Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Environmental Sciences Master
Major in Human-Environment Systems (Regulations 2013)
Natural and Technological Systems
Environmental Assessment
102-0348-00L	Prospective Environmental Assessments Prerequisite for this lecture is basic knowledge of environmental assessment tools, such as material flow analysis, risk assessment and life cycle assessment. Students without previous knowledge in these areas need to read according textbooks prior to or at the beginning of the lecture.	W	3 credits	2G	S. Hellweg, A. Spörri, M. A. Streicher-Porte
Abstract	This lecture deals with prospective assessments of emerging technologies as well as with the assessment of long-term environmental impact caused by today's activities.
Learning objective	-Aquiring knowledge about prospective environmental asessements, including scenario analysis techniques, prospective emission models, dynamic MFA and LCA -Ability to properly plan and conduct prospective environmental assessment studies, either on emerging technologies or on technical processes that cause long-term environmental impacts. -Being aware of the uncertainties involved in prospective studies. -Getting to know measures to prevent long-term emissions or impact in case studies -Knowing the arguments in favor and against a temporally diffentiated weighting of environmental impacts (discounting)
Content	- Scenario analysis - Dynamic material flow analysis - Temporal differentiation in LCA - Assessment of future and present environmental impact - Case studies (nanotechnology, e-waste, landfills, energy)
Lecture notes	Lecture slides and further documents will be made available in the lecture

Landscape and Ecosystems
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1656-01L	Landscape Planning	W	5 credits	3G	A. M. Hersperger, U. Wissen Hayek, A. Bürgi
Abstract	This course teaches theoretical, methodological, and practical fundamentals for innovative land-use planning and specifically forest and landscape planning in non-urban areas. Theories and method are illustrated with empirical contributions from Swiss planning. Exercises and two case studies are used to develop skills and reflect on theories.
Learning objective	- discuss current forest and landscape planning instruments, methods, theories and assess their strength and weaknesses - illustrate elements of planning theories and methods with examples from planning practice - reflect and argue their role as planners in both contemporary and emerging planning theory and practice - apply tools and workflows for forest and landscape planning, with a special focus on visualization
Content	Planning theory and methods (Planning rationales from technical to communicative; novel approaches to planning and innovative planning methods); Planning instruments (Planning levels and planning instruments in Switzerland, Coordinating spatial, forest and landscape planning) Sprawl and multifunctionality as current and future challenges (together 30%). Case study forest planning (30%); Case study landscape planning in a river corridor incl. training on specific software (visualization and planning-specific GIS analysis)(40%).
Prerequisites / Notice	Knowledge and skills equivalent the course 103-0357-00 Umweltplanung I

Climate Change
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1232-00L	Radiation and Climate Change	W	3 credits	2G	M. Wild
Abstract	This lecture focuses on the prominent role of radiation in the energy balance of the Earth and in the context of past and future climate change.
Learning objective	The aim of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental role of radiation in the context of climate change.
Content	The course will cover the following topics: Basic radiation laws; sun-earth relations; the sun as driver of climate change (faint sun paradox, Milankovic ice age theory, solar cycles); radiative forcings in the atmosphere: aerosol, water vapour, clouds; radiation balance of the Earth (satellite and surface observations, modeling approaches); anthropogenic perturbation of the Earth radiation balance: greenhouse gases and enhanced greenhouse effect, air pollution and global dimming; radiation-induced feedbacks in the climate system (water vapour feedback, snow albedo feedback); climate model scenarios under various radiative forcings.
Lecture notes	Slides will be made available, lecture notes for part of the course
Literature	As announced in the course
701-1252-00L	Climate Change Uncertainty and Risk: From Probabilistic Forecasts to Economics of Climate Adaptation	W	3 credits	2V + 1U	R. Knutti, D. N. Bresch
Abstract	The course introduces the concepts of predictability, probability, uncertainty and probabilistic risk modelling and their application to climate modeling and the economics of climate adaptation.
Learning objective	Students will acquire knowledge in uncertainty and risk quantification (probabilistic modelling) and an understanding of the economics of climate adaptation. They will become able to construct their own uncertainty and risk assessment models (MATLAB), hence basic understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course.
