FY 2023 Graduate School of Sustainability Science, Master’s program
Department of Agricultural Science/Department of Dryland Science

Student Recruitment Notice for “Poland Visiting Program”
Tottori University will implement the " Poland visiting program" to foster internationally competent humanresources in the field of environmental science.
With the cooperation of University of Warsaw in Poland, a lecture of “Habitat Studies” offered for students
from various European countries will be delivered in the program. Participants will stay in an educational andresearch forest with newly established eco-friendly buildings, which is used in European educational programs.
We are now recruiting students who are motivated by improvement of skill for field research and international
experience.
1.

Outline and objectives:

The course “Habitat Studies” offers the exploration of selected natural and semi-natural habitats developed in
the postglacial landscape. Students learn about their genesis and differentiation, in the context of regional (e.g.
climatic and geographical) and local (e.g. relief, water regime, soil, vegetation etc.) factors determining habitatfeatures. This course is focused mainly on natural processes of soil development, involving interactions betweenabiotic and biotic factors

inforest and non-forest habitats typical for the northern European postglaciallandscape. Forest habitats are represented by a coniferous forest with pine domination, a forested bog, an oakhornbeam forest, and an alder forest. Non-forest habitats are represented by post-agricultural landscape,comprising semi-natural meadows and small water bodies. The course provides a systemic view on functioningof the studied habitats, combining different aspects of soil science, plant ecology and ecosystem services thatthey provide.
During a series of field trips, students learn about the main environmental factors that shape both natural andsemi-natural habitats typical for Masurian Lakeland. Additionally, students learn about physical, chemical andbiological properties of the soil, including geobotanical and mycological aspects, and about processes of soildevelopment. Students work in groups and perform group projects. To each group one habitat is assigned, andstudents perform there sampling of soil/sediment/water. The collected samples are used in laboratory analysesof the main chemical properties of soil, water and sediments. Students identify and describe major groups ofsoil organisms involved in decomposition and biogeochemical cycling of organic matter, i.e soil invertebrates(macro-, meso- and microfauna), and fungi (various taxonomical, ecological and functional groups, including
mycorrhizal fungi). They also have the opportunity to explore key species and the ecosystem role ofmacrophytes and planktonic organisms living in small water bodies. Additionally, they analyze the pros andcons of the current management of studied habitats, and practices enhancing conservation. Finally, each group
integrates all types of the obtained results for the studied habitats, interprets, and presents them during an oralpresentation.
During the course, students will obtain the following knowledge and skills:
a. to understand and critically evaluate the functioning of different habitats in post-glacial landscape;b. to recognize the main ecological factors affecting soil features and vegetation;c. to identifythe complex relationships between different functional groups of organisms in natural andsemi-natural habitats;d. to apply and evaluate modern techniques in the field of soil science and ecology.
The main goal of this course is to provide students with a systemic perspective on the studied habitats, andto enable them to identify and understand relations between different elements of the studied ecosystems (i.e.
soils and sediments, water, vegetation, microorganisms and invertebrates). Moreover, students will learn
methods of field and laboratory work commonly used in soil science, geobotany and ecology.
After finishing the program, the certificate will be presented from Faculity of Biology, University of Warsaw.

2．PlaceRepublic of Poland, Masurian Lakeland, the Masurian Center
for Biodiversity and Nature Education in Urwitałt
http://mazury.biol.uw.edu.pl/english/

3．Accompanying faculty member
Dr. Takao Ishikawa Ph.D. (University of Warsaw)
Dr. Takeshi Taniguchi Ph.D. (Tottori University)

4．Teachers of the Habitat Studies course
Professor Małgorzata Suska-Malawska (MSM)– expertise in: biogeochemistry, soils science and ecosystem ecology
Professor Iwona Jasser (IJ)
– expertise in: hydrobiology and ecology of microorganisms
Dr. Monika Mętrak Ph.D. (MM)– expertise in: biogeochemistry (organic matter composition and transformations) and ecosystem ecology
Dr. Mateusz Wilk Ph.D. (MW)– expertise in: mycology and soil biology

5．Schedule

Fri. 1 September – Mon. 18 September 2023
※This may vary due to airline flight conditions, PCR testing before returning home andcoordination with overseas partner organizations.
September 1 (Fri)

Departure from Tottori

September 2 (Sat)

Arrival in Warsaw, Stay in Warsaw

September 3 (Sun)Move to The Masurian Center for Biodiversity and Nature
Education in Urwitałt
http://mazury.biol.uw.edu.pl/english/
Organizational meeting in the Center.

