Environmental Data Collection and Analysis

Environmental scientists work on complex problems where data from different temporal and spatial scales have to be collected and linked to each other. It is the aim of this course to provide the theoretical background of some selected research methods that are relevant for the various disciplines within hydrology, meteorology, soil science, ecology and earth system science and subsequently apply these methods when collecting and analyzing your own data in the field.
Environmental Data Collection and Analysis (EDCA) starts with a general part (EDCA part 1, weeks 1-4) in which all students deal with common statistical techniques of data analysis. These include basic statistics, time series analysis, geostatistics, spectral analysis and error analysis. These topics are considered relevant for all environmental disciplines. During the second, thematic part of the course (EDCA part 2, weeks 5-8) the student will collect field data and analyse those using various techniques depending on the selected theme (Hydrology, Meteorology and Air Quality, Soil and Water Quality or Soils and Landscape). The results of the analysis will be presented in a final presentation.
NOTE that the course covers all 8 weeks of period1 with on-campus work in weeks 7 and 8.

• Explain relevant environmental statistical techniques

• Apply selected statistical techniques in addressing environmental problems

• Design and carry out strategies for data collection

• Apply research methods, depending on the selected theme

• Analyse collected spatial and temporal environmental data

• Explain, interpret and present the obtained research results

• Assignment oral presentation (50%) Refers to EDCA-part2: presentation and defense of the analysis conducted on the data collected during the thematic part. Each Theme in EDCA-part2 consists of 15–20 students. Within each Theme, students collect data in subgroups of 4–8. The data analysis and the corresponding presentation are carried out and assessed either individually, in groups, or through a combination of both, depending on the specific Theme. In the event that a student fails EDCA-part2, they may redo their presentation during the next re‑sit period. This will not be scheduled in TimeEdit. The student must arrange the time and location directly with the Theme coordinators.
• Written test with open and closed questions (50%) Refers to EDCA-part1: exam is on data-analysis techniques

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety

• Basic Statistics
• Basic programming skills
• Basic concepts of the Earth System

• Annotated powerpoint slides. A reader is available as additional material (digital version on Brightspace). Studying the reader is not required to prepare for the exam.