This introduces students to the fundamental ecological and biogeochemical processes that sustain life on Earth. Topics include the Earth system, energy flow, ecosystem productivity, the water cycle, and major biogeochemical cycles such as those of carbon and nitrogen. Students will explore the drivers and consequences of global change, including climate change, land-use change, habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, invasive alien species, and the overexploitation of natural resources. The course also examines processes occurring in extreme environments and the adaptations of organisms to such conditions, as well as the role of disturbances and their impacts on the structure and functioning of ecosystems at a global scale.

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the following concpets & functions/procedures: the structure and functioning of the Earth system (including the main physical and biological components of the biosphere0, the principles of energy flow and primary productivity in ecosystems, natural and human-induced ecosystems’ disturbances and resilience
• Comprehend and analyze the main biogeochemical cycles and their ecological significance
• Evaluate the ecological impacts of global and regional environmental changes
• Recognize key anthropogenic pressures such as habitat fragmentation, pollution, and biological invasions
• Understand the functioning of ecosystems in extreme environments how organisms adapt to these conditions
• Analyze the interactions between natural processes and human activities

Upon completion of the course, learners will have gained a strong scientific background to understand the function of and pressures on the biosphere as well as analysis and synthesis skills necessary for their professional careers in areas such as environmental management, sustainability policies, education, climate consultancy, ecological research and biodiversity protection strategies;  ecosystems and natural resources.