Land processes and carbon feedbacks in the Earth system models (Brovkin)
- 22-31.000 Decision under Uncertainty in the Integrated Assessment of the Energy-Climate Problem (Held)
- 23-36.11.232 Microeconomics (Furini)
- ISA-200.016 Lecture Series Climate & Health (Sillmann)
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: Written or oral; oral or written report; overall test or component testing.
The specific type will be announced at the beginning of the courses - Requirements for registration: course-specific
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: course-specific
- 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: SICSS track coordinators
Permafrost Soils and Landscapes in the Climate System
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.10 (63-319)
Title: Permafrost Soils and Landscapes in the Climate System
Learning Outcomes: The students will have knowledge about permafrost landscapes, soils and vegetation and their role in the climate system. A focus will be set on peri-glacial and cryopedogenetic processes, and related observation and modeling techniques. The students have improved their understanding of environmental and climatic changes in the arctic region. They have obtained competence for the evaluation of ecosystem functions and resources of permafrost landscapes.
Contents: High-latitude terrestrial processes in periglacial landscapes; permafrost and active layer processes; soils of different permafrost landscapes; cryosols in the international soil classifications; patterned-ground processes, frost-action processes, cryoturbation; tundra vegetation, boreal forests and peatlands, tree- and shrubline dynamics; carbon in permafrost soils and sediments; role of high-latitude terrestrial systems in the global climate system; impact of climate and land use change on arctic and boreal ecosystems and permafrost soils; obser-vational versus model results of permafrost changes due to climate change; land-atmosphere feedbacks specific to permafrost landscapes.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of soil science
Exam Framework:
- Type: Written exam
- Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: 60 minutes
Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 28 hours
- Self-study: 36 hours
- Exam Preparation: 26 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: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: C. Beer, L. Kutzbach
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Internal Waves and Instabilities
Module number: 63-512
"The course teaches internal gravity waves and mesoscale instabilities in the atmosphere by combining mathematical description with examples of real atmosphere phenomena and analytical and numerical exercises. Students learn to understand processes leading to the development of various instability and wave phenomena at mesoscale and their filtering in high-resolution numerical weather and climate models."
(see M.Sc. Atmospheric Science)
Lecturer: N. Zagar
Predictability and Predictions of Climate
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.2 (63-741)
Title: Predictability and Predictions of Climate
Learning Outcomes: Students will be familiar with the techniques used to investigate predictability and the methods used to make predictions of climate variability at seasonal to decadal timescales with a focus on coupled ocean-atmosphere processes.
Contents: Introduction to predictability of climate; Lorenz model; determination of predictability; ensemble forecasting; forecast initialization; ensemble initialization; error propagation and assessment of forecast reliability/quality; present understanding of the processes that determine predictability; seasonal to decadal predictions of the climate system.
Educational Concept: Lectures and research seminar (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Presentation
- Requirements for registration: Regular and 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: L. Borchert, M. Klockmann
Literature: Palmer and Hagedorn (Eds.), 2006: Predictability of weather and climate.
Additional literature will be announced during the course
The Asian Monsoon System
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.4 (63-885)
Title: The Asian Monsoon System
Learning Outcomes: Students have developed an understanding of characteristics of the Asian monsoon and the related dynamical systems and mechanisms. Specifically, they have developed a holistic view of the monsoon system in the context of global climate systems, in particular, regarding its interaction with other large-scale climate modes (ENSO, MJO). Students are able to calculate various monsoon indices and identify the related characteristic circulation patterns from re-analysis data or numerical model outputs.
Contents: Monsoon definiGtions; circulation characteristics, centers of action, and related thermal-dynamical processes of the Asian (summer and winter) monsoon systems; key elements of the Asian Monsoon (AM) systems such as the Tibetan Plateau topographic forcing; literature review on the AM and the Tibetan uplia; interaction of the AM with climate modes like ENSO and MJO (Madden-Julian Oscillation) and its evolution in a warmer climate.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: Successful participation in the course: Introduction to Statistics.
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Will be specified at the beginning of the course
- Requirements for registration: Regular and 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: X. Zhu
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Integrated Assessment of Sustainable Landuse
Course Number: ICSS-M-X (63-912)
Title: Integrated Assessment of Sustainable Landuse
Learning Outcomes: Students will learn how to use mathematical programming models to perform integrated assessments of land use (developments) on multiple sustainability dimensions. Students will acquire technical skills to apply, modify, calibrate, decompose, and interpret agricultural sector models. The knowledge and skills are suitable for a master thesis on sustainable land use questions.
