Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2011)
Natural Science and Technical Electives
Natural Science Modules
Ecology and Conservation Biology
701-0303-00L	Forest Communities and Their Sites	W	2 credits	1G	H.‑U. Frey
Abstract	Systematic overview of Swiss forest vegetation, communities and their site factors and methods of vegetation survey will be shown.
Learning objective	* Knowledge of important forest communities and their site factors. * Interpretation of communities in relation of their ecology, management and preservation. * Knowledge of importent plants and their indicator values. * Understanding the interaction of site factors and communities. * Knowledge of the methods of the analysis of vegetation data and their critical evaluation.
Content	Eine systematische Übersicht über die Waldvegetation der Schweiz und deren Standortsverhältnisse wird aufgezeigt. Wichtige Standortstypen, deren charakteristische Pflanzenzusammensetzung, ausschlaggebende Faktoren und Bewirtschaftungshinweise werden vermittelt. Besprochen werden zudem grundlegende Konzepte und Methoden der Vegetationskunde, Probleme der Datenerhebung und verschiedene Ansätze der Datenauswertung. Die Disziplin wird in der Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften positioniert.
Lecture notes	Wird während dem Unterricht verteilt. Die Unterlagen stehen auch unter www.fe.ethz.ch, Rubrik Lehre/Lehrmaterialien/Lehrmaterialien zum Herunterladen zur Verfügung (nethz-Zugriff). Sämtliche während der Vorlesung gezeigten Abbildungen stehen auf www.fe.ethz.ch zur Verfügung. Ein eigens zusammengestelltes e-learning Programm kann auf www.fe.ethz.ch heruntergeladen werden.
Literature	BAFU (2005) Nachhaltigkeit und Erfolgskontrolle im Schutzwald. http://www.bafu.admin.ch/publikationen/publikation/00732 Ellenberg, H. (1996) Vegetation Mitteleuropas mit den Alpen 5.Aufl. Ulmer, Stuttgart. Ott E., Frehner M., Frey, H.U., Lüscher, P. (1997) Gebirgsnadelwälder. Haupt, Bern. Steiger P., (2010) Wälder der Schweiz 4.Aufl. Ott Thun
Prerequisites / Notice	Die Lehrveranstaltung "Waldvegetation und Waldstandorte" ist Voraussetzung zum Verständnis der im Praktikum "Wald und Landschaft - Teil Standortskunde" gebotenen Inhalte!
701-0310-00L	Conservation Biology	W	2 credits	2G	F. Knaus
Abstract	In this course, the students explore ecological approaches, philosophical foundations, and practical implementations of conservation activities. Based on case studies, they are introduced to different views, values and ideals inherent in these activities.
Learning objective	Students of this course are able to: - understand the historical development and the current state of biodiversity and estimate possible future trends - explain the economic legal, political and philosophical foundations of conservation activities - define different possibilities of how conservation can be implemented in practice - identify and critically appraise normative elements in conservation - analyse and evaluate a nature conservation project from conception to successful completion.
Content	The course covers the following content: - Describe and analyse the past, current and future human impacts on biodiversity. - Explore alternative approaches to nature conservation and their implementation for example species or habitat protection, restorations, parks, etc. - Discuss the ethical, moral, legal, and economic reasons for conservation. - Understand the main theories relevant to conservation such as the vulnerability of small populations, ecosystem services, biodiversity, etc. - Explore practical examples during excursions and provide an analysis and evaluation of concrete case studies.
Lecture notes	Kein Skript
Literature	Küster H. 1999: Geschichte der Landschaft in Mitteleuropa. Von der Eiszeit bis zur Gegenwart. Beck, München, Germany. 424p. Piechocki R. 2010: Landschaft, Heimat, Wildnis. Schutz der Natur - aber welcher und warum? Beck'sche Reihe, Beck, München, Germany. 266p. Primack R.B. 2008: A primer of Conservation Biology. Fourth Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland MA, USA. 349p.
Prerequisites / Notice	Kenntnisse aus den folgenden LV sind vorausgesetzt: - Allgemeine Biologie I - Allgemeine Biologie II - Biologie III: Ökologie - Biologie IV: Diversität der Pflanzen und Tiere
701-0314-00L	Plant Diversity: Colline/Montane Prerequisite: Enrollment and successful performance assessment of LV 701-0360-00L (Systematic Biology: Plants). Enrollment for target group until 16.02.2020 Waiting list until 27.03.2020. The excursion fee has to be payed until 02.03.2020. Unpaid places will be given to students on the waiting list.	W	3 credits	6P	R. Berndt, A. Guggisberg
Abstract	The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of the central Rhone valley in the canton Valais. During an excursion to Visp, the students will deepen their knowledge of plant species and learn to recognize important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics. An introductory lecture will be given in Zurich.
