Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Environmental Sciences Master
Major in Human-Environment Systems (Regulations 2013)
Integrative Approaches and Applications
Theories and Concepts
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.

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