Education

Biogeochemistry is an interdisciplinary science of physical, chemical and (micro)biological processes controlling the regional and global cycles of elements and their compounds. Biogeochemists analyze the response of aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems to chemical changes induced by greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient loads, and accelerated cycles of metals and organic substances.

Pollutant dynamics is the key word for studies of the distribution, transformation, and the effects of anthropogenic compounds. This integrative science follows an agenda to predict the pathways and the fate of organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental systems, to quantify their biogeochemical transformations and to assess their toxic effects on organisms.

Students should bring with them an interest in interdisciplinary approaches and enthusiasm for a science which switches between complex field work, laboratory analysis, and computer modelling.

The Institute of Biogeochmistry and Pollutant Dynamics (IBP) is involved particularly in the education activities of the Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS)