Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Biology Bachelor
3. Year, 6. Semester
Block Courses Registration for Block courses is mandatory. Please register under https://www.uzh.ch/zoolmed/ssl-dir/Blockkurse_UNIETH.php. Registration period from 16.12.2019 - 06.01.2020 Please note the ETH admission criteria for the admission of ETH students to ETH block courses on the block course registration website under "allocation".
Block Courses in 1st Quarter of the Semester From 18.2.2020 to 11.3.2020
551-0342-00L	Metabolomics Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	N. Zamboni, U. Sauer
Abstract	The course covers all basic aspects of metabolome measurements, from sample sampling to mass spectrometry and data analysis. Participants work in groups and independently perform and interpret metabolomic experiments.
Learning objective	Performing and reporting a metabolomic experiment, understanding pro and cons of mass spectrometry based metabolomics. Knowledge of workflows and tools to assist experiment interpretation, and metabolite identification.
Content	Basics of metabolomics: workflows, sample preparation, targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry, instrumentation, separation techniques (GC, LC, CE), metabolite identification, data interpretation and integration, normalization, QCs, maintenance. Soft skills to be trained: project planning, presentation, reporting, independent working style, team work.
551-0339-00L	Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Dynamics Number of participants limited to 13. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	E. Dultz, Y. Barral, U. Kutay, M. Peter, K. Weis
Abstract	Application of current strategies to study the dynamics of complex and highly regulated cellular processes.
Learning objective	The students learn to evaluate and to apply current strategies to study the dynamics of complex and highly regulated cellular processes.
Content	During this Block-Course, the students will learn to (1) describe the important mechanisms and regulators of dynamic processes in cells, (2) perform standard lab techniques and quantitate dynamic cellular processes, (3) evaluate and compare experimental strategies and model systems, (4) independently search and critically evaluate scientific literature on a specific problem and present it in a seminar, and (5) formulate scientific concepts (preparation and presentation of a poster). Students will work in small groups in individual labs on one research project (8 full days of practical work; every group of students will stay in the same lab during the entire course). The projects are close to the actual research carried out in the participating research groups, but with a clear connection to the subject of the course.
Literature	Documentation and recommended literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will be taught in english.
551-1516-00L	Neuron-Glia Interactions and Myelination in Health and Disease Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	U. Suter
Abstract	The course provides general basic insights and new perspectives in the development, plasticity and repair of the nervous system. The focus is on molecular, cellular and transgenic approaches.
Learning objective	Through a combination of practical work with lectures, discussions, project preparations and presentations, the students learns basic principles of neural plasticity and repair in health and disease. The course is closely linked to ongoing research projects in the lab to provide the participants with direct insights into current experimental approaches and strategies.
551-0118-00L	Cell Biology of Plant-Fungus Interaction Number of participants limited to 5. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	C. Sánchez-Rodríguez
Abstract	The course is a collaboration of the Plant Cell Biology groups of ETHZ and UZH. The students will learn key concepts related with the remarkable ability of plants to adapt to challenges provided by their environment (both biotic, such as pathogens, and abiotic, like nutrient deficiencies). A multidisciplinary approach including molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics tool
Learning objective	In this course, students will get cell biological and molecular genetics insights into the developmental plasticity of plants to adapt to their environmental conditions using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. With this aim, they will actively participate in ongoing research projects tutored by doctoral students.
Content	Students will be engaged in research projects aimed to understand the specialized mechanisms evolved by the plants to grow under challenging environments. In a lecture series, the theoretical background for the projects and their interrelationship is provided. Students will design and perform experiments, evaluate experimental results, present their projects, and discuss recent publications to understand the relevance of their work in the context of the current state of plant development and stress response.
Lecture notes	No script
Literature	The recommended literature and list of individual reading assignments will be provided during the course
Prerequisites / Notice	All general lectures will be held at ETH Centrum (LFW building). Students will be divided into small groups to carry out experiments at ETH (Central; LFW) and UZH (Botanical Garden)

Block Courses in 2nd Quarter of the Semester From 12.3.2020 to 2.4.2020
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
376-1346-00L	Study of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Mental Health Number of participants limited to 12. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	I. Mansuy
Abstract	This block course is focused on the study of the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate complex brain functions and behavior. It provides an overview of molecular methods used in experimental mice or in human samples to investigate epigenetic processes that control genome activity and gene expression, and are associated with cognitive functions and behavioral responses.
