Teaching
Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Regularly, starting in SS 2017 | OEP-Free-1U: Zoogeography and ecology of marine organisms in tropical habitats (with an excursion to the Red Sea, Dahab/Egypt, together with H. Bleckmann) |
SS 2013 – SS 2018 | OEP-Free-1G, Ecology and zoogeography of the Pannonian area, with a field trip to the Lake Neusiedl / Austria, Hungary (seminar, practical, excursion, together with W. Böhme and C. Koch, discontinued) |
Regularly, starting in WS 2011/2012 | OEP-Free-1O, Patterns and Processes Shaping Biodiversity (seminar, together with F. Herder) |
OEP-Free-IND, Introduction to Scientific Programming in R (seminar/practical) | |
OEP-Free-IND, Introduction to GIS / species distribution modeling (seminar/practical) | |
Regularly, starting in WS 2010/2011 | OEP-Free-1D, Evolution, and biodiversity of lower vertebrates (lecture/practical, together with F. Herder, and T. Ziegler) |
WS 2010/2011 | OEP-Free-1C, Distribution patterns, speciation and phylogenetics of vertebrates in the Palaeotropics (seminar, together with R. van den Elzen and F. Herder, discontinued) |
OEP-WP27 Student´s research projects (individual practicals) | |
WS 2011/2012 | 7010100212 Introduction to Zoology (lecture together with W. Böhme and F. Herder) |
SS 2011 | Introduction to Species Distribution Modelling (internal practical ZFMK) |
Trier University
WS 2010/2011 | LV 65531, Evaluating biodiversity (seminar) |
WS 2009/2010 | LV 65531, Information search and management (lecture/practical) |
LV 65800, Principles of chorology (practical within it the topic Ecological Niche Modeling only; together with S. Lötters) | |
LV 65808, Vertebrates II (amphibians) (lecture/practical within it the topic bioacoustics only) | |
SS 2009 | Biogeography of Africa (seminar together with S. Lötters) |
LV 65512, Diversification within the Amazon and Congo basin (seminar together with S. Lötters) | |
LV 65808, Vertebrates II (amphibians) (lecture/practical within it the topic bioacoustics only) | |
LV 65502, Principles of chorology (lecture/practical within it the topic Ecological Niche Modeling only; together with S. Lötters) |
Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Brazil
SS 2022 | “Redação científica para zoólogos” (scientific writing for zoologists), lecture/practical together with M. Solé |
WS 2020/2021 | OEP-Free-1D, Evolution, and biodiversity of lower vertebrates (joint lecture/practical at UESC and ZFMK, together with F. Herder, and T. Ziegler) |
SS 2010 | Ecologia, sistemática e conservação de anfíbios [Ecology, systematics and conservation of amphibians] (lecture/practical together with M. Solé) |
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-09-18-09.33.15-1024x373.jpg?media=1659994083)
Advised thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/suraj_baral_photo_1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Baral, S. PhD thesis
Landscape genetics improve conservation planning in selected taxa in Tibet.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/michele_chiacchio.jpg?media=1659994083)
Chiacchio, M. PhD thesis
Impacts of winter tourism on habitat quality for selected amphibian and reptile species.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/yannick_ecker_foto_1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Ecker, Y. Master Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Daniel-2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Grundmann, D. PhD thesis
Impacto da exposição a diferentes temperaturas sobre a obtenção de alimento e desenvolvimento em Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758. UESC, Brazil
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tim_tjade_gross_foto_1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Groß, T. T. Bachelor Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/foto_uni_heckmann_1.jpeg?media=1659994083)
Heckmann, J. H. Master Thesis
Evolution of adhesive toe pads in Cyrtodactylus.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/person-dummy_0.png?media=1659994083)
Kukla, Y., Master Thesis
Macroecological patterns in the evolution of adhesive toe pads Geckos.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/foto_jannis_manno_2_1.jpeg?media=1659994083)
Manno, J. Bachelor Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Meyers-Eva.jpg?media=1659994083)
Meyers, E. M. PhD thesis
The critically endangered Angel Shark (Squatina squatina) has suffered a vast fragmentation of its former distribution range, leaving the Canary Islands as a unique “hotspot” where this Angel Shark can be regularly encountered.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pamar-Dikansh-1-766x1024.jpg?media=1659994083)
Parmar, D. S. PhD thesis
Diversity and distribution of herpetofauna in the Goa Gap region and The Dangs, Western Ghats, Peninsular India
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sampaio-Manuel-1-766x1024.jpg?media=1659994083)
Sampaio, M. M. A. da Sá, PhD thesis
