Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021
Agricultural Sciences Master  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Major in Animal Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methodology Competences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methods for Scientific Research | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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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