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Ecosystems have a critical role in regulating climate, and soil, water and air quality. Understanding the structure and function of ecosystems is important for understanding environmental challenges such as global warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Key topics covered in lectures include principles of ecosystem ecology, assessing changes in ecosystem processes, and modern approaches to measure ecosystem functions. Following a series of introductory classes, students work in teams on topics of their choice. Conducting their own research allows students to witness how new knowledge is created and provides an enriched learning experience through developing effective relationships between students, staff, and place. Further, students get hands-on experience by using state-of-the-art equipment (in the field and lab). Past student projects included: greenhouse gas fluxes in urban ecosystems, chemical composition of throughfall, litter decomposition, and urban soil characteristics.