How to end control and eradication programs of invasive species on dendritic stream networks
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/person-dummy_0.png?media=1659994083)
Steib, L. M., Master thesis
Using citizen data for Romanian herpetofauna to assess potential conservation gaps
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/person-dummy_0.png?media=1659994083)
Vinícius dos S. A. Vieira, M. PhD thesis
How does climate change affect biological interactions? (UESC) Dissertation
Completed
2024
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/profilbild_philipp_ginal.jpg?media=1659994083)
Ginal, P.: Invasion biology of amphibians and reptiles- from observations to predictive spatial models. PhD Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Liz-Andre.jpg?media=1659994083)
Liz, A. V.: Comparative phylogeography of the Sahara-Sahel – a spatial-temporal approach to biodiversity dynamics in the largest warm desert on Earth. PhD Thesis Univ. Lissabon
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tan-Nick.jpg?media=1659994083)
Tan, W. C.: Effects of habitat fragmentation on herpetofauna in Southeast Asia: From broad-scale responses to fine-scale responses in an everchanging anthropogenic landscape. PhD thesis
2023
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/jan_altenhofen-2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Altenhofen, J.: Landscape structure vs. Olympic village effects: modelling spatial sorting biases in an invasive amphibian. Bachelor Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/foto_vic_hell.jpg?media=1659994083)
Clement, V. F.: Home range and ecology of a palearctic lacertid: combining novel and old approaches to assess Lacerta agilis Linnaeus,1758 in the center of its distribution with conisderations for conservation. PhD Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/christina_noordermeer_a-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Noordermeer, C.: Toe pad evolution in Australian Geckos. Master Thesis Univ. Leiden
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/passport_photo_nay_win_kyaw.jpg?media=1659994083)
Kyaw, N. W.: Home range and spatial habitat use in Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota). Master Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Regnet-Ruth.jpg?media=1659994083)
Regnet, R. A.: Ontogenia e Morphologia Comparativa de Girinos de Anuros. PhD Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/dsc_0218neu50-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Sperling, K.: Amphibians and reptiles of Ethiopia – Biogeography, conservation priority areasand
potentials fort he One Plan Approach. Master Thesis
2022
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/felix_deiss.jpg?media=1659994083)
Deiß, F.: Microclimatic specific performance of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans: a very high resolution spatial conservation assessment within the preferred habitats of Salmandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758) in western Germany. Master Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/sabine_harrer-3-kopie2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Harrer, S.: Identifying priority areas for conserving Vietnams Ichthyofauna. Bacherlor Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/inna_rech.jpg?media=1659994083)
Rech, I.: Geckos in zoos – conservation breeding or show-off keeping? Master Thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/maren_reichert.jpg?media=1659994083)
Reichert, M.: Developmental ecology of Discoglossus sp. tadpoles: does density affect growth rates?Bachelor Thesis
2021
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Prieto-Ana.jpg?media=1659994083)
Prieto Ramirez, A. M.: Understanding the impact of habitat fragmentation on Lacerta viridis across its range. PhD thesis.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lisa_schmitz.jpg?media=1659994083)
Schmitz, L.: Seasonal variations in microhabitat use in Lacerta agilis? Master thesis
2020
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/photo_elaine_macedo.jpg?media=1659994083)
Macedo, E. F. Impacto potencial das mudanças climáticas sobre a distribuição do gênero Ophiodes Wagler, 1828 (Squamata: Anguidae) e implicações para a conservação das espécies. Master thesis – Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0.png?media=1659994083)
Schluckebier, R.: Spatial Habitat Use in Lacerta agilis Linnaeus, 1758. Master thesis
2019
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/dario_nania.jpg?media=1659994083)
Nania, D.: Niche evolution and potential distribution of Lepidodactylus lugubris. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-1.png?media=1659994083)
Pilch, T. T.: The scales of the soles of monitor lizards’ feet (Squamata: Varanidae: Varanus spp.) and their potentially adhesive property. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/julia_platzen_-_foto.jpg?media=1659994083)