Learning objective	Knowledge of the most important vegetation types, their flora and ecological conditions in an intramontane xeric valley (central Rhone valley). Consolidation of taxonomic and plant morphological knowledge. Experience in plant determination using scientific determination keys. Teaching of basic collecting and herbarium techniques.
Content	This course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the central Wallis. During the excursions, the students will become acquainted with one of the botanically richest regions of Switzerland. They will study the diverse vegetation types, their species diversity and the respective environmental conditions. Besides deepening the knowledge of plant species and vegetation, we will focus on the climatic and biogeographic framework in the central Wallis and the enormous impact of man on all vegetation types, even seemingly pristine ones. During the excursions and in the evenings there will be plenty of time to practice the identification of vascular plant species with a scientific flora and to get to know how plants should be collected, pressed and prepared for the herbarium.
Literature	-Baltisberger M., Nyffeler R. & Widmer A. 2013: Systematische Botanik. 4., vollständig überarbeitete und erweiterte Aufl. v/d/f Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich. -Hess H.E., Landolt E., Hirzel R. & Baltisberger M. 2015: Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz. 7., aktualisierte und überarbeitete Aufl., Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel/Boston/Berlin.
Prerequisites / Notice	We only admit students to the practical who have successfully completed the introductory lectures of Prof. Leuchtmann and the associated exercises and excursions (cf. course 701-0360-00L). It is expected that the participants know how to use a determination key (Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz) and understand the necessary botanical terminology. Students from other universities are requested to contact the lecturers. Program: 2.6.: Introduction (Zurich, ETH Zentrum, CHN building) 9.-13.6.: Excursion to Valais (Visp) 16.6. (morning): Exam (Zurich, ETH Zentrum, CHN building) The excursion will take place in the mountains under any weather conditions. The participants should be equipped appropriately to cope with rough and steep terrain and adverse weather conditions. Sturdy mountain boots are mandatory!
701-0314-01L	Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine Prerequisite: Enrollment and successful performance assessment of LV 701-0360-00L (Systematic Biology: Plants). Enrollment for target group until 16.02.2020 Waiting list until 27.03.2020. The excursion fee has to be payed until 02.03.2020. Unpaid places will be given to students on the waiting list.	W	3 credits	6P	A. Guggisberg, R. Berndt
Abstract	The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps and covers the altitudinal range between the upper montane and the lower alpine zone. During an excursion to Kandersteg, the students will deepen their knowledge of plant species and learn to recognize important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics. An introduction will be provided in Zurich.
Learning objective	Getting to know the most important vegetation types, their flora and ecological conditions in the northern Alps (Bernese Oberland). Consolidation of taxonomic and plant morphological knowledge. Experience in plant determination using scientific determination keys.
Content	This course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps. During the excursions, the students will become acquainted with the botanical richness of the Alps and the ecological specificities of the encountered habitats. The students will not only gain knowledge in plant species, but also learn which environmental conditions do plants cope with and which adaptation they have evolved. We will further introduce the geology of the Alps and investigate, how the bedrock influences the vegetation in the alpine zone. Following topics will be addressed in this course: 1) Lectures: Climatic and geological divisions of the Alps. Effect of local conditions on vegetation of different altitudes. Adaptation of plants to various alpine conditions. 2) Excursions: Identification of vascular plant species. Characteristic vegetation types of the subalpine and alpine zone (e.g. subalpine conifer forests, tall-herb communities and green alder scrubs, alpine grassland and scree vegetation, subalpine floodplain forest with fens) and their ecological conditions. Interaction between plants and their environment: examples from pollination, reproduction and dispersal strategies; Adaptations of plant species to their environment.
Literature	-Baltisberger M., Nyffeler R. & Widmer A. 2013: Systematische Botanik. 4., vollständig überarbeitete und erweiterte Aufl. v/d/f Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich. -Hess H.E., Landolt E., Hirzel R. & Baltisberger M. 2015: Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz. 7., aktualisierte und überarbeitete Aufl., Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel/Boston/Berlin.
Prerequisites / Notice	We only admit students to the practical who have successfully completed the introductory lectures in systematic botany of Prof. Leuchtmann together with the associated exercises and excursions (cf. course 701-0360-00L). In addition, we expect that the participants know how to use a determination key (Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz) and understand the necessary terminology. Students from other universities are requested to contact the lecturers. Program: 16.6. (afternoon) Introduction for subsequent week (Zurich, ETH Centre, CHN building) 22.6.-26.6. Excursion northern Alps (Kandersteg) 29.6. Exam and visit of Herbarium (Zurich, Botanical Garden, University of Zurich). The excursion will take place in the mountains under any weather conditions. The participants should be able to cope with rough and steep terrain and should bring appropriate equipment. Sturdy mountain boots are mandatory! Course fees: The ETH Departments of Biology and Environmental Systems Sciences financially support this excursion. The costs amount CHF 260.- per student and cover transport, accommodation and full board.
