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Addition | Global System Models - Zusatz | Global System Models
Knowledge
Not necessary - any student at ZU may participate
Description
The Seminar in February/March 2025: Global systems of biology, chemistry, physics, economics or sociology are highly complex. Different types of models try to represent these complex dynamics in order to understand how human policy interventions will change the course and shape of these systems in the future. They are for instance of primary importance for estimating impacts of climate change on human civilization and nature, or how to feed the global population on a sustainable basis in the future. This ZUsatz module provides an overview of some of the most common types of such models, and goes into depth on one particular kind, which are global equilibrium flow models. Participants will work with one example of such a model which is the GOALSciences PLANET model, specialized on the global food and agricultural systems. Participants learn about important characteristics of creating such models and are introduced to the R-architecture of PLANET. Research trip to South Africa in September 2025: For up to 10 participants there is also the possibility to participate in a week-long seminar on global food system dynamics in Pretoria, South Africa from 31 August to 07 September 2025. Travel costs will be paid for by a sponsor so no costs incur to the participants. Participation in South Africa requires participation in the ZUsatz module.
Learning objectives
The below commentary on the ZUSatz Course on Global System Models, including the research travel to South Africa in 2023, was created by the participants, and is presented here without any edits by Prof Peer Ederer „Global System Models“ +++++++ The following paper has not been “Peer”-reviewed +++++++ The Seminar In the Spring Semester 2023, the three full-day sessions of the Blockseminar “Global System Models” dealt with the topic of global food security and global food systems. The focus was on the protein and nutrient availabilities in food and how to improve these in especially low-income areas with a specific case study on South Africa. This mainly took place through the form of discussions and group work, where we discussed the topic from the perspectives of different stakeholders such as local farmers, NGOs and the government. Although there was a set program, Prof. Ederer personalized the “how” to fit with our expectations and interests, which further improved our attentiveness to the course. It must be added that even though the topic of the course was set on food security and food systems, a specific focus on livestock is prominent and becomes further distinct during the progress of the program, especially during the excursion to South Africa. However, we wouldn’t note this specialization as a negative aspect, as it gave a lot of room for discussion and sometimes controversial discussions, which in our opinion made this course stand out as it fostered critical thinking to a very deep level. You must be open to emphasize with very different opinions and simultaneously you can also always add yours and see where the discussion ends up. The trip to South Africa This aspect becomes especially clear when it comes to the exchange with the farmers and students from SA. As they are in the business of commercial livestock farming and study Animal Sciences they have a distinct view on the topic. However, they are very open to share and exchange their experiences and views for us to learn from. Whether we agreed or not, they share a perspective that many of us wouldn’t have been exposed to if it weren’t for this trip – whether regarding their perspective on the meat industry or other topics. Additionally, it wasn’t all about business. Through our activities together we formed great connections and friendships with students from our partner university in Pretoria. Every day we had one to two book presentations (everybody prepared a book for the week to discuss). These sparked vastly interesting, foundational and theoretical discussions, which were complemented by the more practical perspective of the students from Pretoria. We reflected profoundly on our cultural understanding of university, learning, as well as basic world views. From the educational point of view, we also had a lot of input. The week covered everything from cattle and dairy farming to wildlife management and conservation. Although we have to say it was a biased input, it was one that wasn’t available to us before and made us reflect on whether the ideas about the possible solutions we worked out in the seminar were really feasible to implement. Thereby, we could also reflect on our personal opinions, which until now were mainly formed by theoretical and media input. Whether those changed or not is a different discussion, but we agree that our opinions certainly have an improved basis now. Of course, we also got to know the culture which, for many of us, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Especially the – in parts – completely differing points of views of the different ethnic groups in the country regarding the historical-, economical-, cultural- and of course the political development and future of South Africa. That was sometimes hard to realize, but also a life time opportunity to see and discuss various problems we have everywhere around the planet in one single country and society. To conclude, you need to be open-minded and ready to have your opinions challenged. If that is true for you, this course brings an exceptional opportunity and perspective to learn about global models, agriculture, and culture all together. In case you do choose to take this course, don’t shy away from asking questions, be open to hear answers that you may not expect and challenge your mindset, as well as that of others. This way we all can come to more well-informed opinions and learn from each other.
E-learning
No
Preparation
Only students who participated in the seminars in Feb/March 2025, will qualifiy to participate in the research field trip to South Africa in September
Next events
No current events available!
| 1/3 | Lecture | Fr, 14.02.2025 | 13:30 Uhr | 19:00 Uhr | 1.06 | Aquarium |
| 2/3 | Lecture | Fr, 07.03.2025 | 13:30 Uhr | 19:00 Uhr | 1.06 | Aquarium |
| 3/3 | Lecture | Sa, 08.03.2025 | 10:00 Uhr | 16:00 Uhr | 1.06 | Aquarium |
Course details
| Offer code | Z | Glob. Sys. Mod. |
| Version | 1 Erstversion A5_FS24 |
| Credits / ECTS | 2.5 |
| Frequence | Irregular offer |