September 4 (Mon)Introductory Day (the whole group works together)In the morning:
1. Geological history as an important factor shaping landscapes ofthe Masurian Lakeland – a lecture and a walk in the vicinity of thecenter (MSM).
2. Nature in the Masurian Lakeland – common vegetation types,
typical plant and animal species – a lecture (MSM/MM).
In the afternoon:
3. History and culture of the Masurian Lakeland - a lecture (MM)Optional: a short tour of The Masurian Center for Biodiversity

and Nature Education
In the evening:
4. Informal get-together event

September 5 (Tue)Regular Day (the whole group works together)In the morning
1. Soils of the Masurian Lakeland and field methods in soil science– a lecture (MSM)
2. Mires and peatlands: genesis and characteristics – a lecture(MM)3. A field trip to the coniferous forest and to the forested bog - soil
profiles preparation and description, vegetation survey, soilsampling(MSM, MM, MW)In the afternoon:
4. Preparation of soil and sediment samples for the laboratory
analyses (MM)September 6 (Wed)

Regular Day (the whole group works together)In the morning
1. A field trip to the oak-hornbeam forest and to the alder forest soil profiles preparation and description, vegetation survey, soil
sampling (MSM, MM)
2. Preparation of soil samples for the laboratory analyses (MSM)
In the afternoon:
2.

Practical classes on organic sediments (roughly 3 hours)(MM)

September 7 (Thu)Regular Day (work in subgroups)
In the morning:
1. Soil invertebrates – diversity, functions, and methods ofinvestigation in function-oriented research – a lecture (MW)
2. Ecology of lakes and ecology, biodiversity and role of small
water bodies in the agricultural and post-agricultural landscape – alecture (IJ)
3. Sampling for soil invertebrates - a coniferous forest (group 1.)(MW)
4. Sampling water from small water bodies (group 2.) (IJ)
In the afternoon:
5. Sampling for soil invertebrates – beech and oak forest and alderforest (group 2.) (MW)6. Sampling water from small water bodies (group 1.) (IJ)
7. Setting of the Tulgren funnels (MW)

September 8 (Fri)Regular Day (work in subgroups)
In the morning:
1. Practical classes: Identification of soil invertebrates (group 1.)(MW)
2. Practical classes: identification of algae and macrophytes (group2.) (IJ)
In the afternoon:
5. Practical classes: Identification of soil invertebrates (group 2.)(MW)
6. Practical classes: identification of algae and macrophytes (group1.) (IJ)September 9 (Sat)Regular Day (work in subgroups)
In the morning:
1. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of mineral soils (group 1.)(MSM)
2. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of waters from small water
bodies (group 2.) (MM)In the afternoon:
5. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of mineral soils (group 2.)(MSM)
6. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of waters from small water
bodies (group 1.) (MM)September 10 (Sun)Regular Day (work in subgroups)
In the morning:
1. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of mineral soils (group 1.)(MSM)
2. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of waters from small water
bodies (group 2.) (MM)In the afternoon:
5. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of mineral soils (group 2.)(MSM)
6. Practical classes: Chemical analyses of waters from small water
bodies (group 1.) (MM)September 11 (Mon)

Regular Day
In the morning (the whole group works together):
1. Fungi – diversity, functions, and methods of investigation in afunction-oriented research a lecture (MW)2. Field and laboratory methods of mycological research -– a short trip
and practical classes (MW)In the afternoon (work in subgroups):
3. Data processing in subgroups according to the assigned habitats(MSM, MM, MW, IJ)