Content	The first part of the course covers methods to quantify uncertainty in detecting and attributing human influence on climate change and to generate probabilistic climate change projections on global to regional scales. Model evaluation, calibration and structural error are discussed. In the second part, quantification of risks associated with local climate impacts and the economics of different baskets of climate adaptation options are assessed – leading to informed decisions to optimally allocate resources. Such pre-emptive risk management allows evaluating a mix of prevention, preparation, response, recovery, and (financial) risk transfer actions, resulting in an optimal balance of public and private contributions to risk management, aiming at a more resilient society. The course provides an introduction to the following themes: 1) basics of probabilistic modelling and quantification of uncertainty from global climate change to local impacts of extreme events 2) methods to optimize and constrain model parameters using observations 3) risk management from identification (perception) and understanding (assessment, modelling) to actions (prevention, preparation, response, recovery, risk transfer) 4) basics of economic evaluation, economic decision making in the presence of climate risks and pre-emptive risk management to optimally allocate resources
Lecture notes	Powerpoint slides will be made available
Literature	-
Prerequisites / Notice	Hands-on experience with probabilistic climate models and risk models will be acquired in the tutorials; hence basic understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course. Basic understanding of the climate system, e.g. as covered in the course 'Klimasysteme' is required. Examination: graded tutorials during the semester (benotete Semesterleistung)
701-1317-00L	Global Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate	W	3 credits	3G	N. Gruber, M. Vogt
Abstract	The human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide has led to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that Earth likely has no’t seen for the last 30 million years. This course aims to investigate and understand the impact of humans on Earth's biogeochemical cycles with a focus on the carbon cycle and its interaction with the physical climate system for the past, the present, and the future.
Learning objective	This course aims to investigate the nature of the interaction between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean with climate and how this interaction has evolved over time and will change in the future. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature and class presentations.
Content	Topics discussed include: The anthropogenic perturbation of the global carbon cycle and climate. Response of land and oceanic ecosystems to past and future global changes; Interactions between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean; Biogeochemical processes controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere on time-scales from a few years to a few hundred thousand years.
Lecture notes	Sarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press. Additional handouts will be provided as needed. see website: http://www.up.ethz.ch/education/biogeochem_cycles
Literature	Sarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 526pp. MacKenzie, F. T. (1999), Global biogeochemical cycles and the physical climate system, Global Change Instruction Program, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 69pp. W. H. Schlesinger (1997), Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, Academic Press. Original literature.

Social Systems (Micro, Macro)
Psychology
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1652-00L	Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making	W	3 credits	2G	R. Hansmann
Abstract	Environmental Behavior and Decision-making is considered from different perspectives (psychological approaches, evolutionary biology, game theory, and political sciences). The course is focusing ascending levels of human regulatory systems (individuals, groups, organizations) in contexts of forest & landscape management and other environmentally relevant areas.
Learning objective	Environmental decision-making can be analyzed from different disciplinary perspectives, and the level at which scientists analyze decision-making depends on the context and research goals. In the course, students get acquainted with theoretical approaches from psychology and political sciences. Theories are explained through examples of their application in different contexts of environmental behaviour, management and planning. The course focuses environmental behaviour and decision-making on ascending levels of human regulatory systems: 1) Individual behaviour and decision-making 2) Decision-making in small groups 3) Decision-making in Institutions, and organizations Psychological theories are frequently applied to individual behaviour and decision making and various social psychological theories focus on small group decision making. The course shall provide a framework for the students, which enables them to identify and apply theories that are helpful for answering certain research questions. Exercises and examples of application shall enable the students to get in depth knowledge of certain theories, which shall enable them to apply the models and theories themselves in own research activities.
Content	Decision-making is considered from different disciplinary perspectives (psychology, game theory, political sciences) and in different contexts. The course is structured by focusing decision making on ascending levels of human regulatory systems in contexts of focusing forest & landscape management and other environmentally relevant areas: 1. Individual-level models (psychological theories and modeling, communication and public campaigns, leisure activities, green spaces and health and well-being, waste disposal and recycling behavior) 2. Group level models (psychological theories and modeling, group think phenomena, group techniques, decision process analyses) 3. Organization-level models (institutions, political science, green space and urban planning) - Psychological theory shall be taught in connection with economic/political approaches and with an orientation towards modeling of individual behavior and group decision-making. (Approaches covered include e.g. Theory of planned behavior, Norm activation Theory, Neutralization Theory, Rational Choice and Expected Utility models, Social Decision Schemes, DISCUSS model, Probabilistic model of Opinion Change including Distance). - Solution oriented approaches towards influencing environmental behavior (environmental education, communication, campaigns) and improving group processes (Groupthink phenomena, Group Techniques) shall be covered by the course. - Political and economic approaches on individuals, organizations and Management of Human-Environment Systems complement the psychological view (e.g. Collective Action Theory by E. Ostrom).
