701-1303-00L Term Paper 1: Writing
| Semester | Spring Semester 2019 |
| Lecturers | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli |
| Periodicity | every semester recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Comment | Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Number pf participants is limited. |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1303-00 A | Term Paper 1: Writing
 The credits for this course are required for admission to "Term Paper 2: Seminars" (701-1302-00L) | 6 hrs |
| L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarize the information in a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practice this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper on a topic of relevance for research in the areas of biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics. |
| Objective | The goal of the term paper is to train the student's ability to critically evaluate a well-defined set of research subjects, and to summarize the findings concisely in a paper of scientific quality. The paper will be evaluated based on its ability to communicate an understanding of a topic, and to identify key outstanding questions. Results from this term paper will be presented to the fellow students and involved faculty in the following semester (Term paper seminars) |
| Content | Each student is expected to write a paper with a length of approximately 15 pages. The students can choose from a list of topics prepared by the supervisors, but the final topic will be determined based on a balance of choice and availability. The students will be guided and advised by their advisors throughout the term. The paper itself should contain the following elements: Motivation and context of the given topic (25%), Concise presentation of the state of the science (50%), Identification of open questions and perhaps outline of opportunities for research (25). In addition, the accurate use of citations, attribution of ideas, and the judicious use of figures, tables, equations and references are critical components of a successful paper. Specialized knowledge is not expected, nor required, neither is new research. |
| Lecture notes | Guidelines and supplementary material will be handed out at the beginning of the class. |
| Literature | Will be identified based on the chosen topic. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Each term paper will be reviewed by one fellow student and one faculty. The submission of a written review is a condition for obtaining the credit points. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the term paper and the submission of another student's review. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 5 credits |
| Examiners | M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli, L. Winkel |
| Type | graded semester performance |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit. |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| General |  : Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers |
| Priority | Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group |
| Primary target group | Environmental Sciences MSc (736000) |
Offered in
| Programme | Section | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Sciences Master | Seminar and Semester Paper | O |  |