Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
GESS Science in Perspective Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses. Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.
Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents Subject-specific courses: Recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the same course again. All these courses are listed under the category “Typ A”, this means, every student can enroll in these courses.
D-ARCH
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0252-08L	Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools For Evaluating Architectural Design Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH	W	3 credits	2S	M. Gath Morad, C. Hölscher, C. Veddeler
Abstract	The course focus is on pre-occupancy evaluation in architecture to support an evidence-based design process. Students are taught a variety of methods such as virtual reality, agent-based simulations and spatial analysis. The course is project-oriented and is open for architecture and STEM students with an interest in interdisciplinary teamwork.
Objective	This semester, students would focus on evaluating healthcare and office typologies from the perspective of building occupants’ and across scenarios, including routine operation and post-pandemic scenarios. Students will apply the tools learned in the course to compare building typologies, using various metrics including spatial proximity, visibility, orientation and movement. On the basis of this multi-objective evaluation, students would propose and evaluate design interventions across scenarios, identifying the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and threats across the various typologies. The course is tailored for students studying for B-ARCH and M-ARCH degrees and is also suitable for students in STEM faculties. As an alternative to obtaining D-GESS credit, architecture students can obtain course credit in "Vertiefungsfach" or "Wahlfach".
Lecture notes	English
851-0648-00L	Machine Learning for Global Development Number of participants limited to 24 Prerequisite: Students on BSc or MSc level who have already successfully participated in a data science and programming course.	W	3 credits	2G	J. D. Wegner, L. Hensgen, A. Rom
Abstract	In this course students will learn theories of machine learning and its application to problems in the context of global development, with a focus on developing countries (e.g. predicting the risk of child labor or chances of a malaria outbreak). By the end of the course, students will be able to critically reflect upon linkages between technical innovations, culture and individual/societal needs.
Objective	The objective of this course is to introduce students with a non-technical background to machine learning. Emphasis is on hands-on programming and implementation of basic machine learning concepts to demystify the subject, equip participants with all necessary insights and tools to develop their own solutions, and to come up with original ideas for problems related to the context of global development. Specific importance is placed upon the reconciliation of the predictions, which have been generated by automated processes, with the realities on the ground; hence the linkage between technical and social issues. This raises questions such as “In how far can we trust an algorithm?”, “Which factors are hard to measure and therefore not integrated in the algorithm but still crucial for the result, such as cultural and social influences?”. These questions will be discussed in the interdisciplinary group, equipping students with various perspectives on this crucial and very current debate.
Content	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on global development. We will discuss topics like data preprocessing, feature extraction, clustering, regression, classification and take some first steps towards modern deep learning. The course will consist of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on programming in python, where students will directly implement learned theory as a software to help solving problems in global development.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on applications in global development. It will consist of 50% lectures and 50% programming exercises (in python). Teaching assistants from the EcoVision Lab will help with all programming exercises without any needs for additional funding. Students should bring their laptops to the exercises because we will program on laptops directly. It is required that students enrolling in this course have successfully passed a course that deals with basic data science and are familiar with programming (preferably in Python).
851-0174-00L	Rebooting AI: Human and Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence Suitable only for MA and PhD students	W	3 credits	2G	J. L. Gastaldi, O. Del Fabbro, A. Nardo, D. Trninic
Abstract	Several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective on this phenomenon. Sessions will delve into aspects of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Discuss relevant aspects of the impact of AI in human and social life -Obtain theoretical and methodological tools for critically assessing the place of technology in society -Develop a critical understanding of the conceptual grounds of AI -Acquire a general perspective on the different fields and points of views in the humanities -Engage in collaborative work with researchers in the humanities
Content	The last decades have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although mainly technical feat, such advances have decisive consequences in a wide variety of aspects of human and social life. Even more, AI is challenging in multiple ways our very understanding of what is to be a human. However, despite the significance of the transformations at stake, the perspectives of the humanities -traditionally established as a valid source of critical inquiry into human matters- are generally relegated to a secondary role in the development of AI. In this seminar, several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective which could be taken as a legitimate interlocutor in the debates arising around the current stakes of technology in our society. The seminar will take the form of presentations based on critical readings of chosen texts, followed by group discussions. Each session will delve into one aspect of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”, confronting how they are dealt with in state-of-the-art texts in AI and relevant works in the humanities. We expect students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other fields outside the humanities to actively contribute to a collective construction, which could lead to further collaboration within but also outside this course. As part of the Turing Centre, this seminar intends to sow the seed of a suitable and long-term environment for the exchange of ideas between multiple fields in the natural sciences and the humanities. The seminar will be conducted by Olivier Del Frabbro, Juan Luis Gastaldi, Aline Nardo, Vanessa Rampton and Dragan Trninic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Suitable only for MA and PhD students
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).
052-0518-21L	Theory and Practice: Special Turn and Immaterial Space Joseph Beuys versus René Descartes	W	2 credits	2G	C. Posthofen, A. Brandlhuber
Abstract	Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene´ Descartes and the "understanding" in Beuys' sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial-theoretical and spatial-practical consequences. In dealing with this, the students work on their own position on spatial theory, whereby material and immaterial spatial aspects play a role.
Objective	The students gain insight into the spectrum of epistemological and perceptual theories, learn to read them and analyze and critique their respective requirements. From this work an object relationship model is developing in progress, which serves self-examination in the design process as well as the evaluation of architectural situations in general and in particular. The writing of "scientific diaries" in which the contents of the colloquium are combined with the everyday experience of the students in free form, trains the concentrated result-oriented thinking in general, as well as in architectural situations. The special form of the writing of the "cientific diary" leads abstract theory together with the experience of the students and make the knowledge cratively available in their own way.
Content	Special turn and immaterial space. Joseph Beuys “how I explain art to the dead rabbit” versus Rene ‘Descartes“ I think therefore I am ”. Reflections and exercises on the aesthetics of the room. Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene 'Descartes, as also about "understanding" in the Beuysian sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial theory and practical consequences. In dispute a.o. with these opposing positions, the seminar participants worked on one own spatial theory position. Both material and intangible spatial aspects play a role.
Lecture notes	Hand out at the first meeting.
Literature	Rene’Descartes, Meditations, Felix Meiner Verlag, Hamburg 2009; Volker Harland, What is Art? Workshop talk with Beuys, Urachhaus Verlag, Stuttgart 2001; Harlan, Rappmann, Schata, Soziale Plastik - Material zu Joseph Beuys, Achberger Verlag, Achberg 1984.

D-BAUG
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0702-01L	Public Construction Law Particularly suitable for students of D-BAUG	W	2 credits	2V	O. Bucher
Abstract	Students will be introduced to the basic principles of planning and public construction legislation (development application procedures) as well as to the basics of public procurement law.
Objective	Students shall have an understanding for the basic principles of planning and public construction legislation (incl. environmental law, development application procedures) as well as for the basics of public procurement law.
Content	Topics of this unit are: 1. Fundamentals of planning and public construction legislation (development, constitutional and legal foundation, basic principles and aims of spatial planning), 2. Federal, cantonal and communal planning legislation, 3. Public construction law (accessibility, zoning, construction and land use regulations [incl. environmental, water, heritage and energy use law], 4. Development application proceedings (obtaining development consent, appeal proceedings), 5. Basics of public procurement law
Lecture notes	ALAIN GRIFFEL, Raumplanungs- und Baurecht - in a nutshell, Dike Verlag, 3. A., Zürich 2017 CLAUDIA SCHNEIDER HEUSI, Vergaberecht - in a nutshell, Dike Verlag, 2. A., Zürich 2018 Die Vorlesung basiert auf diesen Lehrmitteln.
Literature	PETER HÄNNI, Planungs-, Bau- und besonderes Umweltschutzrecht, 6. A., Bern 2016 WALTER HALLER/PETER KARLEN, Raumplanungs-, Bau- und Umweltrecht, Bd. I, 3. A., Zürich 1999
Prerequisites / Notice	Voraussetzungen: Vorlesung Rechtslehre GZ (851-0703-00/01)
851-0648-00L	Machine Learning for Global Development Number of participants limited to 24 Prerequisite: Students on BSc or MSc level who have already successfully participated in a data science and programming course.	W	3 credits	2G	J. D. Wegner, L. Hensgen, A. Rom
Abstract	In this course students will learn theories of machine learning and its application to problems in the context of global development, with a focus on developing countries (e.g. predicting the risk of child labor or chances of a malaria outbreak). By the end of the course, students will be able to critically reflect upon linkages between technical innovations, culture and individual/societal needs.
Objective	The objective of this course is to introduce students with a non-technical background to machine learning. Emphasis is on hands-on programming and implementation of basic machine learning concepts to demystify the subject, equip participants with all necessary insights and tools to develop their own solutions, and to come up with original ideas for problems related to the context of global development. Specific importance is placed upon the reconciliation of the predictions, which have been generated by automated processes, with the realities on the ground; hence the linkage between technical and social issues. This raises questions such as “In how far can we trust an algorithm?”, “Which factors are hard to measure and therefore not integrated in the algorithm but still crucial for the result, such as cultural and social influences?”. These questions will be discussed in the interdisciplinary group, equipping students with various perspectives on this crucial and very current debate.
