Christian Erik Pohl: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Christian Erik Pohl |
| Address | Dep. Umweltsystemwissenschaften ETH Zürich, CHN K 78 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 63 10 |
| christian.pohl@usys.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Adjunct Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 701-0007-00L | Tackling Environmental Problems I  | 5 credits | 4G | M. Mader, C. E. Pohl, C. Rapo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | In the case study we analyse a different topic from the field of sustainable development each year and develop solutions to it. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students are able: - carry out research on a given topic and present the results in a structured report which (a) shows the state of knowledge and (b) the need for knowledge and action (UPL I). - to integrate knowledge of diverse perspectives in a qualitative systems model, to identify problems and to suggest possible solutions from a specific stakeholder's perspective (UPL II). - name the different roles within a group, explain the role(s) they are suited for, self-organise in groups, identify problems of collaboration and constructively address the problems (UPL I and II). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | In the first semester the students compile what is known about the case topic, its principles and challenges. Each group of students makes an inquiry to a given part of the overall problem. The inquiry includes a thematic as well as stakeholder analysis. The results are written in a report and presented at an internal conference. During synthesis week, which takes place during semester break, the results of the different part inquiries are integrated in a qualitative system model. The students identify specific problems and develop solutions. In the second semester, students work independently and in exchange with stakeholders on previously identified problems. They develop a sustainability project with concrete measures that they could implement voluntarily in the third semester. The course concludes with the presentation of the student projects on the "Market of Measures". Most of the time students work independently in groups. Tutors support the students in key steps. Introductions are given for: - The overall topic of the case study (by external experts), - Inquiry, scientific writing and managing references (by experts of ETH library), - Role behaviour and collaboration in groups, - Preparing reports, posters and presentations, - Qualitative system modelling (SystemQ), - Developing solutions (design thinking, Checklands' soft systems methodology, sustainability assessment). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Tutors will compile the case study dossier on the basis of the student reports. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Methodological documentation will be made available on Moodle during the case study together with the relevant background literature. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competencies |
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| 701-0009-00L | Tackling Environmental Problems III | 3 credits | 4U | M. Mader, C. E. Pohl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Students put the measures they developed during the courses Tackling Environmental Problems II into practice, in collaboration with partners from civil society, the public and the private sector. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students are able to put the measures they developed to address sustainability problems into practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | In Tackling Environmental Problems I & II, students analyze a sustainability topic, identify a specific problem within it, develop measures to address the problem and test the measures for feasibility by presenting them to concerned stakeholders. Some of the students develop their measures to such a degree, that the measures could actually be implemented. Tackling Environmental Problems III provides the opportunity to do so. Together with partners from civil society, the private and the public sector, students agree on the implementation plan, the financial and legal aspects and put the measure into practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Tackling Environmental Problems I & II is a prerequisite for taking the course Tackling Environmental Problems III. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 701-0015-00L | Transdisciplinary Research: Challenges of Interdisciplinarity and Stakeholder Engagement The lecture takes place if a minimum of 12 students register for it. | 2 credits | 1S | B. Vienni Baptista, C. E. Pohl, M. Stauffacher | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This seminar is designed for PhD students and PostDoc researchers involved in inter- or transdisciplinary research. It addresses and discusses challenges of this kind of research using scientific literature presenting case studies, concepts, theories, methods and by testing practical tools. It concludes with a 10-step approach to make participants' research projects more societally relevant. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Participants know specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research and can address them by applying practical tools. They can tackle questions like: how to integrate knowledge from different disciplines, how to engage with societal actors, how to secure broader impact of research? They learn to critically reflect their own research project in its societal context and on their role as scientists. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The seminar covers the following topics: (1) Theories and concepts of inter- and transdisciplinary research (2) The specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research (3) Collaborating between different disciplines (4) Engaging with stakeholders (5) 10 steps to make participants' research projects more societally relevant Throughout the whole course, scientific literature will be read and discussed as well as practical tools explored in class to address concrete challenges. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Literature will be made available to the participants. The following open access article builds a core element of the course: Pohl, C., Krütli, P., & Stauffacher, M. (2017). Ten Reflective Steps for Rendering Research Societally Relevant. GAIA 26(1), 43-51 doi: 10.14512/gaia.26.1.10 available at (open access): http://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/oekom/gaia/2017/00000026/00000001/art00011 Further, this collection of tools will be used https://naturalsciences.ch/topics/co-producing_knowledge https://www.shapeidtoolkit.eu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Participation in the course requires participants to be working on their own research project. Dates (Wednesdays, 8h15-12h00): 27 September, 11 October, 25 October, 8 November, 22 November | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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