701-0316-00L	Woody Plants of Central Europe	W	3 credits	2G	A. Rudow
Abstract	Trees and shrubs are significant structural elements of forests and landscapes and drivers of several important ecosystem processes. The course builds on the Introduction to Dendrology (Autumn Semester) and provides a wide survey about the woody plant flora of Central Europe as well as an in-depth knowledge of the identification, the ecology and the use of a large palett of selected species.
Learning objective	Advanced knowledge of the woody plant species native in Middle Europe. Ability to identify selected species and taxonomic groups as well as ability to decribe and explain their morphological, physiological and ecological characteristics. Practical knowledge of in situ observation of woody plants and a differentiated view on forest ecosystems.
Content	Enlargement of the basic knowledge about woody plants on the basis of concrete observations and practical exercises in the classroom as well as on the excursions (building on the course Introduction to Dendrology, Dendrology I). Emphasis on the identification of 160 selected native and introduced tree and shrub species of Central Europe as well as an in-depth knowledge of the mode of life of trees and shrubs and the ecological traits of the 80 most frequent woody plant species (physiology, autecology, synecology, habitat) in the context of current forest and landscape topics.
Lecture notes	Rudow, A., 2019: Gehölzpflanzen Mitteleuropas - Folien (in German). Rudow, A., 2019: Dendrologie II - Bestimmungshilfe für 160 einheimische und eingeführte Gehölzarten (in German). Rudow, A., 2019: Dendrologie II - Ökologische Eigenschaften von 80 häufigen einheimischen und eingeführten Gehölzarten (in German).
Literature	Aas, G., 2017: Bäume und Sträucher. Bestimmungsschlüssel der Gehölze Mitteleuropas (in German). Steiger, P., 2016: Esche, Espe oder Erle? Pflanzenporträts aller wild wachsenden Gehölze Mitteleuropas (in German). (a broad overview on literature will be given during the course)
Prerequisites / Notice	The course is based on 701-0266-00L Introduction into Dendrology (Dendrology I). This or equivalent knowledge is a prerequisite for the course. Half of the course will be held in form of excursions and exercises in the forest (Zurich, Argovia, Alps) and botanical collections. Weatherproof clothes are presupposed.
701-0322-00L	Seminar with Conservation Practitioners	W	2 credits	2S	R. Holderegger, A. L. Bergamini
Abstract	In this seminar, students meet with conservation practitioners. The students and the practitioners, will consider current concepts and problems in nature conservation. This includes input-presentations by practitioners, and students will discuss and treat relevant problems in more detail.
Learning objective	The aim of the seminar is to bring students into contact with practitioners in nature conservation and to consider and discuss current problems of nature conservation in Switzerland.
Content	The seminar consists of several blocks, each dealing with a separate problem or topic of nature conservation. Each block includes a presentation and a more-in-depth treatment of the corresponding theme in student groups and discussions. The invited professionals are from national and cantonal authorities, consulting offices, NGOs or from research institutes. Additionally, there is a short excursion.
Lecture notes	No script. Diverse material will be made available.
Literature	No text book.
Prerequisites / Notice	The additional effort of students, in addition to the lecture hours, is about 2 hours per week. The evaluation of student activities is an integral part of the seminar. Teaching form: This seminar needs the active participation of students! It consists of input talks, group work, presentations, discussions, reading and a short excursion.
701-0324-00L	Rain Forest Ecology	W	2 credits	2G	C. Kettle, C. D. Philipson
Abstract	Tropical rain forests host most of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, are critical to global climate, and support livelihoods of billions of people. This course addresses their ecology with a view to understanding the impact of management and land use change on Forest resilience and capacity to deliver multiple ecosystem services and support sustainable development.
