The iNUX project at the University of Graz
The Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Graz is home to Austria's only Chair of Hydrogeology. It researches and teaches in the field of hydrogeology, with a focus on groundwater in the Alpine region and the development of quantitative analysis and simulation methods. The team is led by two professors and currently includes two doctoral students and several Student Assistants. The Institute also provides technical staff to support laboratory and field work as well as computational approaches used for hydrogeological research and teaching.
The group contributes to the University's Excellence Area Climate Change Graz (https://climate-change.uni-graz.at/de/) and the associated doctoral program Climate Change (https://dok-climate-change.uni-graz.at/de/). Current projects include the effects of climate change on groundwater recharge, the impact of extreme events on the quantity, chemical quality and ecological status of groundwater, and the role of rock glaciers in the storage and runoff of alpine catchments. The group has developed various software programs in the field of karst groundwater modeling, collaborating with international partners such as TU Dresden.
The teaching program at Bachelor level includes lectures and courses on basic knowledge in hydrogeology, hydrogeological methods and hydrochemistry. The Master's program, which is taught in English, offers a compulsory lecture in applied hydrogeology as well as elective modules in quantitative hydrogeology (e.g. with content on groundwater recharge and well hydraulics) and alpine hydrogeology (e.g. on methods related to alpine aquifers).
The contact person for the iNUX project at the University of Graz, Prof. Dr. Steffen Birk, is a full professor of hydrogeology. First as deputy head and later as chairman of the curriculum committee, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of the current degree programs in geosciences. He is currently Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and thus responsible for teaching administration. Other members of the research group will contribute to the project by bringing their specific expertise to the development of interactive teaching materials.
The project is also supported by the university's Center for Digital Teaching and Learning. As a "third-space" institution, the Center for Digital Teaching and Learning offers teaching staff and students comprehensive services for the didactically motivated use of digital technologies and develops strategic measures for the University of Graz in the field of e-learning. The Center develops the necessary skills and competencies by researching innovative teaching methods and digital technologies as well as initiating and expanding development cooperations and project participations.