Lecture notes	see http://www.uns.ethz.ch/edu/teach/masters/ebcdm/
Literature	various book chapters, and research or review articles, see http://www.uns.ethz.ch/edu/teach/masters/ebcdm/
752-2123-00L	Risk Awareness, Risk Acceptance and Trust	W	3 credits	2V	M. Siegrist
Abstract	The course provides an overview about risk perception and acceptance of new technologies. In addition, the most important findings of the research related to decisions under uncertainty are presented.
Learning objective	Students know the most important theoretical approaches in the domains of risk perception and acceptance of new technologies. Furthermore, students understand the paradigms and the research results in the domain of decision making under uncertainty.

Economics
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1653-00L	Policy and Economics of Ecosystem Services	W	3 credits	2G	S. Andrade de Sa
Abstract	The course introduces the concept of ecosystem services (ES), their value for society, the causes of their degradation and potential policies to reduce degradation, from an environmental economics perspective. The main focus is thus on policy options for addressing ecosystems' degradation. The strengths and weaknesses of alternative policies are analyzed and illustrated with examples.
Learning objective	The objective is to draw on insights from environmental economics for explaining human-induced ecosystem change and for assessing the potential of policies and economic incentives as strategies to reduce ecosystem services degradation. Students understand the relevance of environmental economics in application to the sustainable provision of ecosystem services (ES). They can define different categories of ecosystem services and understand underlying sources of market failure that lead to suboptimal human decisions regarding ES provision. They understand the importance of policy choice and policy design. This incorporates both established and newer policy approaches that can be used to address market failure and move towards better outcomes from a societal point of view. They can assess strengths and weaknesses of alternative policy approaches and instruments and understand the basis for selecting among alternative instruments to address ecosystems' degradation. Students have an improved understanding of the political economy underlying the making of environmental policy. They know a variety of real-world applications of different policy approaches related to land use choices and ES in developing and developed countries. Finally, they understand approaches for assessing policy impacts.
Content	The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found that 60% of the world's ecosystem services (ES) are being degraded or used unsustainably. The UN report on 'The Economics of Ecosystems Services and Biodiversity' highlighted the impacts on human well-being and the role of policy in addressing ecosystems' degradation. Evaluating changes in ES from a societal perspective first requires an assessment of the societal value of different ES and the tradeoffs between them. Second, we need to understand the drivers of human decision-making affecting ES. Examples will be provided on resource use choices in developed and developing countries. Third, an assessment of the causes of excessive ES degradation is needed. Potential causes include the presence of externalities, improperly designed property rights systems, divergence of private and social discount rates, and lack of information and knowledge. Understanding the causes helps to design policies for more sustainable outcomes. Policies include command-and-control, economic incentives (for example, eco-taxes, tradable permits, government payments for ecosystem services), and decentralized approaches (for example, voluntary agreements, eco-labeling, participatory management). Choosing an appropriate policy instrument (or a combination thereof) requires an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of alternative instruments, their preconditions for success and the political economy of their implementation. Finally, assessing the actual impacts of policy once implemented requires a careful assessment of appropriate baselines.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes, homework exercises and readings for each class will be made available on OLAT.
Literature	There is no single textbook for this class. Instead, a number of articles and book chapters will be suggested for each of the topics addressed during the lecture.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course consists of a combination of lectures, homework assignments on real world case studies, a computer exercise, and an exam. A prerequisite for this course is a bachelor-level course in Environmental Economics (e.g. 751-1551-00). In particular, students are expected to be familiar with basic environmental economics' concepts such as externality, public good, market failure, opportunity cost, social optimum and market equilibrium, among others. Students with no background in environmental economics can be provided with readings but will be expected to come up to the required standards on their own, prior to starting the class. Please contact Dr. Andrade de Sá (saraly.andrade@env.ethz.ch) for these.
363-0514-00L	Energy Economics and Policy It is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example,"Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.	W	3 credits	2G	M. Filippini
Abstract	An introduction to principles of energy economics and applications using energy policies: demand analysis, economic analysis of energy investments and cost analysis, economics of fossil fuels, economics of electricity, economics of renewable energy, market failures and energy policy, market-based and non-market based instruments, demand side management and regulation of energy industries.
Learning objective	The students will develop the understanding of economic principles and tools necessary to analyze energy issues and to formulate energy policy instruments. Emphasis will be put on empirical analysis of energy demand and supply, market failures, energy policy instruments, investments in power plants and in energy efficiency technologies and the reform of the electric power sector.