Contents: Students will perform experiments and exercises with a global agricultural sector model. The model will cover food production, consumption and trade; climate change and other environmental impacts; market price reactions and changes in resource scarcity; multiple policy instruments and sustainable development targets; on the production side: options for intensification, extensification, adaption and mitigation, on the consumer side: diet change. All data are available at country level. For selected focus regions, spatially resolved climate change impact data from high-resolution biophysical process models are nested.
Educational Concept: Lectures with frequent hands-on exercises
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: Prior participation in a GAMS course and/or Estimating Sustainability is helpful
Exam Framework:
- Type: Class Project (pass/fail) plus presentation & oral exam (if grade needed)
- 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: U. Schneider
Literature: The following two open sources are complementary:
- Anne Merot, Jacques-Eric Bergez, Jean-Claude Mailhol, Jacques Wery. An integrative modelling approach to simulate the agricultural system through a combination of decisional, technical and biophysical sub-systems. Integrated Assessment of Agriculture and Sustainable Development; Setting the Agenda for Science and Policy, Mar 2009, Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/ hal-01192258 - Kim, Man-Keun; McCarl, Bruce A.; and Spreen, Thomas H., "Applied Mathematical Programming" (2018). Textbooks. 6. hkps://digitalcommons.usu.edu/oer_textbooks/6
Interactions between natural and social systems
Course Number: ICSSM-3.3.17 (63-917)
Title: Interactions between natural and social systems
Learning Outcomes: Students will be aware of the intricacies of examining, understan- ding, and modeling the interactions between nature and societoes. This enables them to develop their own approach to solving a problem in the nature-society nexus, applying the knowledge from the course.
Contents: Introduction to nature-society interactions; systemic risk; cascading effects; compound/extreme events; data procurement/assessment; integrated assessment modeling; climate mitigation; computable general equilibrium modeling; climate impacts; climate adaptation; sectoral modeling; agricultural modeling; agent-based modeling; environmental risk modeling; understanding of the processes that drive nature-society interactions.
Educational Concept: Lectures and research seminar (2SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Will be specified at the beginning of the course.
- Requirements for registration: Regular and 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: J. Sillmann, L. Borchert
Reflecting on Sustainable Development Goals
Course Number: 63-924
Title: Reflecting on Sustainable Development Goals
Contents: Sustainable transition is paramount for mitigating and adapting to anthropogenic climate change. To achieve this transition, the United Nations have defined 17 goals that address key challenges in face of climate change. This course reflects on these UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Implications of the SDGs are discussed, alongside targets and activities that may facilitate reaching the SDGs. A particular focus is on implementation and use of the SDGs in the “real world”, and how they are taken up by practitioners.
Learning Outcomes: Throughout the course, the students will develop a deeper understanding of the SDGs, their implications and the processes surrounding sustainable transition. Applying the knowledge from the class, the students get the chance to reflect on practical implications, synergies and trade-offs between the SDGs in a final report.
Educational Concept: Seminar (2 SWS)
Language: English
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Final report
- Language: English
- Credit Points: 3
Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter and summer semester
Duration: Block of 5 days
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturers: J. Sillmann, L. Borchert
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Lecture Series on Extremes in the Earth System
Module number: 63-925
Title: Lecture series on extremes in the earth system
Learning Outcomes: Students have a fundamental understanding of different aspects of extremes in the earth system (including, but not limited to, the climate, biogeochemistry, economy and society). The students have learned various methods and approaches to assess extremes in the earth system and know the conceptual, normative and theoretical foundations of extremes in these contexts.
Contents: This course aims to provide a wide overview of different aspects of extremes in the earth system, including the climate, biogeochemistry, economy and society. Experts from within and outside Universität Hamburg elucidate methods, approaches and results from the latest sciences regarding studying extremes in the earth system, including cascading effects and feedbacks between different earth systems components. Discussions accompanying the presentations enable drawing connections between presented topics. The presentations illuminate factors and conditions of earth system extremes in a changing climate, including physical extremes as well as connected issues of flood and storm disasters, water scarcity, food insecurity, public discourse and beyond. All of these topics feed into discussions of earth system risk assessment, which informs considerations of ethical values and policy interactions, finally leading into an understanding of adaptation and mitigation needs involving earth system extremes.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Written examination
- Requirements for registration: regular attendance of the lecture series
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: 2 SWS
- Credit Points: 3
Course Type and Usability: Open for M.Sc. ICSS students and related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.