Learning objective	The purpose is to learn the principles of major methods in epigenetics that allow examine genome activity at the level of DNA, RNA or protein, in the context of complex brain functions.
Content	4 independent projects for 3 students each covering various aspects of epigenetic mechanisms. It will focus on state-of-the-art techniques to measure or manipulate gene expression and gene activity in the adult brain or in cell culture, and analyse the effects in vitro or in vivo using omics analyses, molecular and biochemical tools and behavioral testing.
Lecture notes	Provided at the beginning of the practical.
551-0352-00L	Introduction to Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics Number of participants limited to 12. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	L. Gillet, P. Picotti
Abstract	Protein Analysis by Mass Spectrometry The following topics will be covered: basics of biological mass spectrometry, including instrumentation, data collection and data analysis; applications to protein identification and characterization; sample preparation methods; proteomics strategies; and quantitative analysis.
Learning objective	How to prepare a protein sample for MS analysis (trypsin digestion, C18 clean-up) Principles of data acquisition LC-MS (QTOF and/or Ion Trap instruments) Perform qualitative proteomic analysis (protein identification with Mascot and/or Sequest Softwares) Perform quantitative proteomic analysis (label-free and labeled analyses) Analyze/interpret the data to find up/down regulated proteins
551-0434-00L	NMR Spectroscopy in Biology Number of participants limited to 6. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	F. Allain, A. D. Gossert, K. Wüthrich
Abstract	In this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects in the research groups of Profs. Allain, Wüthrich and Dr. Gossert. The students will be tutored in their experimental work by experienced postdoc students. In addition, the course includes specific lectures that provide the theoretical background for the experimental work, as well as exercises and literature work.
Learning objective	The course provides first "hands on" insight into applications of NMR spectroscopy in biological sciences. The course should enable the students to understand the potential and limitations of NMR applied to biological problems.
Content	The topics include studies of proteins, RNA and protein-RNA interactions, Participation in one of the following projects will be possible: - NMR of RNA - NMR of several protein-RNA complexes (hnRNPF, nPTB, SR proteins) - NMR studies of protein-ligand interactions - dynamics of protein-RNA complexes - Segmental isotopic labeling to study multidomain proteins - NMR Methods Development
Lecture notes	No script
Literature	Lists of individual reading assignments will be handed out.
529-0810-01L	Laboratory Course Organic Chemistry II (for D-BIOL) Number of participants limited to 12. Please contact Prof. C. Thilgen (thilgen@org.chem.ethz.ch) as early as possible, end of Autumn Semester. You will get a confirmation if you are accepted. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. The de-facto language of instruction depends on the tutor.	W	12 credits	4P	C. Thilgen
Abstract	An organic-synthetic sub-project of the current research of a group from the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry is carried out under the guidance of doctoral students.
Learning objective	Learn to plan and carry out challenging multistep syntheses making use of modern methods; reach a deeper understanding of organic reactions through experimental work; develop an organic-synthetic research project; take accurate notes, write a publication style report, and present the obtained results in a seminar.
Content	An organic-synthetic sub-project of the current research of a group from the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry is carried out under the guidance of doctoral students.
Lecture notes	No course notes.
Literature	No set textbooks. Literature will be indicated or provided by the supervising TAs.
Prerequisites / Notice	Course prerequisites: Accomplished laboratory course Organic Chemistry I (529-0229-00) and passed session exam Organic Chemistry I (529-0221-00 or 529-1011-00) / Organic Chemistry II (529-0222-00 or 529-1012-00). The number of participants is limited to 12.
551-1147-00L	Bioactive Natural Products from Bacteria Number of participants limited to 7. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	J. Piel
Abstract	Lab course. In small groups projects of relevance to current research questions in the field of bacterial natural product biosynthesis are addressed.
Learning objective	Introduction to relevant subjects of the secondary metabolism of bacteria. Training in practical work in a research laboratory. Scientific writing in form of a research report.
Content	Research project on bacteria that produce bioactive natural products (e.g., Streptomycetes, Cyanobacteria, uncultivated bacteria). The techniques used will depend on the project, e.g. PCR, cloning, natural product analysis, precursor feeding studies, enzyme expression and analysis.
Lecture notes	none.
Literature	Will be provided for each of the projects at the beginning of the course.