Content	The course provides an introduction to energy economics principles and policy applications. The core topics are -Demand analysis -Economic analysis of energy investments and cost analysis -Economics of fossil fuels -Economics of electricity -Economics of renewable energies -Market failures and energy policy -Market oriented and non-market oriented instruments -Demand side management -Regulation of energy industries
Literature	- International Handbook on the Economics of Energy by Joanne Evans (Editor), Lester C. Hunt (Editor) - Energy Economics Concepts, Issues, Markets and Governance Bhattacharyya, Subhes C. 1st Edition, 2011, XXVI, 721 p. 267 illus, 83 in color.
Prerequisites / Notice	It is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example, "Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.
364-0576-00L	Advanced Sustainability Economics	W	3 credits	2G	L. Bretschger
Abstract	The course covers current resource and sustainability economics, including ethical foundations of sustainability, intertemporal optimisation in capital-resource economies, sustainable use of non-renewable and renewable resources, pollution dynamics, population growth, and sectoral heterogeneity. A final part is on empirical contributions, e.g. the resource curse, energy prices, and the EKC.
Learning objective	Understanding of the current issues and economic methods in sustainability research; ability to solve typical problems like the calculation of the growth rate under environmental restriction with the help of appropriate model equations.

Political Scienece, Policy and Sociology
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0594-02L	International Environmental Politics: Part II	W	4 credits	2V	T. Bernauer
Abstract	This course focuses on a selected set of important research topics in the area of international environmental politics.
Learning objective	Become familiar with analytical approaches and research results in selected areas of political science and political economy research on international environmental politics.
Content	The issues covered include, for example, the relationship between poverty, economic growth and environmental quality, the question whether environmental degradation can lead to political violence (e.g. civil war), the role of environmental regulation in international trade disputes, international negotiating processes in areas such as climate change mitigation, and the role of civil society in global environmental governance. Prerequisites: If you did not attend the course International Environmental Politics in the autumn semester you can still attend the course International Environmental Politics: Insights from Recent Research in the spring semester. However, I suggest you do so only if you already have a fairly good knowledge of social sciences research on international environmental issues (e.g. if you have already taken one or more classes in environmental economics and/or environmental politics). Alternatively, you can watch the screencasts of the HS 2014 version of the International Environmental Politics course and complete the mandatory reading assignments for that course to acquire the necessary background for being able to keep the pace in the spring semester course: http://www.multimedia.ethz.ch/lectures/gess/2014/autumn/851-0594-00L. Login: with your nethz username and password. You should watch those podcasts and complete the reading assignments before the course starts. The slides and other teaching material for Part One are available at http://www.ib.ethz.ch/teaching (materials, login with your nethz username and password and select the appropriate items).
Lecture notes	Slides and reading material will be available at www.ib.ethz.ch (teaching, materials). They are password protected. Your Nethz username and password are needed for login.
Literature	Assigned reading materials and slides will be available at www.ib.ethz.ch (teaching, materials-login, international environmental politics, part two). Log in with your nethz name and password. Logistical questions concerning access to course materials can be addressed to Thomas Bernauer at thbe0520@ethz.ch. All assigned papers must be read ahead of the respective meeting. Each meeting consists of one part where we discuss the contents of the assigned papers, and another part where we present/discuss new/ongoing research that extends beyond the contents of the read papers. Following the course on the basis of on-line slides and papers alone is not sufficient. Physical presence in the classroom is essential. No podcasts for this course will be available. Many books and journals covering international environmental policy issues can be found at the D-GESS library at the IFW building, Haldeneggsteig 4, B-floor.
Prerequisites / Notice	If you did not attend 'International Environmental Politics: Part One' you can still attend Part Two. However, I suggest you do so only if you already have a fairly good knowledge of social sciences research on international environmental issues (e.g. if you have already taken one or more classes in environmental economics and/or environmental politics). Alternatively, you can watch the screencasts of the HS 2014 version of Part One and complete the mandatory reading assignments for that course to acquire the necessary background for being able to keep up in Part II: http://www.multimedia.ethz.ch/lectures/gess/2014/autumn/851-0594-00L. Login: with your nethz username and password. You should watch those podcasts and complete the reading assignments before the course starts. The slides and other teaching material for Part One are available at http://www.ib.ethz.ch/teaching (materials, login with your nethz username and password and select the appropriate items).

