Environmental challenges facing Danube River

The pre-field introductory lecture will prepare students for the field activity. Before traveling they will be familiarized with the research site, sampling strategies, methodologies, and various measured parameters: physical – pH, conductivity, oxygen, temperature; chemical: N species (total – organic, inorganic), organic C (organic matter); metals; biological: invasive plant species, zoobenthos, microbial communities, pathogens; geomorphology, landscape, and soil evolution; GIS in field mapping. The post-field online component of the program will support students to engage in the preparation and communication of their multidisciplinary research results using their own data on environmental issues facing the Danube River basin and propose solutions for the stakeholders. The planned online sessions are described in the file attached (Virtual course plan). The program is an evidence-based student-centered approach aiming to engage students in research experiences focused on environmental challenges facing the Danube River basin.

Application Deadline

Virtual Part starting date 2024-09-05

Virtual Part closing date 2024-12-12

Total student workload 162

Specific field of studies No discipline entry requirements. This course is addressed to students with a background in natural sciences, as well as in humanities and social sciences applied to environmental research.

Pre-requisite for selection CV Motivation Letter

Academic pre-requisites for applicants Students will require having a good comprehension of English to follow the lectures. No entry requirements. This course is addressed to students with a background in natural sciences, as well as in humanities and social sciences applied to environmental research.

Physical Part starting date 2024-09-09

Physical Part Description Students will work in groups to carry out research projects focusing on the ecological, social and economic issues that impact the Danube River basin. The 1-week field experience will include: - guided inquiry-based field research focused on the ecology, biodiversity of the Danube River and social and economic issues; - training in specific field methods, related to assigned research topic; - meeting discussions with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, environmental protection agency, Orșova shipyard, Administration of the Iron Gates Natural Park, on environmental related topics; - museum visits - Iron Gates Hydropower I Museum; The timetable of the planned field activity for the mobility week are described in the file attached (Field activity September).

Physical Part closing date 2024-09-13

Language level required B1

Field of studies related to the course Medicine and Health Social Science and Humanities Business and Management Computer Science and IT Engineering and Technology Environment and Agriculture Law Natural Sciences and Mathematics Art Design and Media Environmental Sciences Urbanism and Geography

Course location Bucharest, Romania - Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, https://unibuc.ro/studii/facultati/facultatea-de-biologie/?lang=en and Orsova, Romania, Orsova Research Station, University of Bucharest, https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/infrastructura/platforme-de-cercetare/statiunea-de-cercetare-de-la-orsova/?lang=en

Course language English