Järvselja Spring School 2017 - Biological processes in the biosphere-atmosphere system

2-12 May 2017

University of Helsinki, Division of Atmospheric Sciences and the Estonian University of Life Sciences are pleased to announce the intensive course "Biological processes in the biosphere-atmosphere system" to be held at the Järvselja Forestry Field Station in Southeast Estonia on May 2-12, 2017. The course is based on intensive work in small groups, hands-on sessions, and field experiments. This course in particular has the following main topic:

Understanding and assessing of biological processes as backbone of the dynamics in the multiscale soil-biosphere-atmosphere system.

Some of the transferable skills the course strives to improve:
- multiscale measurement techniques
- data and statistical analysis
- multidisciplinary approach
- project management
- collaborative learning
- broadening of the personal comfort zone
- introduction to SMEAR Estonia measurement station and the FAHM experiment.

The course involves a few short relevant lectures, with the main emphasis placed on intensive group work. The students will write a blog during the course and a summarizing final report written after the course. The course is aimed at MSc students and PhD students in atmospheric and biospheric sciences. During the course the students will utilize trace gas, meteorological and ecophysiological data measured at field stations in order to learn advanced data treatment and data analysis methods. The main tool used on the course is MATLAB.

To apply to the course, please fill in the online application form by February 27, 2017. Extended deadline: 13.03.2017!

Location: SMEAR Estonia Station located at the Järvselja Experimental Forestry station, Estonia.
Time: May 2-12, 2017
Teachers: Dr Steffen M. Noe is the leading teacher. The other lecturers include Prof. Jaana Bäck, Prof. Ülo Niinemets, Prof. Jukka Pumpanen, Prof. Ülo Mander, Prof. Krista Lõhmus, Dr Ahto Kangur, Dr Mait Lang, and Dr Antti Lauri.
Credits and accrediting body: 5 ECTS, University of Helsinki
Exam: Students write a blog during the course and a summarizing scientific report based on the results from analysis done during the course.

Course fee

The course fee is 1600 EUR. This fee covers:
- all academic and social programme during the course
- access to the electronically provided course material
- accommodation in two- to five-person rooms at the SMEAR Estonia Station during the course
- evening snacks on May 2, five daily servings between May 3-11 (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, dinner, evening snacks) and breakfast on May 12
- transportation from Tartu to Järvselja on May 2, and from Järvselja to Tartu on May 12 (service to/from Tartu and Tallinn airports is available)

The fee does not cover:
- travel expenses to and from Tartu
- personal health and civil liability insurance
- personal expenses such as drinks, telephone, fax, photocopies, etc. during the course

For doctoral students of the University of Helsinki, the fee is covered by the ATM-DP Doctoral Programme. For master students of ABS network universities, the fee is covered by the ABS network. For master/doctoral students of the Estonian Centre of Excellence EcolChange and students of the partners in the Estonian Environmental Observatory project the course fee is covered.

Bus transportation between Tartu and Järvselja

On Tuesday May 2nd the bus to Järvselja will start at the Central bus terminal in Tartu at 16:00, arrival to Järvselja at 17:00.

On Friday May 12th the bus from Järvselja will start after breakfast at 8:50 and arrive to Tartu (Central bus terminal) at 9:50.

Activities during free time

Depending on the weather, there may be a possibility for sports or hiking and swimming. Before your departure, check the latest weather forecasts and bring your sports gear with you, if you wish. There will also be time for sauna during some of the evenings.

Facilities in Järvselja

Accommodation for the students is in two up to five person rooms. Each room is equipped with beds, bed linens, towels, a small desk and shelves. The showers and toilets in the guesthouse (separated for ladies and gents) are shared by all rooms. It’s possible to store food in a refrigerator.

In addition to normal clothes and perhaps some money (in Euros, to pay soft drinks and beer) you should bring shoes and clothes to be prepared for the weather; the temperature in Järvselja in May is usually somewhere between +5 and +18 Celsius, it can be sunny, windy, rainy or snowing; light indoor shoes are a good option; bathing suit/shorts for swimming (for the brave ones).

Furthermore, it is a good idea to bring a laptop computer with you if you have one. There is a wireless internet connection at the station.

For any questions or clarifications regarding the course, please contact Antti Lauri (antti.lauri at helsinki.fi) and Steffen Noe (steffen.noe at emu.ee).

The course will be held in cooperation with Doctoral Programme in Atmospheric Sciences (ATM-DP), Estonian Centre of Excellence ECOLCHANGE, Pan-Eurasian Experiment (PEEX), Biosphere-Carbon-Aerosol-Cloud-Climate Interactions, Nordic graduate school (CBACCI).

"Intro to MATLAB archive"

Course photos: Station tour, Practical sessions