Integrative Approaches and Applications
Theories and Concepts
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1512-00L	HES Systems 1 - Individual and Organizational Interactions with Environmental Systems	W	3 credits	2V	O. van Vliet, A. Patt, K. T. Seeland, M. Siegrist
Abstract	This lecture provides the students with an in depth understanding of different theoretical approaches to understand and influence individual and organizational interactions with the environment. The theories are exemplified using case studies of actual problems in human-environment systems
Learning objective	- Getting an in-depth insight into current theoretical approaches to understand individual and organizational interactions with the environment - Understanding the advantages and shortcomings of the different approaches as well as their potential synergies and inconsistencies - Being able to apply these theoretical approaches to better understand actual problems in human environment systems - Deriving strategic orientations for approaching problems in human environment systems on the basis of the presented theories
Content	Students who participate in this seminar/lecture learn how to conceptualize and to investigate human-environment systems. The lecture includes three main parts: Part 1: An introduction into how to define environment of human systems and how to conceptualize human-environment systems on different levels, namely the individual, the group, the organization (companies, NGO), institutions (states, agencies, ministries), societies (including governments) and supranational systems. Part 2: The second part deals with an in-depth look into five scientific fields: a) one natural science: biology, b) three social sciences: psychology, sociology and economics, c) one engineering science: industrial ecology, which have to be used when conceptualizing human-environment systems. You will in particularly learn what different rationales are at work at the different hierarchy levels of human-environment systems and what you can learn from different social sciences disciplines. Part 3: Each student has to design a research plan for an "own research project" (for instance a master thesis) in the domain of environmental and sustainability sciences. The students will learn how to develop and substantiate hypotheses for this research plan referring to salient theories and approaches provided by the disciplines introduced in part 2 of the lecture.
Lecture notes	Handouts provided in the lecture

Applicatioin
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1502-00L	Transdisciplinary Case Study	W	7 credits	15P	M. Stauffacher, S. Wiemer
Abstract	This course is project-based and organized in a real-world context. Students deal with complex, societally relevant problems where environmental issues are key and that demand mutual learning among science and society.
Learning objective	Students learn how to plan and organize their work in groups, how to structure complex problems, how to use empirical methods and how to organise transdisciplinary collaboration between research and people from outside academia.

Methods
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1522-00L	Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Number of participants limited to 25. Registration is based on a first come first serve basis; registration period ends by 17.02.2015.	W	3 credits	2G	J. Lienert
Abstract	This introduction to "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis" (MCDA) combines prescriptive Decision Theory (MAVT, MAUT) with practical application and computer-based decision support systems. Participants apply the theory to an environmental decision problem (group work). Methods from philosophical analysis (argumentation analysis) are introduced to help systematize decisions under great uncertainty.
Learning objective	The main objective is to learn the theory of "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT) and apply it step-by-step using an environmental decision problem. The participants learn how to structure complex decision problems and break them down into manageable parts. An important aim is to integrate the goals and preferences of different decision makers. The participants will practice how to elicit subjective (personal) preferences from decision makers with structured interviews. They should have an understanding of people's limitations to decision making, based on insights from descriptive Decision Theory. They will use formal computer-based tools to integrate "objective / scientific" data with "subjective / personal" preferences to find consensus solutions that are acceptable to different decision makers. They should also understand the limitations of conventional decision analysis, and how philosophical approaches help to deal with policy decisions under great uncertainty.
Content	GENERAL DESCRIPTION Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is an umbrella term for a set of methods to structure, formalize, and analyze complex decision problems involving multiple objectives (aims, criteria), many different alternatives (options, choices), and different actors which may have conflicting preferences. Uncertainty (e.g., of the future or of environmental data) adds to the complexity of environmental decisions. MCDA helps to make decision problems more transparent and guides decision makers into making rational choices. Today, MCDA-methods are being applied in many complex decision situations. This class is designed for participants interested in transdisciplinary approaches that help to better understand real-world decision problems and that contribute to finding sustainable solutions. The course focuses on "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT). It also gives a short introduction to behavioral Decision Theory, the psychological field of decision making. A lecture (by Gertrude Hirsch Hadorn) focusses on philosophical approaches to systematize decisions. Hereby, framing the decision, timing strategies, and setting goals are discussed, and reasoning about uncertainty is introduced. STRUCTURE The course consists of a combination of lectures, exercises in the class, exercises in small groups, reading, and one mandatory exam. Some exercises are computer assisted, applying MCDA software. The participants will choose an environmental case study to work on in small groups throughout the semester. Additional reading from the textbook Eisenführ et al. (2010) is required. GRADING There will be one written examination at the end of the course that covers the important theory (50 % of final grade). The group work consists of two to three written reports (50 %).
