Alex Hall: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Alex Hall |
| Name variants | Alex R. Hall Alex Hall |
| Field | Pathogenecology |
| Address | Professur für Pathogenökologie ETH Zürich, CHN G 37.1 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 71 13 |
| alex.hall@env.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Associate Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1401-00L | Ecology and Evolution: Interaction Seminar  | 2 credits | 2S | A. Hall | |
| Abstract | Interaction seminar. Student-mediated presentations, guests and discussions on current themes in ecology, evolutionary and population biology. | ||||
| Learning objective | Getting familiar with scientific arguments and discussions. Overview of current research topics. Making contacts with fellow students in other groups. | ||||
| Content | Scientific talks and discussions on changing subjects. | ||||
| Lecture notes | None | ||||
| Literature | None | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | For information, location and details: https://pe.ethz.ch/education/zis.html | ||||
| 701-1460-00L | Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper | 5 credits | 11A | T. Städler, J. Alexander, S. Bonhoeffer, T. Crowther, A. Hall, J. Hille Ris Lambers, J. Jokela, J. Payne, G. Velicer, A. Widmer | |
| Abstract | Individual writing of an essay-type review paper about a specialized topic in the field of ecology and evolution, based on substantial reading of original literature and discussions with a senior scientist. | ||||
| Learning objective | - Students acquire a thorough knowledge on a topic in which they are particularly interested - They learn to assess the relevance of original literature and synthesize information - They make the experience of becoming "experts" on a topic and develop their own perspective - They practise academic writing according to professional standards in English | ||||
| Content | Topics for the essays are proposed by the professors and lecturers of the major in Ecology and Evolution at a joint meeting at the beginning of the semester (the date will be communicated by e-mail to registered students). Students will: - choose a topic - search and read appropriate literature - develop a personal view on the topic and structure their arguments - prepare figures and tables to represent ideas or illustrate them with examples - write a clear, logical and well-structured text - refine the text and present the paper according to professional standards In all steps, they will benefit from the advice and detailed feedback given by a senior scientist acting as personal tutor of the student. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Reading of articles in scientific journals | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The "Term Paper" requires considerable time set aside to read and digest original scientific literature, culminating in the writing of a review paper. The submission deadline is the first day of the spring semester, implying that much of the actual writing will be performed in January and February. Grading is based on the quality of the submitted review paper (2/3 of total grade), and on the "soft skills" such as the level of initiative, timeliness, independence, etc. of the student (1/3 of total grade). The personal supervisor is charged with grading the student's performance. | ||||
| 701-1703-00L | Evolutionary Medicine for Infectious Diseases Number of participants limited to 35. Waiting list will be deleted 02.10.2022. | 3 credits | 2G | A. Hall | |
| Abstract | This course explores infectious disease from both the host and pathogen perspective. Through short lectures, reading and active discussion, students will identify areas where evolutionary thinking can improve our understanding of infectious diseases and, ultimately, our ability to treat them effectively. | ||||
| Learning objective | Students will learn to (i) identify evolutionary explanations for the origins and characteristics of infectious diseases in a range of organisms and (ii) evaluate ways of integrating evolutionary thinking into improved strategies for treating infections of humans and animals. This will incorporate principles that apply across any host-pathogen interaction, as well as system-specific mechanistic information, with particular emphasis on bacteria and viruses. | ||||
| Content | We will cover several topics where evolutionary thinking is relevant to understanding or treating infectious diseases. This includes: (i) determinants of pathogen host range and virulence, (ii) dynamics of host-parasite coevolution, (iii) pathogen adaptation to evade or suppress immune responses, (iv) antimicrobial resistance, (v) evolution-proof medicine. For each topic there will be a short (< 20 minutes) introductory lecture, before students independently research the primary literature and develop discussion points and questions, followed by interactive discussion in class. | ||||
| Literature | The focus is on primary literature, but for some parts the following text books provide good background information: Schmid Hempel 2011 Evolutionary Parasitology Stearns & Medzhitov 2016 Evolutionary Medicine | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | A basic understanding of evolutionary biology, microbiology or parasitology will be advantageous but is not essential. | ||||