The lecture engages students in a participatory modelling process of diverse, real-world, environmental problems working alongside a partner organisation. This years case studies come from three organisations: Transiterra in France, Mountain Wilderness in Switzerland and the Wildlife Conservation Society in Cambodia, with details provided below.
Learning objective
In this course students will learn:
• The process of developing a model to address an environmental problem: from choosing an appropriate technique (Agent-based modelling, Bayesian Networks and System dynamics), to conceptualization and model building.
• Communication and facilitation skills to foster effective and legitimate collaboration with stakeholders.
Students then apply this knowledge and skills to a real-life case study, creating a model with stakeholders to address an environmental problem.
Content
This year the case studies will be based around the follwoing themes:
• What are the relevant factors involved in the decision to clear land for Cashew production in villages surrounding the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia? With Emiel de Lange and Henry Travers from WCS Cambodia
• How does participation and compliance with a Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme for cashew production in Cambodia evolve in a community setting over time? With Emiel de Lange and Henry Travers from WCS Cambodia
• What are the social factors influencing the approval of alpine solar energy projects in Wallis and Graubünden? With Aaron Heinzmann from Mountain Wilderness
• What factors influence the perception of landscape wilderness in Switzerland? With Luisa Deubzer from Mountain Wilderness
• How to assemble diversified and viable farms? With Silvère Dumazel from Transiterra
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Techniques and Technologies
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Decision-making
fostered
Media and Digital Technologies
fostered
Problem-solving
assessed
Project Management
fostered
Social Competencies
Communication
assessed
Cooperation and Teamwork
assessed
Customer Orientation
assessed
Leadership and Responsibility
fostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence
fostered
Sensitivity to Diversity
fostered
Negotiation
fostered
Personal Competencies
Adaptability and Flexibility
assessed
Creative Thinking
assessed
Critical Thinking
assessed
Integrity and Work Ethics
fostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
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