551-1554-00L	Multigene Expression in Mammalian Cells Number of participants limited to 5. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	P. Berger, G. Schertler
Abstract	Genetic engineering of mammalian cells with multiple expression cassettes is an essential need in contemporary cell biology. It is useful for protein expression for structural studies, the reprogramming of somatic cells, or for the expression of several fluorescently-tagged sensors. In this course, we use MultiLabel (Kriz et al., Nat. Commun., 2010) to create multigene expression plasmids.
Learning objective	Students will learn to design and clone multigene expression constructs for mammalian cells. The functionality of the constructs will be tested by immunofluorescence microscopy or Western blotting.
Content	We will clone fluorescently-tagged markers for subcellular compartments, assemble them to a multigene expression construct and transfect them into mammalian cells. These markers of subcellular compartments will be used to study the trafficking of activated receptors (e.g. serotonin receptor). Pictures will be taken on our microscopes and then we will quantify colocalization.
Lecture notes	none
551-0436-00L	Cryo-electron Microscopic Studies of Ribosomal Complexes with Biomedically Important Viral mRNAs Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	N. Ban, D. Böhringer, M. A. Leibundgut
Abstract	Some viral mRNAs, such as from Hepatitis C virus, hijack cellular translational machinery by binding directly to the ribosome and circumventing the need for cellular initiation factors. They accomplish this through structured elements within the mRNAs called internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs). Participants of this course will visualize ribosomes in complex with viral IRESs at high resolution.
Learning objective	The goal of the course is to acquire the most important techniques and methods for the purification and structural characterisation of macromolecular complexes by transmission electron microscopy. The emphasis of the course is on the special practical requirements for the application of these techniques on macromolecular structures in the MDa range.
Content	Protein synthesis is a very energy intensive process that can consume over half the total metabolism of a cell. In eukaryotes, translation is therefore tightly regulated at the stage of initiation. Regulatory processes are much more complex at this step than in prokaryotes and a large number of RNA modification processes and translation initiation factors are required to ensure faithful initiation, elongation and termination of translation. Viral messenger RNAs are often produced by their own machinery, however, and need to be incorporated into the host translation machinery without the usual processing and therefore many viruses have developed strategies to circumvent the need for initiation factors. They accomplish this through highly structured elements within their RNA called internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) that are able to initiate translation without the normal signals. Some viral IRESs, such as the IRESs from polio-virus or HIV, require most of the normal eIFs and even additional proteins. Others, such as the hepatitis C virus IRES, are able to bind directly to the ribosome and need only a few of the normal initiation factors. Within the Ban lab, we have studied, and continue to investigate, medically relevant viral IRESs. The course will involve producing, and attempting to determine the structures of, IRESs that have yet to have had their ribosome-bound structures resolved. A variety of purification techniques, including preparative gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation, will be used during the purification of macromolecular complexes. Purified assemblies will be then investigated functionally. Students will then characterise their samples structurally through transmission electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), including sample preparation, microscopy, data evaluation and the calculation of densities. Finally, students will learn how to build and refine molecular models into parts of the calculated cryo-EM density. The participants will be working on a closed project related to current research within the laboratory and throughout the course the practical work will be accompanied by brief theoretical introductions. The principal aim of the course is to strengthen the skills required to independently conduct meaningful biophysical and biochemical experiments and to provide an early introduction into the structural characterisation of cellular macromolecular assemblies.
Lecture notes	A script will be distributed at the beginning of the course that will cover the experiments to be performed, provide references to the relevant literature and suggest points for further consideration for interested students.
Literature	Literature A basic overview is provided within the references below. Further reading and citations shall be detailed in the course script. - A. Fersht, Structure and mechanism in protein science, Freeman, 1999 (Chapters 1 and 6). - M. van Heel et al., Single-particle electron cryo microscopy: towards atomic resolution, Quart. Rev. Biophys. (33), 307-369 (2000).
Prerequisites / Notice	The course will be held in English. Students should have either completed courses: 551-0307-00L Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism I: Protein Structure and Function 551-0307-01L Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism II: Large Cellular Machines or equivalent courses covering the structure and function of biological macromolecules.

Block Courses in 3rd Quarter of the Semester From 3.4.2020 to 6.5.2020
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
551-0362-00L	Molecular Health: Biomedical Analysis of the Extracellular Interactome Number of participants limited to 12. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	B. Wollscheid, E. Tschudy-Milani
Abstract	In this course you will learn to measure, integrate, analyze and validate the cellular surfaceome as a complex information gateway connecting the intracellular to the extracellular interactome. You will apply next generation technologies at the interface of biology, chemistry, medicine and bioinformatics to establish the surfaceome proteotype and its signaling interaction networks.