Frequency of Offer: Winter semester
Course Lecturers: L. Borchert, J. Sillmann
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
The Climate Science-Policy Nexus: Actors, Institutions and Processes
Course Number: 63-927
Title: The Climate Science-Policy Nexus: Actors, Institutions and Processes
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will gain an understanding of the complex interactions between climate science and policy, through the analysis of the role of scientific and other knowledge actors in the policy-making processes of international organizations. Students will develop critical thinking skills and analytical tools to evaluate various forms of linking science, policy and society in climate change governance.
Contents: The course focuses on the complex interplay between climate research and policymaking on the basis of theoretical and conceptual approaches from political science, sociology, and science and technology studies. Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as key case studies, the course examines global climate governance through the various actors and institutions that link science or other forms of knowledge to policy in governance processes. Alongside conventional approaches about the influence of scientific/expert communities on policy, the course introduces alternative perspectives which consider a broader set of social actors (e.g. social movements) as well as diverse knowledge holders (e.g. Indigenous peoples and local communities). The role of these actors is analyzed through institutional arrangements, especially science-policy interfaces or ‘boundary organizations’, as well as the underlying policy-making processes.
Educational Concept: 2 SWS
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Assignment
- Language: English
- Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 28hours
- Self-study: 32 hours
- Exam Preparation: 30 hours
Course Type and Usability: Open for M.Sc. ICSS students and related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.
Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter semester
Duration: 1 semester
Module Coordinator: Track Coordinator Economic and Social Sciences
Course Lecturers: A. López Rivera
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Climate Change – Settled Science and Open Questions
Course Number: 63-952
Title: Climate Change – Settled Science and Open Questions
Learning outcomes: To understand the conceptual foundations of our understanding of global warming and associated changes in climate, and the outline of the important open questions.
Contents:
- Precipitation changes (patterns and amplitude)
- Arctic amplification
- Land sea contrast
- Circulation Changes
- Coupled modes of variability
- Tipping points
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Exam Framework: Joint module exam
Credit Points: 3
Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturers: H. Schmidt, B. Stevens
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Marine Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Modeling
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.7 (63-957)
Title: Marine Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Modeling
Learning Outcomes: Students are able to use the “modeling language”, to select the most appropriate methods and approaches for a number of specific applications, to formulate simple ecosystem models, to analyze and present the results. They have learned to identify and evaluate model strengths and weaknesses.
Contents: The basics of model structures are explained, including factors and processes which are generally considered in aquatic ecosystem and biogeochemical models. Focus will be on plankton dynamics: growth and mortality processes of phyto- and zooplankton. Examples of biogeochemical models based on carbon and nitrogen are presented.
Educational Concept: Lectures (1 SWS), exercises (1 SWS), seminars (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: Good knowledge of a programming language and a visualization tool. Successful completion of the course: Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems, or individual permission by the lecturer
Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in ecosystem dynamics and theoretical ecology
Exam Framework:
- Type: Will be specified at the beginning of the course
- Requirements for registration: >80% participation in the weekly exercises and seminars
- Language: English
Credit Points: 6
Workload:
- Campus Study: 64 hours
- Self-study: 90 hours
- Exam Preparation: 26 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: First half of the semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: I. Hense
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Land Processes and Carbon Feedbacks in the Earth System Models
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.12 (63-959)
Title: Land Processes and Carbon Feedbacks in the Earth System Models
Learning Outcomes: Students have theoretical knowledge and practical skills in terrestrial ecosystem modeling and feedbacks between vegetation and climate and understand and are able to utilize terrestrial biosphere models used for future climate projections.
Contents: The course starts with introduction into main biological and biophysical processes: photosynthesis, land surface hydrology and biophysics, carbon cycle, and plant ecology. The main focus is given on current state-of-the- art in modeling of these processes within Earth System models. Examples of topics include modeling of landuse effects on terrestrial ecosystem and biogeochemistry; modeling of vegetation dynamics under changed climate; assessment of feedbacks between terrestrial ecosystems and climate on multiple spatial and temporal scales. Biogeophysical and biogeochemical effects of land cover and landuse change are analyzed for future climate as well for several chosen paleo climates.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of biological processes; basic skills in programming on Python, R, or MatLab for solving simple equilibrium or dynamical system equations.
