Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021
Agricultural Sciences Master  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Major in Animal Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disciplinary Competences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LivestockSystems | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 751-6501-00L | Ruminant Science (HS) | W+ | 4 credits | 4G | K. Giller, M. Terranova, U. Witschi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects of reproduction and nutrition physiology of ruminants, and of the implications for animal health, product quality, and breeding programs. Means of knowledge transfer include interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary parts, web-based learning and self-study. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | At the end of the course the students are able to apply, by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, their knowledge in various fields of ruminant science. They will be able to develop and recommend best strategies for breeding programs, feed formulation, improving forage quality, and increasing animal health. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (FS) offered in spring has a similar structure but is complementary to this course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Fields (contact hours) - Introduction: 2 h - Special topics: 20 h - Rumen Anatomy - Hohenheim Gas Test - Calf health - Reproduction Techniques - Fertility in Cows - Disciplinary topics: 32 h - Ruminal Digestion: 8 h - Ruminant Nutrition Physiology: 12 h - Reproduction in Ruminants: 8 h - Lectures held by the students: 4 h In summary - Contact hours: 58 h - Self-study within semester: 30 h (especially preparation for the interdisciplinary courses and the own lecture) - Self-study in semester break: 32 h Total: 120 h | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Documentations, links and other materials will be provided at the start of the course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Information on books and other references will be communicated during the course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The specialty of this course is that for the first time the animal science disciplines are unified. This is realised with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary special topics and new forms of teaching. At the same time the essential basics in the central fields are communicated. The field of Ruminant Science will also be a part of the spring semester (special topics: Organic Ruminant Systems, Tropical Ruminant Systems, Mastitis; disciplinary courses: Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding, Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis, Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment). However both courses are organized independently. Conditions for successful participation: Background on animal science from the Bachelor is desired. In order to attend the Minor in Ruminant Science without any animal science background, a realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended (e.g. by choosing an appropriate bachelor course which then may be counted as 'optional courses' in the master). These efforts depend on the extent to which animal science courses have already been attended in the bachelor. The control of performance will consist of: - an own short lecture - a final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6601-00L | Pig Science (HS) Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | to be announced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of pig animal health and behaviour and of the implications for husbandry and animal welfare. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students will - understand the complex interactions of health management, behaviour and husbandry. - be trained to understand interdisciplinary and disciplinary research. - be able to critically analyze published research data. - be able to present precise scientific reports in oral and written form. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Topics: -Understanding natural behaviour of pigs to improve their management -Welfare challenges in pig production -On-farm and post-mortem health assessment -Farrowing and lactation -Pig reproduction and associated problems -Piglet mortality and morbidity -Emotions -Cognition -Pain There will be 1 excursion to the pig stable of AgroVet Strickhof. The final grade will be based on a poster presentation (30%, mid-semester) and a final written exam (70%, end of semester) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts/scripts are distributed by the the lecturers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Specific literature is indicated by the lecturers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Knowledge in animal health, animal welfare and ethology is recommended but not required. The lectures will be in English and German (depending on the lecturers) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6001-00L | Forum: Livestock in the World Food System  Number of participants limited to 20. | W+ | 2 credits | 1S | S. Meese | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This forum is a platform for the critical reflection of relevant topics of livestock in the frame of the world food system comprising issues from basic knowledge to acceptance in society. The exchange is operated by scientific writing and presentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | In the Forum "Livestock in the World Food System", a topic of significance for livestock agriculture is selected by the students and subsequently dealt with from various angles (from scientific basis to production systems, environmental aspects and to the acceptance by society). The students learn to present a scientific subject in writing and orally to an audience and to defend the presentation in a discussion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The Forum "Livestock in the World Food System" will take place in blocks of 2 hours each. Once the general topic has been selected, it comprises two elements: Element 1. Oral presentation: The students form small groups and are lecturers. There are chair persons (moderators) from outside of these small groups and they also head the discussion. The remaining students and lecturer are the audience. Element 2. Scientific