Learning objective	"If a cell surface molecule such as the B cell receptor would have the size of a human being, then the cell surface of a B cell would have roughly the size of three times NYC Central Park." How many people/proteins/proteoforms reside in this space ("Surfaceome")? Similar to humans, proteins don't act alone. Function is encoded in dynamic protein-protein interactions. How are these proteoforms organized in signaling islands/networks in order to fulfill specific cellular functions ("Interactome")? What are the ligands interacting with the surfaceome to communicate information from other cells & tissues in the body? What goes wrong in these signaling islands if we get sick? In this course you will learn to measure, integrate, analyze and validate the cellular surfaceome and its signaling islands as a complex information gateway connecting the intracellular to the extracellular interactome. You will apply next generation technologies at the interface of biology, chemistry, medicine and bioinformatics to generate unprecedented data to establish the surfaceome proteotype and its signaling interaction networks. This digital proteotype data layer provides the basis for generating qualitative and quantitative surfaceome models explaining how molecular nanoscale organization influences cellular signaling and biological function.
Content	"If a cell surface molecule such as the B cell receptor would have the size of a human being, then the cell surface of a B cell would have roughly the size of three times NYC Central Park." How many people/proteins/proteoforms reside in this space ("Surfaceome")? Similar to humans, proteins don't act alone. Function is encoded in dynamic protein-protein interactions. How are these proteoforms organized in signaling islands/networks in order to fulfill specific cellular functions ("Interactome")? What are the ligands interacting with the surfaceome to communicate information from other cells & tissues in the body? What goes wrong in these signaling islands if we get sick? In this course you will learn to measure, integrate, analyze and validate the cellular surfaceome and its signaling islands as a complex information gateway connecting the intracellular to the extracellular interactome. You will apply next generation technologies at the interface of biology, chemistry, medicine and bioinformatics to generate unprecedented data to establish the surfaceome proteotype and its signaling interaction networks. This digital proteotype data layer provides the basis for generating qualitative and quantitative surfaceome models explaining how molecular nanoscale organization influences cellular signaling and biological function.
Literature	D. Bausch-Fluck, E. S. Milani, B. Wollscheid, Surfaceome nanoscale organization and extracellular interaction networks, Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 48, 26–33 (2019). https://paperpile.com/shared/ud6iWG
Prerequisites / Notice	This course requires a basic knowledge in mass spectrometry based proteomics and experience in computational data processing using R or MatLab. Ideally this course should be combined with course 551-0352-00L "Introduction to Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics".
529-0810-01L	Laboratory Course Organic Chemistry II (for D-BIOL) Number of participants limited to 12. Please contact Prof. C. Thilgen (thilgen@org.chem.ethz.ch) as early as possible, end of Autumn Semester. You will get a confirmation if you are accepted. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. The de-facto language of instruction depends on the tutor.	W	12 credits	4P	C. Thilgen
Abstract	An organic-synthetic sub-project of the current research of a group from the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry is carried out under the guidance of doctoral students.
Learning objective	Learn to plan and carry out challenging multistep syntheses making use of modern methods; reach a deeper understanding of organic reactions through experimental work; develop an organic-synthetic research project; take accurate notes, write a publication style report, and present the obtained results in a seminar.
Content	An organic-synthetic sub-project of the current research of a group from the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry is carried out under the guidance of doctoral students.
Lecture notes	No course notes.
Literature	No set textbooks. Literature will be indicated or provided by the supervising TAs.
Prerequisites / Notice	Course prerequisites: Accomplished laboratory course Organic Chemistry I (529-0229-00) and passed session exam Organic Chemistry I (529-0221-00 or 529-1011-00) / Organic Chemistry II (529-0222-00 or 529-1012-00). The number of participants is limited to 12.
551-0344-00L	Plant-Microbe Interactions Number of participants limited to 10. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	H.‑M. Fischer, J. Vorholt-Zambelli
Abstract	Lab course. In small groups projects of relevance to current research questions in the field of plant-microbe interactions are addressed.
Learning objective	Introduction to relevant subjects of the biology of plant-associated microorganisms. Training in practical work in a research laboratory. Exposure to current research topics in the field of plant-microbe interactions. Scientific writing in form of a research report.
Content	Research project on plant-associated microorganisms (i.e. Bradyrhizobium, Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas). The techniques used will depend on the project, e.g. PCR, cloning, community analysis, plant inoculation experiments, phenotypic analysis, plant transformation, (fluorescence) microscopy, monitoring gene expression
Lecture notes	none
Literature	Will be provided for each of the projects at the beginning of the course.