Lecture notes	No script (see below)
Literature	The course is based on: Eisenführ, Franz; Weber, Martin; and Langer, Thomas (2010) Rational Decision Making. 1st edition, 447 p., Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-02850-2. Additional reading material will be recommended during the course. Lecture slides will be made available for download.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course requires some understanding of (basic) mathematics. The "formal" parts are not too complicated and we will guide students through the mathematical applications and use of software. Please note: The number of participants is limited to 25. Registration is based on a first come first serve basis; registration period ends by 17.02.2015.

Electives
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0016-00L	Philosophical Issues in Understanding Global Change Number of participants limited to 9. Priority is given to D-ERDW and D-USYS Master's and doctoral students.	W	2 credits	1S	G. Hirsch Hadorn, C. J. Baumberger, R. Knutti
Abstract	This course investigates the potentials and limitations of those models and computer simulations that aim at understanding global change. We also discuss challenges in the interpretation of observations and the role of results from models and computer simulations in decision making on policies for sustainable development.
Learning objective	Students learn to reflect on concepts, methods, arguments and knowledge claims in global change research by critically analysing and assessing related papers from philosophy and the sciences.
Content	Global change is not just a major real-world problem, but also a challenge for the natural and social sciences. The challenge is due to the spatial and temporal scales considered, the diversity, complexity and variability of aspects involved, and, last but not least, the descriptive, pragmatic and normative questions raised by global change. This course investigates the potential and limits of research methods such as modelling for understanding global change and it discusses the role of results from modelling and computer simulations in decision making on policy for sustainable development. In the seminar, topics such as the following are discussed: (1) What is a model? What are purposes and potential pitfalls of modelling? What are the basic steps of modelling? (2) What are computer simulations and what is their relation to models? How do we learn about the real-world by running computer simulations? How do computer simulations differ from classical experiments? (3) What do data tell us about the problem we are investigating? What are the difficulties in assessing and interpreting data? (4) What is the role of results from models and computer simulations in decision making on policies for sustainable development, and what should that role be? Which questions for policy can be answered in this way? What are the consequences of uncertainties for policy making?
Lecture notes	The papers to be discussed in the seminar sessions and guidelines about the analysis of texts are provided.
Literature	The papers to be discussed in the seminar sessions and guidelines about the analysis of texts are provided.
Prerequisites / Notice	This seminar is offered at the ETH and the University of Bern. There are four seminar sessions, each lasting 4 hours. The sessions take place from 13:45 to 17:15. The places alternate between Zurich and Bern in the following way 06.03. Berne UniS A-119 Schanzeneckstrasse 1 27.03. Zurich CHN L17.1 Universitätstrasse 16 17.04. Berne UniS A-119 Schanzeneckstrasse 1 08.05. Zurich CHN L17.1 Universitätstrasse 16 In the first meeting, participants are introduced to methods on how to read a philosophical paper. For each meeting, every participant answers a couple of questions about the paper scheduled for discussion. This preparation will take about 4-5 hours for each paper. Answers have to be sent to the lecturers before the seminar takes place and provide a basis for the discussion. All students that have subscribed will get the questions and text for the first meeting by email. Seminar discussions are chaired jointly by lecturers from philosophy and from science. Interest in interdisciplinary reading and discussion is a prerequisite. The number of participants from ETH is limited to 9, in total to 18. Requirements for 2 CP: (1) Answer the questions about the text before the meetings (4 times), (2) At the end of the semester, write a final essay of about 2-3 pages about one of the topics, to be delivered until 3 weeks after the end of the semester. Master or PhD students of D-USYS or D-ERDW have priority.
701-0462-01L	The Science and Politics of International Water Management Does not take place this semester.	W	4 credits	2S	B. Wehrli, T. Bernauer
Abstract	This research seminar focuses on water management issues that extend beyond national boundaries, i.e. are international. In the spring semester of 2013 the seminar will concentrate on the Zambezi River Basin (ZRB), one of the largest international river basins in Africa and worldwide.
Learning objective	Acquire skills for analyzing challenges associated with integrated water resources management in an international setting.
