Department of Ecosystem Biology
Who are we?
The Department of Ecosystem Biology is a scientific and educational facility that provides instruction in ecological and hydrobiological fields, in which it also carries out research and expert services. Research is carried out in close cooperation with the ASCR institute and is focused on ecosystem processes, with an emphasis on the interaction of plant - soil - water. Graduate theses are drawn up here by students of all levels of study.
What do we do and for whom?
In close cooperation with Šumava NP, we ensure the bachelor’s degree course caring for the environment. Furthermore, together with Biology Centre ASCR, we are developing the field ecosystem biology and we are involved in the postgraduate education of students within the field ecosystem biology and ecosystem hydrobiology.
The main directions of research:
the circulation of substances in the watershed
the function and diversity of microbial communities in water and soil
study of fish communities in reservoirs
the impact of human activities on the ecosystems of wet meadows, peat bogs, mountain spruce forests and water reservoirs
stocks and the bioavailability of organic matter northern tundra soil.
Our research is carried out in the field, but the processing of samples is dependent on the well-equipped laboratories. During the search of causal dependencies, we conduct extensive laboratory experiments. We use traditional methods of ecological research, but also methods of molecular ecology and stable isotopes. Our research, which is conducted in close collaboration with the ASCR Institute and foreign workplaces, is supported by national funding agencies and the European Union.
At the same time we provide expert services in the field of conservation for Šumava National Park and the region of South Bohemia. We also strive to make our results available to the professional and general public.
Why do we exist?
Our main task is to educate in the fields caring for the environment, ecosystem biology and hydrobiology. We place emphasis on understanding the relationships and processes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and to understand the importance of the role of species diversity. We try to prepare graduates for work in science and research, but also for work in state administration and local governments, in consulting and expertise firms and in the non-profit sector in dealing with environmental issues.
The field caring for the environment is approved as equivalent to the requirements for special professional competence of employees of state and local governments in the field of nature and landscape protection.
The department cooperates with the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Institute of Soil Biology BC ASCR and the Třeboň workplace Institute of Botany in the fields of aquatic ecology and soil organisms, microbial ecology and the study of processes in soil water and wetland ecosystems disturbed by human activities.
What are our aims?
Our goal is to educate students in the field of caring for the environment so that they have a broad knowledge base in biological and environmental subjects and so that they are simultaneously able to understand the practical issues and environmental protection legislation. In all fields, we aim to educate students to be aware of the importance of the interactions in the system plant - soil - water and be able to connect and interpret the findings. We want our students to find jobs at home and abroad. Therefore, our aim is to develop quality research at the national and international level, where students have the opportunity to participate.
Where to find us?
Contact information
Address:
Branišovská 31a,
České Budějovice
Registration No.: 60076658
Tel.: +420 387 772 361
Fax:
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: http://kbe.prf.jcu.cz/uvod