Learning objective	The course has several learning objectives organised in three sections: Overview of rain forest formations 1. Explore the diversity and functioning of one of the world's most important biomes: tropical rain forests. The ecology and dynamics of rain forest systems 2. Introduce and evaluate competing ecological and biogeographic theories of species coexistence. 3. Understand how interacting ecological processes acting over multiple time and spatial scales can shape patterns of species diversity. 4. Explore how species, functional groups and environment interact to shape rain forest structure and function. Conservation and management of tropical rain forest regions 5. Recognise and understand the complexity of threats facing rain forests and their implications to human wellbeing. 6. Apply ecological theory and ecosystem understanding to current conservation challenges. 7. Understand conservation and land management strategies in the tropics and evaluate the conditions for their success A primary objective of the course is to encourage students to use basic ecological knowledge to infer conclusions and evaluate strategies that address more applied environmental challenges. In so doing students would be encouraged to draw upon the ecological knowledge gained from this course, but also from other courses in ecology, ecological genetics, ecosystem function, conservation, agriculture and land use.
Content	The course will first address the fundamental ecological processes underlying tropical rain forest form, diversity and function. Building upon this foundation, issues of more applied relevance will be introduced, including threats to rain forests and their biodiversity, and strategies for biodiversity conservation forest protection. This will gradually be developed to incorporate increasingly broader and global considerations that are highly relevant to tropical rain forests including land use in the context of increasing global food demands and the need to reduce global carbon emissions. The course will draw on ecological theory, biodiversity assessment, economic theory, remote sensing technologies, spatial modelling, environmental services, ecosystem management and land use planning, and will therefore be complementary to a variety of other courses offered at Bachelor and Masters level.
Lecture notes	Leture notes will be provided as necessary for each session. A list of references and case studies will also be given. Each classes will be orientated by a plenary lecture, followed by extensive class discussions and group exercises to be conducted in the sessions. All material will be provided in advance of such discussions.
Literature	Ghazoul, J and Sheil, DS (2010) Tropical rain forest ecology, diversity and conservation. Oxford University Press. And current papers selected from the recent literature
701-0362-00L	Soils and Vegetation of the Alps (Excursion) Diese Exkursion (max. 24 Plätze) gehört zur Vorlesung «Flora und Vegetation der Alpen» (701-0364-00; A. Widmer). Sie kann nur gleichzeitig mit der Vorlesung oder nach bestandener Prüfung belegt werden. Alternativ ist eine Teilnahme möglich mit bestandenen Prüfungen in «Bodenchemie» (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl) und «Pedosphäre» (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar).	W	2 credits	2P	A. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar
Abstract	The excursion in the area of Davos illustrates how climatic and edaphic factors shape the distribution of alpine plants. Visits of multiple sites on different bedrocks in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts reveal connections between climatic conditions, soil formation and vegetation development.
Learning objective	The students - understand how parent rock, topography, climate, and vegetation influence soil forming processes and resulting soil properties (e.g. nutrients, water) in the Alps. - understand, how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants. - are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic bedrock in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. - know characteristic plant species and plant communities of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps.
Content	4-day excursion in the area of Davos with visits of sites on different bedrock (dolomite, gneiss/mica schist, amphibolite, serpentinite) in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. Structure, development and characteristics of the soils and of their effects on the vegetation; characteristic plant species and communities on different soil types.
Lecture notes	A guide to the excursion will be made available.
Literature	Landolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / Notice	Please note that this course will be taught in German.
701-0364-00L	Flora and Vegetation of the Alps Zur dieser Vorlesung gehört eine 4-tägige Exkursion (max. 24 Plätze) nach Davos. Für eine Teilnahme an der Exkursion muss die Lehrveranstaltung «Böden und Vegetation der Alpen» (Nr. 701-0362-00) separat belegt werden.	W	1 credit	1V	A. Widmer
Abstract	This course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the Alps. This includes the climatic conditions at different elevations, the origin of Alpine plants, centers of diversity, ecological requirements and adaptations to prevailing environmental conditions, as well as characteristic plant communities at different altitudes and soil types.
Learning objective	The students - understand how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants - know characteristic plant species of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps - are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic soils in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
Content	Climatic conditions at different elevations in the Alps; origin and distribution patterns; centers of diversity; ecological requirements and adaptations to prevailing environmental conditions; altitudinal belts; characteristic plant communities on different bedrock (dolomite, acidic and basic silicates, serpentine).
Lecture notes	Course material will be provided.
Literature	Landolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / Notice	Solid background in systematic botany and successful participation in the course "Systematic Biology: Plants" (Nr. 701-0360-00). It is further recommended that students have also participated in the block course "Plant Diversity" (Nr. 701-2314-00L), or alternatively the two courses "Plant Diversity: Colline/Montane" (701-0314-00L) and "Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine" (701-0314-01L). Notice: The 4-day excursion “Soils and Vegetation of the Alps” (Nr. 701-0362-00) belongs to this lecture course. The excursion takes place in Davos from Wednesday 1 July to Saturday 4 July 2020. Please note that this course will be taught in German.

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