Content	The seminar will begin by providing background on global water resources, challenges associated with managing these resources, and environmental and socio-economic assessment of management strategies. Students, acting as science-based consultants competing for the opportunity to serve as technical advisors to ZRB stakeholders, will then work in teams to develop integrated water management strategies for the ZRB. This work will address important management issues on which the ZRBs riparian countries are currently focusing, for example: how to define water demand scenarios; how do model water allocation options, how and where to expand agriculture and irrigation; and selecting among proposed new dams to optimally meet growing hydropower demands while minimizing social and ecological impacts. In mid-May 2013, each team will submit a 5-page report. On the final day of the seminar (~1 week later), teams will give short presentations explaining their proposed solutions (15 minutes + 10 minutes discussion). Dates, times, and course structure: Class meetings: initials meetings on four Friday afternoons (3-5pm each, 22 Feb., 1 March, 8 March, or 15 March); independent group work during ~6 weeks, with a mid-term meeting on 19 April, also 3-5pm); final meeting on 24 May, 3 - 6pm.
Literature	The participants will receive all teaching materials in electronic form once the seminar begins.
Prerequisites / Notice	This research seminar takes place once a year, in the spring semester. Students successfully completing the seminar will obtain 4 ECTS credit points. The seminar is open to post-BSc/post-BA students, that is, those currently enrolled in an MSc, MA, or PhD program of ETH Zurich. Students from other universities, including exchange/guest students, should contact the faculty members teaching this seminar to obtain access. For questions or to register: please contact Lauren Adams at lauren.adams@ir.gess.ethz.ch
701-1348-00L	Sustainability in Water Supply, Water Resources and Aquatic Ecosystems Does not take place this semester.	W	3 credits	2G	J. Hering, L. Winkel
Abstract	This course takes an integrated view of the water environment encompasses the continuum from relatively unperturbed aquatic ecosystems to fully engineered water and wastewater treatment systems. These systems are examined from the perspective of sustainability with a focus on water quality.
Learning objective	During this course, students will learn about the range of sustainable approaches to water resource management and analyze their implications for water quality.
Content	The core topics of the course will include: water availability, demand, storage, and transfer; human impacts on the water environment; sanitation and water supply in developing countries; ecosystem services and environmental flows; and use of water in agriculture. With this background, students will conduct more detailed analyses, based on case studies or specific examples, of topics that relate to biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics. Possible topics include: Restoration -- managing "legacy" problems (reclamation of mine spoils, remediation of acid mine drainage, dam removal, water diversion and wetland conversion); Mitigation -- developing sustainable practices (soil aquifer treatment, riverbank filtration, use of buffer zones, phytoremediation, nutrient and resource recovery from wastes); and Emerging and novel issues -- a proactive approach (water management in shale and coalbed gas recovery, urban biogeochemistry).
Lecture notes	None
Literature	Assigned literature based on selected topics.
Prerequisites / Notice	Exam: No final exam. Grade is assigned based on a written critique of an assigned paper and class participation.
701-1456-00L	Applied Ecosystem Management (Field Course in Serbia)	W	2 credits	4P	F. Knaus
Abstract	This course introduces students to an unfamiliar socio-ecological system that combines high depopulation rates and corruption with extraordinary cultural and biological diversity under high threat of loss. This system is explored with local stakeholders and in the field, analysed and measures are identified that support both conservation and development goals.
Learning objective	By visiting this course, the students are able to: a) Analyse an unfamiliar socio-ecological system in relation to its main drivers and their interrelatedness by means of a simple conceptual model. b) Identify possible measures towards sustainability that are both in coherence with the system analysis and the limitations given by different stakeholders' demands. c) Apply, contextualize and integrate subject-specific knowledge on an interdisciplinary real world problem. d) Critically appraise conservation policies taken in Switzerland and abroad.
Content	Eastern Serbia offers economic, ecological and social characteristics that are greatly distinct to the ones predominant in Central European socio-ecological systems: Following epochs of communism and war, Eastern Serbia faces some of the highest rural depopulation rates in Europe and consequently suffers from land abandonment. The still rich rural culture and many agricultural practices are expected to be lost if no measures are taken. At the same time, the region still holds a high agro-environmental biodiversity with a high number of endemic species and many species which have long been extinct in other parts of Central Europe. These ecological values are under high threat of being lost as a consequence of the depopulation processes. In the course, the multiple facets of this unfamiliar socio-ecological system are investigated based on interviews with local stakeholders and experts. In short excursions land-use activities, biodiversity as well as cultural and touristic assets are explored. The gathered information is used to identify the most prevalent drivers of the socio-ecological system with the help of a simple conceptual model. Based on this model and on additional analyses, measures can be deduced that span the competing fields of conservation and development and aim at developing the region towards sustainability. These measures are evaluated, elaborated and discussed with local people. Finally, the results are summarized in a report for the local stakeholders.
