iModules

iModules are new, jointly offered modules that will be integrated as elective modules into the existing Master’s programmes:

• Biodiversity Sciences at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
• Evolution, Ecology and Systematics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution at Leipzig University

iModules are developed and taught collaboratively by iDiv scientists from all three universities, ensuring interdisciplinary perspectives and the integration of various iDiv research groups.

For questions about iModules, please contact Dr Nicole Sachmerda-Schulz, Head of the iDiv Education Unit.

The module teaches the principles, methods and applications of meta-studies in ecology. The lecture presents selected meta-studies in biodiversity research and the statistical methods used. In the exercise, published data on a topic are collected, organized in databases, and statistically evaluated using the methods presented. Students then present the results of their own meta-study and discuss its relevance to theoretical concepts in biodiversity research. The seminar introduces and discusses the main underlying ecological concepts and theories.

Lecturers: Prof Ulrich Brose (Uni Jena), Myriam Hirt (Uni Jena), Prof Nico Eisenhauer (UL), Dr Yuanyuan Huang (UL)

Credits (ECTS): 5 LP; written assignment based on the practical course. UL students can earn a total of 10 LP by also attending the “EIE Paper Club” during the semester (2 SWS). For the awarding of credit points, all planned coursework must be completed and the examinations passed.

Teaching goals:

• Understanding the concepts and possibilities of meta-studies in ecological research, recording published data and organizing it in databases, learning statistical methods for meta-studies, and reporting methods and results in meta-studies.
• Ultimately, learning how basic ecological theories and concepts are tested using data from multiple published papers in metastudies.

Date and venue:

• September 14 to 23, 2026
• German Centre for integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig

Students travelling to Leipzig can apply to iDiv for financial support towards their accommodation costs.

Registration:

Students from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Leipzig University register via their faculty.

Students from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg register via the iDiv registration form and have to apply for a joint student ID at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Further information on the joint student ID will be provided after the registration.
The registration deadline for MLU students is April 1, 2026. Registrations will be forwarded to the teachers. Places for students at MLU will be allocated according to capacity. Registered students will receive notification in April as to whether they can participate in the module.

This module covers the ecology of animal movement and its importance for biodiversity patterns and conservation planning. Different forms of animal movement are addressed, including foraging, dispersal, and migration, as well as their ecological implications. In addition, the module provides an overview of methods for tracking and measuring animal movement, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Further key topics include the theoretical foundations of movement ecology, mechanistic predictions of movement patterns, and the integration of movement data into ecological models. Another thematic block focuses on the effects of global environmental change on animal movement. In particular, the module examines the impacts of climate change, light pollution, and habitat fragmentation on movement patterns and their ecological consequences. Finally, the module addresses the application of movement data in conservation, especially connectivity analyses and the development of conservation strategies that explicitly incorporate animal movement.

Lecturers: Dr Myriam Hirt (Uni Jena), Dr Emilio Berti (Uni Jena), Dr Andrés Camilo Marmol Guijarro (MLU)

Credits (ECTS): 5 LP; written assignment based on the practical course

Teaching goals:

After successfully completing the module, students will be able to:

• explain and classify different forms of animal movement and their ecological relevance;
• critically evaluate common methods of movement data collection and apply them appropriately;
• understand theoretical concepts and models in movement ecology and integrate movement data into ecological models;
• use movement data for connectivity analyses.

Date and venue:

• September 14 to 23, 2026
• German Centre for integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig

Students travelling to Leipzig can apply to iDiv for financial support towards their accommodation costs.

Additional information:

Enrollment in this module is recommended for the 3rd semester of study.

Registration:

Students from Friedrich Schiller University Jena register via their faculty.

Students from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and Leipzig University register via the iDiv registration form and have to apply for a joint student ID at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Further information on the joint student ID will be provided after the registration.
The registration deadline for MLU and UL students is April 1, 2026. Registrations will be forwarded to the teachers. Places will be allocated according to capacity. Registered students will receive notification in April as to whether they can participate in the module.