551-1556-00L	Macromolecular Structure Determination Using Modern Methods Number of participants limited to 11 in the 3rd semester quarter of the spring semester Number of participants limited to 12 in the 4th semester quarter of the spring semester The block course will only take place with a minimum of 4 participants. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	K. Locher, G. Schertler
Abstract	This course will expose the students to two prominent techniques for high-resolution structural characterization of biological macromolecules. The students will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in either cryo-electron microscopy (ETH) or X-ray crystallography (PSI).
Learning objective	The goal of this course is to introduce the students to the principles of high-resolution structure determination. Students will conduct hands-on experiments and use computational techniques for data processing.
Content	At the ETH the students will prepare and vitrify a protein and then image it on a cryo-TEM. Next, the students will process the data and build an atomic model into the EM map. At the PSI the students will purify and crystallize a membrane protein, collect X-ray diffraction data using synchrotron X-ray source or with cryo-EM, analyze and build an atomic model into a density map. They will refine this model and interpret and illustrate the determined structure. The course work is trying to present insights in the use of structural information. The course also includes a demonstration of the Synchrotron capabilities at the Paul Scherrer Institute (SLS).
Prerequisites / Notice	The students will be split into two groups for the practical part of the work: One group will work at ETH Hönggerberg, the other at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) at Villigen. All students will spend one full day at the PSI for a tour of the facilities, including a visit of the synchrotron beam lines of the Swiss Light Source SLS. The students joining the ETH Hönggerberg group will spend the majority of the time on data processing and are therefore expected to have some basic knowledge of bash terminal commands. Basic physics, optics and linear algebra knowledge is also helpful. By the end of the course, the students will be expected to understand concepts such as the difference between Fourier and real space, image formation, contrast transfer, fast Fourier transfer and Fourier shell correlation.
551-1312-00L	RNA-Biology II Number of participants limited to 16. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	S. Jonas, F. Allain, C. Beyer, U. Kutay, O. Voinnet, K. Weis
Abstract	Introduction to the diversity of current RNA-research at all levels from structural biology to systems biology using mainly model systems like S. cerevisiae (yeast), mammalian cells.
Learning objective	The students will obtain an overview about the diversity of current RNA-research. They will learn to design experiments and use techniques necessary to analyze different aspects of RNA biology. Through lectures and literature seminars, they will learn about the burning questions of RNA research and discuss approaches to address these questions experimentally. In practical lab projects the students will work in one of the participating laboratories. Finally, they will learn how to present and discuss their data in an appropriate manner. Student assessment is a graded semester performance based on individual performance in the laboratory, the written exam and the project presentation.
Lecture notes	Relevant material from the lectures will be made available during the course via the corresponding Moodle page.
Literature	Documentation and recommended literature will be provided at the beginning and during the course.
551-1300-00L	Cause and Consequences of Unstable Genomes Number of participants limited to 12. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	J. Fernandes de Matos, Y. Barral, C. Beyer, K. Bomblies, M. Jagannathan, R. Kroschewski
Abstract	The course will introduce students to key concepts and laboratory research within the broad field of "Genome stability".
Learning objective	Students will learn to design, apply and evaluate current research strategies in a wide range of modern research areas encompassing the broad field of "Genome stability".
Content	The course will consist of lectures, practical laboratory work in small groups, informal progress report sessions, and preparation and presentation of a poster. Lectures will be presented mainly at the start of the course to expose students to key concepts and techniques in the field. Students will team into small groups and work in one laboratory for the rest of the course. Students will meet regularly for informal "progress report" discussions of their projects. Student performance will be assessed based on the quality of their practical work, a written exam on frontal lecture material, and a poster presentation of their practical work.
Literature	Documentation and recommended literature in the form of review articles and selected primary literature will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will be taught in English.
551-1302-00L	Synthetic Genomics Does not take place this semester. Number of participants limited to 6. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	B. Christen
Abstract	Lab course on experimental and computational approaches in synthetic microbiology. Participants work in small groups to address current questions in the field of synthetic genomics.
Learning objective	The course covers high-throughput biology techniques and design approaches to engineer large-scale synthetic DNA constructs ranging form pathways to entire bacterial genomes. Training in experimental and computational work in a research laboratory.