Lecture notes	Ivanov S. & F. Knaus 2012: Stara Planina. A brief introduction. Unpublished. 24p.
Literature	Adams W.M. et al. 2004: Biodiversity Conservation and the Eradication of Poverty. Science 306: 1146-1149. FOS 2009: Using Conceptual Models to Document a Situation Analysis: An FOS How-To Guide. Foundations of Success, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 21p.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course is limited to 12 students. Preference is given to Master students and students fulfilling the prerequisites. A mixture of students from different Majors is sought to contribute to the integration of skills and approaches. Travels to Serbia and Bulgaria require a valid passport. Prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses: - Foundations of Ecosystem Management - Naturschutz und Naturschutzbiologie - Land Use History and Historical Ecology
701-1614-00L	Resilience of Ecological Systems	W	3 credits	2G	C. Kettle, C. D. Philipson, A. Plüss
Abstract	What makes an ecosystem resilient to disturbance? Using case studies from a number of tropical and temperate systems, we examine how ecological systems are resilient to natural and anthropogenic disturbance, and why diversity from the level of genes, species, habitats and the landscape are critical. We emphasize the linkage between social, economic and natural systems for ensuring resilience.
Learning objective	Students will gain knowledge of the underlying theory of Ecosystem resilience and be able to identify the properties of ecosystems which make them more or less resilient to change. On completion of this course student should be able to evaluate the challenges faced by land and resource managers using an understanding of environmental uncertainty, ecological and social theory in the context of both developed and developing economies. Finally they will be able to identify how adaptive management is important for ensuring ecosystem resilience.
Content	This course will build upon fundamentals of ecological (and economic) theory that explore the relationship between diversity, function and resilience. We will first explore 'systems thinking' from ecological and socio-economic perspectives, including the myths and realities of what makes a system stable, predictable and manageable. We will examine the role of biodiversity; from the level of genes to species, and from habitats to landscape heterogeneity (with specific relevance to tropical rainforest, temperate forests and mountain ecosystems), in providing resilience to disturbance. We will explore the importance of disturbance in the maintenance of diversity and examine how natural resource management affects ecosystem resilience and irreversibility of regime shifts. From a social and institutional perspective we will explore how management strategies can best achieve resistance and resilience, including institutional complexity, the use of traditional knowledge, participatory pathways, community management systems and decision making processes. Finally we will discuss how global and regional markets and climate change might impact on decision making and resilience of livelihoods at the level of the land user, using Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) Certification (Organics and Fairtrade, FSC) and carbon trading as examples.
Lecture notes	Leture notes will be provided as necessary for each session. A list of references and case studies will also be given. Several classes will incorporate class discussions and the necessary material will be provided in advance for these discussion sessions.
Literature	Gunderson, L.H. & Holling, C.S. (2003) Panarchy. Understanding transformations in human and natural systems. Island Press. Gunderson, L. & Pritchard L. (2002) Resilience and the Behavior of Large-Scale Systems. Island Press. Pimm, S.L. (1993) The Balance of Nature. Chicago University Press. Walker, B. & Salt, D. (2006) Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World. Island Press.
751-2700-00L	Land Markets and Land Policy	W	2 credits	2G	G. M. Giuliani
Abstract	In this course the students acquire knowledge on the particularities of land markets and the effects of policy interventions such as ceiling prices and land redistributions on land markets. Special emphasis is placed on the knowledge of land market structures and on the forms of land markets.
Learning objective	In this course the students acquire knowledge on the particularities of land markets and the effects of policy interventions such as ceiling prices and land redistributions on land markets. Special emphasis is placed on the knowledge of land market structures and on the forms of land markets.
Content	The first part of the course deals with the following topics: historical outline of land use; historical models of individual and collective land regulations; Swiss land regulations and land policies; specific theoretical aspects of agricultural land markets; empirical investigations on land property and land markets; interconnections between land policy and agricultural policy. The second part of the course focuses on land property structures in developing countries and in transition countries. After a general systematic and theoretical introduction on land policies and land reforms in these countries, case studies and topcis of current political relevance are discussed. This course provides principles contributing to the evaluation of the sustainability of land use and to the establishment of sustainable land use systems.
Lecture notes	Will be provided in the course.
Literature	Are included in the lecture notes.

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