Platzen, J.: A method to evaluate the climatic profile of a species by the example of Lacerta agilis LINNAEUS, 1758, in the Dellbrücker Heide. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/marcos-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Villa Nova, M. F.: Padrões de diversidade de anfíbios ao longo de um gradiente altitudinal na Estação Ecológica de Wenceslau Guimarães, Sul da Bahia, Brasil. Master thesis (UESC, Brazil)
2018
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nils_behr.jpg?media=1659994083)
Behr, N.: Assessing the status of poorly known amphibians. Are they really local endemics or just a sampling artifact? Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/julia_bueschen.jpg?media=1659994083)
Büschen, J.: Developmental ecology of Dendropsophus marmoratus. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tobias_demand.jpg?media=1659994083)
Demand, T.: Phenotypic plasticity and thermal limits in amphibians. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ariel_jacken.jpg?media=1659994083)
Jacken, A.: Which species are in captive breeding projects in Zoos? Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/annkatrin_mahnke_2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Mahnke, A.: Ultrastructure of the adhesive apparatus in Phelsuma spp. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rebecca_von_oy.jpg?media=1659994083)
Von Oy, R.: Using SDMs to assess the invasion potential of reptiles. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rao-S.jpg?media=1659994083)
Rao, S.: Assessing the distribution and conservation status of Squatina squatina on the Canary Islands. Bachelor thesis
2017
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/foto_vic_hell-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Clement, V. F.: Habitat Assessment and Behavior of Lacerta agilis LINNAEUS, 1758 in the Wahner Heide – An Ecological Profile of a Widespread Species in the Center of its Distribution. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-4.png?media=1659994083)
Galunder, K.: Developmental ecology and larval staging in Polypedates otilophus (Boulenger, 1893) (Anura: Rhacophoridae). Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/dsc_6121_1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Ihlow, F.: Herpetodiversity of Asia with a Special Focus on the Taxonomy, Ecology, and Distribution of Southeast Asian Chelonians. PhD thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plagge-L.jpg?media=1659994083)
Plagge, L.: Temperature dependent performance in larvae of Ambystoma mexicanum (Shaw, 1798) (Caudata: Ambystomatidae). Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Foto_Annbritt_Reich-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Reich, A.: Field study on thermoregulation of Lacerta agilis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in the NSG Wahner Heide. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kari_soennichsen.jpg?media=1659994083)
Sönnichsen, K.: Comparative feeding ecology and morphometrics of Lyciasalamandra species (Amphibia: Salamandridae) from Anatolia and Greece. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-7.png?media=1659994083)
Stupp, S.: Reexamination of Paul Müller’s collection of anurans from the Island of São Sebastião (Atlantic Rainforest of São Paulo, Brazil) and comparison with recent herpetofauna of this and comparable regions. Bachelor thesis
2016
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nils_behr-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Behr, N.: Comparative larval development and behavioral thermoregulation in the Yellow-Bellied toad Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anura: Bombinatoridae). Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jan_Engler.jpg?media=1659994083)
Engler, J. O.: Entwicklung und Anwendung eines kombinierten Methodenansatzes zur Analyse landschaftsspezifischer Effekte auf den Genfluss terrestrischer Organismen. PhD thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-9.png?media=1659994083)
Drüke, Y.: Comparative analysis of the feeding ecology of the gecko Hemidactylus mabouia in its invasive and native range. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/May-G.jpg?media=1659994083)
May, G.: Using spatial data in R: Modeling potential dispersal pathways of an invasive amphibian. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mona_weishaar_bild.jpg?media=1659994083)
Weishaar, M.: Biogeography and environmental niche evolution in the genus Pelusios. Master thesis
2015
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Rodrigo.jpg?media=1659994083)
Ferreira, R. B.: Impacts on threatened amphibians in a Brazillan Atlantic Forest mosaic. PhD thesis (scientific committee member, Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, USA)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Erica.jpg?media=1659994083)
Fonseca, E. E.: Potencial invasor de serpentes exóticas no Brasil. Master thesis (Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/david_hans.jpg?media=1659994083)