writing: 1. preparation of a short scientific type of paper from a result table offered by the lecturers 2. writing of a critical review of a chosen topic. There will be a discussion in small groups at several choosable dates. Introductions to both forms of presentation will be offered by the lecturer. The preparation of the oral and written presentations takes place to a small part during the 2-h blocks and mainly outside of this time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | no scriptum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Requirements for allocation of the two credit points: - Theatre presentation (with handout) at the forum - Delivery of written documents of sufficient quality - Active participation during the presentations by the other participants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Livestock Biology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-7211-00L | Ruminal Digestion Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 1 credit | 1G | not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course broadens the knowledge in one of the most important aspects of ruminant nutrition: the microbial digestion in the rumen (and in the hindgut). For a comprehensive understanding of the rumen microbial ecosystem, the mechanisms of nutrient fermentation and the synthesis of microbial protein, thorough basics are provided. Apart from lectures, group and laboratory exercises are included. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The course enables students to understand in detail how ruminal digestion works and how this knowledge can be applied to design optimal feeding diets using highly fibrous forages and a variety of other feeds. The students also are able to show how to modify the most important rumen microbes beneficially by nutritional means. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Structure of the contact hour part of the course (16 h): 2 h Introduction and blackboard exercise 8 h Basic topics in ruminal digestion, lectures and group exercises: - Systematics of the microbes involved in microbial digestion - Measurement of microbial digestion - Interactions of microbes and epithelium of the digestive tract - Differences between ruminal and hindgut microbial digestion - Microbial nutrient degradation and its modification - Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis - Manipulation of the ruminal digestion 4 h exercise at AgroVet-Strickhof: - Measurements of microbial digestion - Laboratory exercise with a rumen fistulated cow and a Rumen Simulation Technique 2 h Final seminar The non-contact hour part is to comprehend the information given and to prepare either the written report or the oral presentation (cf. "Besonderes") | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes are provided via Moodle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Will be communicated at the start of the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The course is a balanced mixture of blackboard exercise, laboratory exercise, group exercise, lecture and student seminar presentation. Credit point associated with grade of either a written report or an oral presentation in the final seminar (both on a self-chosen related topic) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6113-00L | Endocrinology and Biology of Reproduction | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | S. E. Ulbrich, S. M. Bernal Ulloa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsbiologie der Säugetiere und des Menschen (Anatomie, Morphologie, Physiologie, Regelmechanismen) Die Systematik der Reproduktionshormone und der Hormonrezeptoren wird erläutert, die Wirkungsmechanismen (Bildung; orale Bioverfügbarkeit; Elimination) erklärt. Mit diesen Grundlagen wird das Verständnis der Regulation der Fortpflanzung umfassend erörtert. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Die Studierenden erlangen das grundlegende theoretische Verständnis und Fachwissen zur Endokrinologie der Reproduktion und zur weiblichen und männlichen Reproduktionsbiologie. Sie können darüber hinaus pathologische Situationen (Fortpflanzungsstörungen) und deren vielfältige Ursachen in den physiologischen Kontext einordnen. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-7310-00L | Bioactive Food and Feed Components | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | K. Giller | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The course provides students with the basic knowledge to understand the connection between the structure of nutritive and non-nutritive bioactive food and feed components and their effects on the nutrient supply and health of humans and livestock as well as on the quality of animal-derived foods. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | At the end of this course, the students are aware of food and feed as sources of different bioactive compounds. By a comprehensive understanding of the connection between bioavailability, molecular mechanisms and biological effects, they are able to apply their knowledge on beneficial and detrimental effects of bioactive food and feed components in the fields of human and animal nutrition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course gives an introduction into different classes of bioactive components present in food and feed including fatty acids and secondary plant compounds such as carotenoids, polyphenols, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, protease inhibitors and monoterpenes. Topics include: - sources of bioactive food and feed components - bioavailability and modification in the gastrointestinal tract - beneficial and detrimental effects - molecular mechanisms of biological effects - species differences concerning metabolism and biological effects | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The teaching slides and other materials will be provided during the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Information about books and other references will be communicated during the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-0263-01L | Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | R. R. Regös, S. Bonhoeffer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Students of this course will discuss current topics from the field of infectious disease biology. From a list of publications, each student chooses some themes that he/she is going to explain and discuss with all other participants and under supervision. The actual topics will change from year to year corresponding to the progress and new results occuring in the field. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | This is an advanced course that will require significant student participation. Students will learn how to evaluate and present scientific literature and trace the development of ideas related to understanding the ecology and evolutionary biology of infectious diseases. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | A core set of ~10 classic publications encompassing unifying themes in infectious disease ecology and evolution, such as virulence, resistance, metapopulations, networks, and competition will be presented and discussed. Pathogens will include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hosts will include animals, plants and humans. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Publications and class notes can be downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Papers will be assigned and downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Livestock Genetics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6243-00L | Breeding and conservation of Animal Genetic Resources | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | H. Signer-Hasler, C. Flury, S. Neuenschwander | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Animal genetic resources refer to the genetic and species diversity of livestock. Only a few production breeds have been further developed through breeding, while local breeds have no longer been able to survive in this competition. Without the support of endangered breeds and the sustainable breeding of productive breeds, many regionally typical breeds are threatened with extinction. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Learning Objectives: Part 1: At the end of the course, students are able to assess the importance and problems of small ruminant breeding and husbandry in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. They know the most important breeding objectives and are able to assess them in terms of production and sustainable development in small ruminants and cattle. Learning objectives part 2: The second part gives an overview of the distribution, endangerment and conservation of breed diversity of farm animals in Switzerland and internationally. The theory is illustrated with numerous examples and the knowledge is deepened in exercises. The students: - have an overview of the national and international distribution of animal genetic resources and are familiar with the database DAD-IS (Domestic Animal Diversity Information System). - can name the national and international efforts to conserve agricultural livestock breeds. - know how to describe genetic diversity. - can point out what is important in the management of small populations. - can describe different conservation measures, especially in situ and ex situ conservation. - can describe current national and international conservation programmes for different livestock breeds. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Examination: Examination Part 1: Graded written examination (1 hour) on the material covered. Examination Part 2: Graded semester performance completed during the block course. Parts 1 and 2 contribute equally to the final grade. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6305-00L | Livestock Breeding and Genomics | W | 3 credits | 3G | P. von Rohr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Swiss routine breeding value estimation/genetic evaluation systems of cattle, pig, sheep and goats are presented with methods and evaluated traits. Examples will be demonstrated using the statistical software R. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The students know the theoretical and practical application of breeding value estimation in Switzerland for cattle, pig, sheep and goats. The students are able to interpret estimated breeding values. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | basic principles of genetic evaluations Applied genetic evaluation in cattle (data, methods, traits, national and international genetic evaluations) Applied genetic evaluation in pigs (data, methods, traits) Applied genetic evaluation in sheep and goats (data, methods, traits) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Course notes in the form of a monograph, copies of the slides and solutions to the exercise questions are available on the net. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | To be announced in the lectures. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methodology Competences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methods for Scientific Research | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-3801-00L | Experimental Design and Applied Statistics in Agroecosystem Science | W | 3 credits | 2G | A. Hund, W. Eugster, C. Grieder, R. Kölliker | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Different experimental designs will be discussed and various statistical tools will be applied to research questions in agroecosystem sciences. Statistical methods range from simple analysis of variance to mixed-models and multivariate statistics. Surveys and manipulative field and laboratory experiments are addressed and students learn to analyse data using a hands-on approach. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students will know various statistical analyses and their application to science problems in their study area as well as a wide range of experimental design options used in environmental and agricultural sciences. They will practice to use statistical software packages (R), understand pros and cons of various designs and statistics, and be able to statistically evaluate their own results as well as those of published studies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course program uses a learning-by-doing approach ("hands-on minds-on"). The topics are introduced as short lectures, but most of the work is done on the computer using different packages of R – a software for statistical computing and graphics. In addition to contact hours exercises must be finalized and handed in for grading. The credit points will be given based on successful assessments of selected exercises. The tentative schedule contains the following topics: Introduction to experimental design and applied statistics in R Data handling and data exploration with tidyverse Designs of field and growth chamber experiments theory Design creation with DiGGer Fitting linear mixed-effects models with lme4 Marginal means estimation and post-hoc tests with emmeans Nonlinear regression fits Statistical learning techniques Principle component analysis, canonical correpondence analysis (CCA), cluster analysis Random forest This course does not provide the mathematical background that students are expected to bring along when signing up to this course. Alternatively, students can consider some aspects of this course as a first exposure to solutions in experimental design and applied statistics and then deepen their understanding in follow-up statistical courses. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts will be available (in English) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | A selection of suggested additional literature, especially for German speaking students will be presented in the introductory lecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is based on the course Mathematik IV: Statistik, passed in the 2nd year and the Bachelor's course "Wissenschaftliche Datenauswertung und Datenpräsentation" (751-0441-00L) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 751-6127-00L | Practical Course in Microscopy of Functional Histology Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Die "Funktionelle Histologie" beschreibt die histologischen und zytologischen Strukturen mit ihren jeweiligen Aufgaben und Wechselwirkungen innerhalb ausgewählter Organsysteme. Die endokrinologisch relevanten Organe und deren Präparation werden am Beispiel des Rindes kennengelernt. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Grundlagen der Histologie; Gewebedünnschnitte (Gefrier- und Paraffinschnitte) und deren Übersichtsfärbungen und Immunhistochemie; Fortgeschrittene Mikroskopie von Gewebedünnschnitten; Kritische Bewertung von Physiologie/Pathologie aufgrund morphologisch/histologischer Kriterien | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Jeder/m Studierenden wird ein Organ zugeteilt, mit welchem sie/er sich intensiv theoretisch und praktisch auseinandersetzt. Anhand dieses Organes als rotem Faden, welches vom Schlachthof bereitgestellt und von den Studierenden selber seziert, eingebettet, geschnitten, gefärbt und mikroskopiert wird, werden die Lernziele erreicht. Die theoretischen Grundlagen werden in der Vorbereitung zum Kurs selbstständig erarbeitet. Zur Vorbereitung dient ein ausführliches Skript über die Herstellung mikroskopischer Präparate, zu Übersichtsfärbungen und zu den Prinzipien der Immunohistologie sowie zu den mikroskopischen Techniken und originäre Literatur über die Funktion des Organs in Zusammenhang mit agrarwissenschaftlichem Kontext. Die Theorie wird im Kurs im Detail vertieft und diskutiert. Im Praktikum werden das Erstellen von Gewebedünnschnitten (Kryo- und Paraffinschnitte) und das Mikroskopieren von gefärbten und ungefärbten Gewebeschnitten selbstständig durchgeführt. Die Techniken der Übersichtsfärbungen werden angewandt und durch den Nachweis spezifischer Proteine mittels Immunhistochemie ergänzt. Die Darstellung und Erkennung von Einzelstrukturen ermöglicht ein Verständnis für das jeweils übergeordnete endokrine System, in dessen Zusammenhang das Organ steht. Pathologische Veränderungen werden Präparationsartefakten gegenübergestellt und somit eine kritische Bewertung von Beurteilungen aufgrund morphologischer Kriterien vorgenommen. Aktivitäten: 5 Tage Praktischer Kurs mit theoretischen Einheiten, Vorbereitung der theoretischen Grundlagen im Selbststudium im Vorfeld, eine mündliche Präsentation der erhaltenen Ergebnisse und eine schriftliche Zusammenfassung (Arbeitsbericht) nach Abschluss des Kurses. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | In Form eines Vortrags werden den anderen TeilnehmerInnen das zugeteilte Organ bzw Gewebe bezüglich der Morphologie, Histologie und funktioneller Gesichtspunkte vorgestellt. In der Nachbereitung zum Praktikum wird ein Bericht angefertigt, in dem die Vorgehensweise (Verfahrensprotokoll), die Befunde (Ergebnisprotokoll) und die kritische Auseinandersetzung mit den Inhalten des Praktikums (kritische Beurteilung) dokumentiert werden. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6129-00L | Practical Course Epigenetics Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The practical course will comprise of lecture elements introducing the topic of epigenetics and a large amount of practical work where you will be able to perform DNA methylation analyses on your own. In particular, we will focus on DNA extraction and the estimation of global and local DNA methylation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The competencies and aims for the course are: Get first hands-on experience with the experimental techniques. Answer a scientific question by conducting experiments. Obtain results of an experiment and get insight into what affects technical variation and thus influences reproducibility. Interpret results in an adequate manner to solve a scientific question. Combine results to draw an adequate conclusion. Present a research paper on epigenetics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | You will receive in advance a selection of research papers, a document with the theoretical background of the techniques included in the course, the slides of the lessons in pdf and a detailed protocol of the work we will do. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | For receiving a total of 3 Credit Points for this practical course we kindly ask you to actively take part in the practical performance. In addition, you will have to present an original research publication, address questions from your colleagues and actively participate in the discussion. The last day, you will need to pass a short written examination about the theoretical background of the techniques and results interpretation. Finally, after the course, you will have to write a lab report to be handed in at the beginning of the spring semester. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6003-00L | Training Course in Research Groups (Large) | W+ | 6 credits | 13P | S. M. Bernal Ulloa, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, M. Saenz de Juano Ribes, S. E. Ulbrich | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | - Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research - Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training) - Application of the gained knowledge | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups in the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Specific readings after enlisting in a particular research group. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve). The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends. The total time budget is equivalent to about 180 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 6 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6003-01L | Training Course in Research Groups (Small) | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | S. M. Bernal Ulloa, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, M. Saenz de Juano Ribes, S. E. Ulbrich | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | - Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research - Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training) - Application of the gained knowledge | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups in the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Specific readings after enlisting in a particular research group. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve). The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends. The total time budget is equivalent to about 90 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 3 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Management for Scientific Research | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-6001-00L | Forum: Livestock in the World Food System Number of participants limited to 20. | W+ | 2 credits | 1S | S. Meese | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This forum is a platform for the critical reflection of relevant topics of livestock in the frame of the world food system comprising issues from basic knowledge to acceptance in society. The exchange is operated by scientific writing and presentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | In the Forum "Livestock in the World Food System", a topic of significance for livestock agriculture is selected by the students and subsequently dealt with from various angles (from scientific basis to production systems, environmental aspects and to the acceptance by society). The students learn to present a scientific subject in writing and orally to an audience and to defend the presentation in a discussion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The Forum "Livestock in the World Food System" will take place in blocks of 2 hours each. Once the general topic has been selected, it comprises two elements: Element 1. Oral presentation: The students form small groups and are lecturers. There are chair persons (moderators) from outside of these small groups and they also head the discussion. The remaining students and lecturer are the audience. Element 2. Scientific writing: 1. preparation of a short scientific type of paper from a result table offered by the lecturers 2. writing of a critical review of a chosen topic. There will be a discussion in small groups at several choosable dates. Introductions to both forms of presentation will be offered by the lecturer. The preparation of the oral and written presentations takes place to a small part during the 2-h blocks and mainly outside of this time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | no scriptum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Requirements for allocation of the two credit points: - Theatre presentation (with handout) at the forum - Delivery of written documents of sufficient quality - Active participation during the presentations by the other participants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 751-5201-10L | Tropical Cropping Systems, Soils and Livelihoods This course has been restructured due to Covid-19 restrictions, part I (2 CP) takes place in Autumn 2021, part II (3 CP) in Spring 2022, with an excursion/fieldwork. For more information, please contact the lecturer: kenza.benabderrazik@usys.ethz.ch | W+ | 2 credits | 2G | J. Six, K. Benabderrazik | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course guides students in analyzing and comprehending tropical agroecosystems. Students gain theoretical knowledge of field methods, diagnostic tools for tropical soils and agroecosystems. Various experts will present their projects and perspectives on various subjects from Food security, Resilience to Soil physics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Part 1 (1) Overview of the major land use systems in Tropical agroecosystems in several contexts Africa (2) Interdisciplinary analysis of agricultural production systems (3) Knowledge on methods to assess Food and energy security in tropical agroecosystems Part 2 (4) Hands-on training on the use of field methods, diagnostic tools and survey methods. (5) Gain practical knowledge on how to assess Food and Energy Security (6) Collaboration in international students and stakeholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Part 1 (Fall semester 2021) This course guides students in analyzing and comprehending tropical agroecosystems. Students gain theoretical knowledge of field methods, diagnostic tools for tropical soils and agroecosystems. Various experts will present their projects and perspectives on various subjects from Food security, resilience to soil physics or agricultural economics. Students will engage in readings, discussions and exchanges on the specificities of tropical agriculture. Part 2 (Spring 2022) On the second module, students gain practical knowledge on field - An integral part of the course is the two-week field project in a Tropical region, meeting several stakeholders of the agricultural and food systems and conducting various assessments related to Food and Energy Security. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Students can only join Part 2 if Part 1 was taken and validated first. A selection of 20 students for the Part 2 will be done on the basis of several elements. We would require the students enrolled to the class to send a short cover letter (1-page max.) by September 28th 2021, justifying your motivation to enroll to this class. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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