September 12 (Tue)Regular Day

In the morning (the whole group works together):
1. Water conservation in your landscape – workshops (MM)In the afternoon (work in subgroups):
Data processing in subgroups according to the assigned habitats(MSM, MM, MW, IJ)

September 13 (Wed)Summarizing Day (work in subgroups)
In the morning and in the afternoon:
Preparation of final presentations in subgroups according to theassigned habitats (MSM, MM, MW, IJ)

September 14 (Thu)

Presentation day (the whole group works together)In the morning:
Final presentation delivery
In the afternoon:
Time for packing and cleaning

September 15 (Fri)Move to Warsaw

September 16 (Sat)

Departure from Warsaw, Poland

September 17 (Sun)

Arrival in Narita

September 18 (Mon)

Arrival in Tottori

Important notes
During the course, we will spend lots of time outdoors, regardless of the weather. Hence, we strongly
recommend to take with you: students ID, waterproof outfit (jacket, boots, possibly trousers),
 an insect repellent, creams with UV filters,
 basic medicines against colds, allergies,
 a vacuum bottle.
For work on presentations, laptops will be necessary.

※ There could be some change of activities depending on the arrangements of hosting
institution and prevailing weather conditions.
※ In addition to the overseas program shown above, there will be about an hour of pre-studyand post-study class meetings.
6．Course fees (under consideration)

Maximum 100,000 JPY
7．Number of positions:
Maximum of 8 students※ Applicants will be selected on the basis of the application documents submitted and interview.
8．Qualifications:Applicants must
(1) be student of Department of Dryland Science or Department of Agricultural Science in theGraduate School of Sustainability Science at the time of application;(2) be in good health and motivated both mentally and physically;(3) be approved to travel overseas by his/her supervisor and parents etc.;(4) be a certain level of English proficiency;(5) be already taken "Overseas Safety Management" or "Overseas Safety Seminar (E-Learning)" offered by Tottori University.
* Those who have not yet attended the seminar must attend "Overseas Safety Seminar (E-Learning) " before
the trip.

9．Application period and method:
Recruitment period:
From Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 to Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Method:Submit following documents to the places of submission.
Application documents:(1) Application form (see attached)(2) Copy of passport(3) Valid proof of English proficiency (TOEIC or TOEFL score
reports, EIKEN test results etc.)* Submission is desired, but not necessary.
(4) Proof of vaccination for Covid-19 (*Vaccination record orvaccination certificate, etc.)* Submission is desired, but not necessary.
10．Schedule for the application and screening:
Recruitment period:
From Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 to Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Interview date
Friday, June 30, 2023
*Interviews will be conducted for all applicants. If you are unable tomake the scheduled interview date, please let us know in advance.
*Information on the interview location and time will be provided
through your supervisor.
Screening method
Result of application document and interview will be taken intoResult noticeaccount.
Monday, 3 July 2023

11．Decision on whether or not to carry out the trip
Please note that due to the spread of the Covid-19 and other unforeseen circumstances, a decision
may have to be made to cancel the implementation of this overseas trip.
■ Place to submit application documents
Administration office of International Platform for Dryland Research and Education (located inside ofALRC).
1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, 680-0001 JapanEmail： ipd-zim@ml.adm.tottori-u.ac.jp■ Place of Inquiry
Takeshi TANIGUCHI, Accosiate Professor,
Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University
Tel. 0857-21-7038
Email: takeshi@tottori-u.ac.jp

2023 年度 持続性社会創生科学研究科博士前期課程「ポーランド派遣プログラム」申請書
FY 2023 Graduate School of Sustainability Science, Master’s program
Application for “Poland visiting program”
所属：
Affiliation:

氏名(押印又は自筆)：※パスポートと同様の氏名を記載

Name (One’s own writing or affix seal):(as shown on passport)

国籍：
Nationality:

生年月日：
Date of birth:

健康状態：
Health status:

新型コロナワクチン接種回数：
Number of vaccinations against
COVID-19:

応募動機：
Reason for application:

指導教員確認欄 Supervisor’s confirmation
上記のとおり応募することを確認しました。
I hereby give my consent for above stated student to apply for the “Short Visit Program to Poland”.

日付

氏名印

DateNameSeal