Johan Six: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2017 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Johan Six |
| Field | Sustainable Agroecosystems |
| Address | Institut für Agrarwissenschaften ETH Zürich, LFH B 1 Universitätstrasse 2 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 84 83 |
| johan.six@usys.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1695-00L | Soil Science Seminar | 0 credits | 1S | R. Kretzschmar, E. Frossard, D. Or, J. Six | |
| Abstract | Invited external speakers present their research on current issues in the field of soil science and discuss their results with the participants. | ||||
| Learning objective | Master and PhD students are introduced to current areas of research in soil sciences and get first-hand experience in scientific discussion. | ||||
| 751-5001-00L | Agroecologists without Borders | 2 credits | 2S | A. Hofmann, J. Dierks, R. Feola Conz, J. Six | |
| Abstract | In this seminar students apply their knowledge on sustainable agriculture, tropical soils and land use to a case study related to a current research project from the Sustainable Agroecosystems group. The seminar offers interactions with researchers and extension specialists working in the context of agricultural development. | ||||
| Learning objective | (1) Students analyze one concrete example of an agricultural research project in a tropical agroecosystem. (2) Students broaden their understanding of environmental and socio-economic challenges of smallholder farmers. (3) Students articulate complexity and challenges in agricultural development interventions. (4) Students develop their science communication skills by producing science communication materials in the context of the given case study. (5) Students practice their project management skills and write a project management plan. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Students signing up for this class should have a strong interest in tropical agriculture and science communication. | ||||
| 751-5003-00L | Sustainable Agroecosystems II | 2 credits | 2V | J. Six, A. Hofmann | |
| Abstract | This class is intended to convey methods of agroecological research through selected case studies from current research projects and hands-on exercises. Students will gain an overview on actors in the field of sustainable agricultural development. | ||||
| Learning objective | (1) Get to know methods for field and laboratory investigations in agroecology, (2) Analyze case studies from current agroecological research, (3) Place institutions and related projects into the context of sustainable agricultural development | ||||
| Literature | Gliessman, S.R. (2014) Agroecology: the ecology of sustainable food systems. 3rd edition, CRC Press. 405 p. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prior participation in the lecture Nachhaltige Agrarökosysteme I (Sustainable Agroecosystems I) 751-5000-00G (in spring semester) recommended; classes taught mostly in English | ||||
| 751-5201-00L | Tropical Cropping Systems, Soils and Livelihoods (with Excursion)  | 5 credits | 5G | J. Six, A. Hofmann, B. Wilde | |
| Abstract | This course guides students in analyzing and comprehending tropical agroecosystems. Students gain practical knowledge of field methods, diagnostic tools and survey methods for tropical soils and agroecosystems. An integral part of the course is the two-week field project in southern Ethiopia, which is co-organized with Arba Minch University (Ethiopia) and KU Leuven (Belgium). | ||||
| Learning objective | Lectures and exercises: (1) Introduction to international soil classification with focus on tropical soils (2) Soil suitability (chemical, physical and biological fertility) for tropical crops (3) Soil conservation practices and stakeholder involvement (4) Approaches to analyzing tropical agroecosystems Field project: (5) Overview of the major land use systems in the South Ethiopian Rift Valley (6) Analysis of agricultural production systems in the Gamo-Gofa region in southern Ethiopia (7) Hands-on training on the use of field methods, diagnostic tools and survey methods (8) Collaboration in international student teams (MSc students from Switzerland, Belgium and Ethiopia) | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The number of participants is limited to 12 students due to capacity limitations for the field project in Ethiopia. Selection of participants will be based on (1) the student's motivation statement, (2) successful participation in the BSc lectures "Sustainable Agroecosystems I + II" and (3) related topic for BSc thesis/ tentative topic for MSc thesis. The motivation statement is due in the first week of the semester. | ||||