701-1453-00L  Ecological Assessment and Evaluation

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	The course provides methods and tools for ecological evaluations dealing with nature conservation or landscape planning. It covers census methods, ecological criteria, indicators, indices and critically appraises objectivity and accuracy of the available methods, tools and procedures. Birds and plants are used as main example guiding through different case studies.
Learning objective	Students will be able to: 1) critically consider biological data books and local, regional, and national inventories; 2) evaluate the validity of ecological criteria used in decision making processes; 3) critically appraise the handling of ecological data and criteria used in the process of evaluation 4) perform an ecological evaluation project from the field survey up to the descision making and planning.
Lecture notes	Powerpoint slides are available on the moodle page. Additional documents are handed out as copies.
Literature	Basic literature and references are listed on the webpage.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course structure changes between lecture parts, seminars and discussions. The didactic atmosphere is intended as working group. Suggested prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses: - Pflanzen- und Vegetationsökologie - Systematische Botanik - Raum- und Regionalentwicklung - Naturschutz und Naturschutzbiologie
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Problem-solving assessed Project Management fostered Social Competencies Communication fostered Cooperation and Teamwork assessed Negotiation fostered Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility fostered Creative Thinking assessed Critical Thinking assessed Self-direction and Self-management fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	3 credits
Examiners	F. Knaus
Type	graded semester performance
Language of examination	English
Repetition	Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Doctorate Environmental Sciences	Ecology and Evolution	W
Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems Master	Major in Spatial and Landscape Development	W
Science, Technology, and Policy Master	Urbanization and Planning	W
Environmental Sciences Master	Ecosystem Management	W
Environmental Sciences Master	Applications	W
Environmental Sciences Master	Modeling and Statistical Analysis	W