Jake Alexander: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name	Prof. Dr. Jake Alexander
Address	Institut für Integrative Biologie ETH Zürich, CHN H 66 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 632 86 93
E-mail	jake.alexander@usys.ethz.ch
URL	https://plantecology-alexander.ethz.ch
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Adjunct Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
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.