Exam Framework:
- Type: Oral exam
- Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
- Language: English
Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 42 hours
- Self-study: 32 hours
- Exam Preparation: 16 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: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: V. Brovkin
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Decision under Uncertainty in the Integrated Assessment of the Energy-Climate Problem
Course Number: ICSS-M-3.3.15 (22-31.000)
Title: Decision under Uncertainty in the Integrated Assessment of the Energy-Climate Problem
Learning Outcomes: Students will have obtained the pre-requisites to start a master thesis within climate-economic modeling that is dealing with mitigation, impact or adaptation issues under system response uncertainty. This includes a treatment of uncertainty and interpretation of model results. The outcomes of and the key assumptions behind some major modeling assessments within the climate policy arena will have been obtained during the course.
Contents: Treatment of uncertainty in climate-economic modeling with respect to climate and the techno-economic system properties as well as global warming impacts. In-depth discussion of model assumptions including underlying theories within macroeconomics as well as climate science and land use economics. Treatment of uncertainty including stylized decision under (predominantly epistemic) uncertainty, made up by uncertain system properties/model parameters.
Educational Concept: Interactive lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: Successful completion of the course: Integrated Climate-Economic Modeling or Master of Economics course: Climate dynamics and climate economics or individual permission by the lecturer.
Recommended Prerequisites: Bachelor-level of applied mathematics and scientific English.
Exam Framework:
- Type: Will be announced at the beginning of the course
- Requirements for registration: Regular and active participation
- 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 winter semester
Duration: One semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: H. Held
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Microeconomics
Course Number: 23-36.11.232
Title: Microeconomics
Learning Outcomes: Students have learned the tools to understand and conduct applied micro-economic analysis.
Contents: This course covers key concepts in the areas of consumer and producer theory, market equilibria, welfare analysis and game theory. It provides both intuition and formal treatment of standard microeconomic theory supplemented by insights from behavioral economics.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Formal Requirements for Participation: None
Recommended Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic microeconomic concepts and simple analytical optimization techniques
Exam Framework:
- Type: Written exam
- Language: English
- Duration/Size: 60 minutes
Credit Points: 3
Workload:
- Campus Study: 42 hours
- Self-study: 120 hours
- Exam Preparation: 18 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: Track coordinators
Course Lecturer: F. Furini
Literature:
- Gravelle, H. and R. Rees, 2004, Microeconomics, 3rd ed. Pearson; Bowles, S., 2006, Microeconomics: Behavior, Institutions, and Evolution, Princeton University Press
Lecture Series Climate and Health
Course Number: ISA-200.016
Title: Lecture Series Climate and Health
Contents: Climate change is already affecting all regions across the globe with human influence contributing to many observed changes in regional temperature and precipitation as well as climate extremes, such as heatwaves, droughts, storms and floods. The impacts of climate change on human health are manifold and will increase with further global warming. This lecture series will provide knowledge about different aspects of climate and climatic changes affecting various aspects of human health, such as occupational health, reproductive health, cardiovascular, inflammatory and infectious diseases, or impacts on preterm children. Lectures will also give insights in future climate change, urban health and challenges and opportunities for adaptation and long-term planning in meeting future energy and health care demands.
Educational Concept: Lectures (2 SWS)
Language: English
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Exam Framework:
- Type: Written exam
- Language: English
- Credit Points: 3
Course Type and Usability: Elective for M.Sc. ICSS; open for students of related M.Sc. programs, dependent on capacities and schedule.
Maximum number of participants: 40
Frequency of Offer: Annually in the winter and summer semester
Duration: 1 semester
Module Coordinator: Track coordinators
Course Lecturers: J. Sillmann
Literature: Will be announced during the course.
Technical Skills
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 from:
- 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
Introduction to GAMS (Generalized Algebraic Modeling System)
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).
Advanced GAMS (Generalized Algebraic Modeling System)
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).
Scientific Programming in Python I
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.
Scientific Programming in Python II
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.
Geographic Information Systems and Science
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.
Scientific Visualization Course
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.
MATLAB in Earth System Science: An Introduction
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.
Agent-based Modeling – Theory and Applications in the Social Sciences
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.