Content	Research project in synthetic biology. Learn basics of DNA part definition, sequence design, de novo DNA synthesis and assembly strategies used for synthetic genomics. Discuss recent advances and current limitations in the field. Soft skills to be trained: scientific project planning, team-work, presentation and reporting.

Block Courses in 4th Quarter of the Semester From 7.5.2020 to 29.5.2020
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
551-0386-00L	Microbial Ecology Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	M. Lever
Abstract	Microorganisms can be found in most terrestrial and aquatic habitats where they catalyze a broad variety of biological and biogeochemical processes. Throughout the course „Microbial Ecology“ the basic concepts of microbial structures and functions in natural ecosystems are discussed. Excursions, lab experiments and literature studies help to illustrate selected topics.
Learning objective	In this course, students shall familiarize themselves with the basic and essential understanding of what enables microbial life in its natural habitat. Students will understand what essential factors are needed to support microbial life in its natural habitat. Course participants will also be able to identify and determine the microbial structures and functions in aquatic and terrestrial systems, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Content	Der Kurs umfasst Vorlesungen, experimentelle Arbeiten, Exkursionen und Literaturstudien. Teile der Vorlesung “Umweltmikrobiologie“ (Dozenten M. Lever & M. Schroth) werden in den Kurs inkorporiert. Im Rahmen von experimentellen Arbeiten werden die Studierenden lernen, traditionelle wie auch molekulare mikrobiologische Methoden gezielt einzusetzen. Darüber hinaus werden die Studierenden lernen, mikrobiell ökologische Fragestellungen mit Hilfe von biogeochemischen Methoden anzugehen. Ausgewählte Facetten der mikrobiellen Ökologie (z.B. Quellen und Senken von Methan, Interaktion von Mikroorganismen mit mineralischen Oberflächen, mikrobielle Energie- und Nährstoffkreisläufe) werden mit Hilfe von Exkursionen und Literaturstudien vertieft.
Lecture notes	Schriftliche Unterlagen werden im Verlaufe des Kurses abgegeben.
Literature	Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Prentice Hall, 2003
551-0376-00L	Experimental Plant Ecology Number of participants limited to 20 A minimum of 4 participants are required in order for the block course to take place. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.	W	6 credits	7G	D. Ramseier, H. G. M. Olde Venterink
Abstract	The course gives an introduction to experimental plant ecology. A wide range of experiments close to applications (especially in conservation biology), to the influence of global change on ecosystems to fundamental research about coexistence of plants in ecosystems will be covered with lectures, excursions, demonstrations and own experiments.
Learning objective	- to become familiar with various experimental approaches and instruments for plant ecological research, incl. advantages and disadvantages - to gain practical skills by carrying out and evaluating ecological plant experiments
Content	Experiments in plant ecology are gaining importance for estimating the effects of global change and invasive species on ecosystems and their functions and ecosystem services. There are also numerous restoration projects where one would like to get away form the trial - error principle and anticipate the success of restoration measures on the basis of experiments. In this course, principles of experimental plant ecology will be given in lectures, demonstrations, excursions, study of literature and with experiments realized by participants. In a theoretical part, advantages and disadvantages of various experimental approaches, methods and instruments will be discussed. The practical part will comprise experiments at various levels. Groups of students, under guidance, will develop experiments. This includes asking clear questions, search of literature, setting up and maintenance of the experiments, measurements, statistical analysis and interpretation of the results, and present a talk. Example of potential experiments are: a) influence of functional groups on cooling effects of green roofs; b) influence of mobility of nutrients on plant competition and coexistence; c) does P scarcity limits further dispersal of Amorpha fruticosa, a invasive species at Tagliamento, the last almost natural big river of the alps in Northern Italy? How do seeds optimize their germination behaviour? How can germination be improved for restoration projects or for greening of flat roofs? On one of the excursions we will visit the restoration project Seebachtalseen (www.stiftungseebachtal.ch), where one of the lecturers is involved in restoring wet meadow communities. The destination of an other excursion will be an experiment on a green roof examining the influence of various substrates and their thicknesses on the development of the vegetation.
Lecture notes	documents will be distributed during the course
Prerequisites / Notice	Experiments in plant ecology, as they will be set up for that course, typically last for 6 to 8 weeks. Thus, the experiments will be set up before the block by the students and then be harvested and analysed during the block (last quarter of the term). We will give a one hour introduction at the beginning of the term (time according to agreement), where participants can choose topics and form groups. The experiments will then be set up. The time used before the block can be compensated.

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