Environmental challenges facing Danube River Basin

Virtual mobility component: pre-field (online course, spring semester 2025), field component (spring semester 2025), and post-field (online course, spring 2025). The pre-field introductory lectures will prepare students for the research 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 stakeholders. 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 2025-04-01

Virtual Part closing date 2025-07-08

Total student workload 162

Specific field of studies No

Pre-requisite for selection CV Motivation Letter

Academic pre-requisites for applicants This course is open to Bachelor, Master, and PhD students with a background and/or interest in Natural Sciences, as well as in Humanities and Social Sciences applied to environmental research. There are no discipline entry requirements needed.

Physical Part starting date 2025-05-12

Physical Part Description This course uses project-based learning. Students will collaborate to prepare interdisciplinary research projects focusing on the ecological, social, and economic issues that impact the Danube River basin. The 1-week field experience will include: (1) hands-on and team-based field research related to the ecology, biodiversity of the Danube River, and social and economic issues; (2) training in specific field methods related to the assigned research topic; (3) participation in discussions with relevant stakeholders (local authorities, environmental protection agency, Orșova shipyard, Administration of the Iron Gates Natural Park Iron Gate) on environmental-related topics; (4) museum visits topic-related (Iron Gates Hydropower I Museum); and (5) a post-field online project that encourages students to participate in environmental advocacy.

Physical Part closing date 2025-05-16

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 Environmental Sciences Urbanism and Geography

Course location Bucharest, Faculty of Biology (University of Bucharest) Orsova, Orsova Geographical Research Station Center Romania (University of Bucharest)

Course language English