701-0007-00L Tackling Environmental Problems I
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2019 |
| Lecturers | C. E. Pohl, M. Mader, B. B. Pearce |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | German |
| Comment | Only for Environmental Sciences BSc. |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0007-00 G | Umweltproblemlösen I
 zusätzliche obligatorische Termine: Exkursion findet am 8./9.11.2019 statt, Anreise Fr-Nachmittag, gantägige Exkursionam Samstag. Seminarwoche:06. - 10.01.2020 (ganztägig). | 4 hrs | C. E. Pohl, M. Mader, B. B. Pearce |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | Each year in the case study we analyse a different topic from the field of sustainable development 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. - 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. - 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. |
| 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. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a two-semester course together with 701-0008-00L Tackling Environmental Problems II
(next semester)
| |
| For programme regulations (Examination block) | Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Sciences 2016; Version 29.09.2023 (Examination Block) |
| ECTS credits | 10 credits |
|
Performance assessment as a semester course
(other programmes)
| |
| ECTS credits | 5 credits |
| Examiners | C. E. Pohl, M. Mader, B. B. Pearce |
| Type | graded semester performance |
| Language of examination | German |
| Repetition | Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Additional information on mode of examination | Jahreskurs: Die Veranstaltung Umweltproblemlösen I und Umweltproblemlösen II wird mit einer einzigen Note bewertet. Diese Note setzt sich wie folgt zusammen: 1/3 der Note für die Gruppenarbeit in Umweltproblemlösen I (HS) 1/3 der Note für die Gruppenarbeit in Umweltproblemlösen II (FS) 1/3 der Note für die mündliche Prüfung zu Umweltproblemlösen I und II in der Prüfungssession |
| If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
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 BSc (727000) |
Offered in
| Programme | Section | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Sciences Bachelor | First Year Examinations | O |  |