Hörnes, D.: Herpetofauna of the Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul, Peru. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/klein_benjamin_2_1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Klein, B.: Entwicklungsbiologie ausgewählter Pfeilgiftfrösche der Gattung Ranitomeya. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/markus_krings.jpg?media=1659994083)
Krings, M.: Tadpole descriptions of different poison dart frogs of the genus Ranitomeya (Anura: Dendrobatidae) and their morphological comparison. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lasse_lemm_fuer_homepage.jpg?media=1659994083)
Lemm, L.: Environmental niche evolution in the amphibian family Mantidactylidae. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Linden-J.jpg?media=1659994083)
Linden, J. K.: Assessing biogeographical patterns in American freshwater turtles using a node-based analysis technique. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Meyers-Eva-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Meyers, E. M.: Patterns in the distribution, population structure and habitat use of the Angel Shark (Squatina squatina). Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Felix-Pokrant.jpg?media=1659994083)
Prokant, F.: Phylogeny of the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) based on Integrative Taxonomy. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/dsc_0395_2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Vogt, S.: Invasionsbiologie von Xenopus laevis: Charakteriserung des Beutespektrums. Master thesis
2014
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/christina_moedrath.jpg?media=1659994083)
Mödrath, C.: Habitatnutzung von Großsäugern in der ariden Otjimbingwe Region von Namibia. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Foto_Annbritt_Reich-2.jpg?media=1659994083)
Reich, A.: Behavioral thermoregulation of tropical dart-poison frog larvae of the genus Epipedobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) across multiple developmental stages. Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-16.png?media=1659994083)
Marques da Siva, R.: Compositcao, distrubuicao e historia natural da cumunidade de serpentes do litoral notre da Bahia, Brasil. Master thesis (Universidate Estadual de Santa Cruz)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-17.png?media=1659994083)
Kurth, M.: Vergleichende Reproduktionsbiologie und Larvalentwicklung von Epipedobates anthonyi / E. tricolor. Bachelor thesis
2012
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Morris.jpg?media=1659994083)
Flecks, M.: A systematic revision of the African members of the genus Lygodactylus Gray, 1864. Diploma thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Foto_Franziska_Guenther.jpg?media=1659994083)
Günther, F.: Which importance has the Red River in Vietnam for the distribution of Goniurosaurus (Squamata: Eublepharidae) and Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)? A Survey based on SDMs and niche comparisons. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Foto_Thomas_Lierz.jpg?media=1659994083)
Lierz, T.: Räumlich explizite Analysen der morphologischen Variation iberischer Lacertiden. Master thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Weslei-Pertel.jpg?media=1659994083)
Pertel, W.: Predicting the potential distribution of amphibians in the central corridor of the Atlantic rainforest. Master (Universidate Estadual de Santa Cruz)
2011
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-22.png?media=1659994083)
Dubke, M.: Taxonomy and Zoogeographie of Ptychadena (Boulenger, 1817): Quantity of cryptic batrachodiversity? Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/david_hans-1.jpg?media=1659994083)
Hörnes, D.: Current and past diversity patterns of North American chelonians: is there evidence of historical community reshuffling? Bachelor thesis
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-23.png?media=1659994083)
Nekum, S.: Kartierung und potentielle Verbreitung der Zauneidechse Lacerta agilis im Stadtgebiet von Köln. Diploma thesis (co-supervisor)
2010
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-24.png?media=1659994083)
Hahn, G.: The potential distribution of Varanus niloticus and V. ocellatus. Diploma thesis (Trier University, co-supervisor)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/frank_weinsheimer-me.jpg?media=1659994083)
Weinsheimer, F.: The herpetofauna of the Kimboza Forest with special focus on the Turquoise Dwarf Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi). Diploma thesis (co-supervisor)
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.d-roedder.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/person-dummy_0-26.png?media=1659994083)
Weinmann, T.: Comparisons of climate niches in Neotropical poison frogs (Dendrobates). Diploma thesis (Trier University, co-supervisor)