Content	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on global development. We will discuss topics like data preprocessing, feature extraction, clustering, regression, classification and take some first steps towards modern deep learning. The course will consist of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on programming in python, where students will directly implement learned theory as a software to help solving problems in global development.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on applications in global development. It will consist of 50% lectures and 50% programming exercises (in python). Teaching assistants from the EcoVision Lab will help with all programming exercises without any needs for additional funding. Students should bring their laptops to the exercises because we will program on laptops directly. It is required that students enrolling in this course have successfully passed a course that deals with basic data science and are familiar with programming (preferably in Python).

D-BIOL
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0158-13L	Ecology and Environmentalism Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ERDW, D-HEST, D-USYS, D-BIOL	W	3 credits	2S	N. Guettler
Abstract	The notion of „ecology“ refers to both, scientific research on environments as well as their protection. But how have academic ecology and the environmental movements intersected throughout history?
Objective	In the seminar, students will read and discuss key sources as well as secondary literature on the knowledge transfers between scientific ecology and the environmental movements of the 19th and 20th century. Topics range from 19th-century homeland movement and the rise of ecological awareness in colonial settings, to the rise of an environmental awareness during the Cold War, with a special focus on „green“ politics in Europe. Apart from scientists and „counter-scientists“ the seminar focuses on concepts and ideas that circulated between academic ecology and different nature movements. The participants learn to engage historically with original texts as well as to handle independently the extensive historical literature on the history of environmentalism. At the same time, they develop a critical understanding of different political agendas that have shaped academic and popular ecology until the present day. Students also learn to communicate their findings by writing short (and fictive) blog posts on different aspects of this history.
851-0174-00L	Rebooting AI: Human and Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence Suitable only for MA and PhD students	W	3 credits	2G	J. L. Gastaldi, O. Del Fabbro, A. Nardo, D. Trninic
Abstract	Several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective on this phenomenon. Sessions will delve into aspects of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Discuss relevant aspects of the impact of AI in human and social life -Obtain theoretical and methodological tools for critically assessing the place of technology in society -Develop a critical understanding of the conceptual grounds of AI -Acquire a general perspective on the different fields and points of views in the humanities -Engage in collaborative work with researchers in the humanities
Content	The last decades have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although mainly technical feat, such advances have decisive consequences in a wide variety of aspects of human and social life. Even more, AI is challenging in multiple ways our very understanding of what is to be a human. However, despite the significance of the transformations at stake, the perspectives of the humanities -traditionally established as a valid source of critical inquiry into human matters- are generally relegated to a secondary role in the development of AI. In this seminar, several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective which could be taken as a legitimate interlocutor in the debates arising around the current stakes of technology in our society. The seminar will take the form of presentations based on critical readings of chosen texts, followed by group discussions. Each session will delve into one aspect of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”, confronting how they are dealt with in state-of-the-art texts in AI and relevant works in the humanities. We expect students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other fields outside the humanities to actively contribute to a collective construction, which could lead to further collaboration within but also outside this course. As part of the Turing Centre, this seminar intends to sow the seed of a suitable and long-term environment for the exchange of ideas between multiple fields in the natural sciences and the humanities. The seminar will be conducted by Olivier Del Frabbro, Juan Luis Gastaldi, Aline Nardo, Vanessa Rampton and Dragan Trninic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Suitable only for MA and PhD students
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

D-CHAB
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

D-ERDW
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
860-0015-00L	Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I	W	3 credits	2G	B. Wehrli, F. Brugger, K. Dolejs Schlöglova, M. Haupt, C. Karydas
Abstract	Students critically assess the economic, social, political, and environmental implications of extracting and using energy resources, metals, and bulk materials along the mineral resource cycle for society. They explore various decision-making tools that support policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resources, and gain insight into different perspectives from government, industry, and NGOs.
Objective	Students will be able to: - Explain basic concepts applied in resource economics, economic geology, extraction, processing and recycling technologies, environmental and health impact assessments, resource governance, and secondary materials. - Evaluate the policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resource extraction. - Examine decision-making tools for mineral resource related projects. - Engage constructively with key actors from governmental organizations, mining and trading companies, and NGOs, dealing with issues along the mineral resource cycle.
Prerequisites / Notice	Bachelor of Science, Architecture or Engineering, and enrolled in a Master's or PhD program at ETH Zurich. Students must be enrolled in this course in order to participate in the case study module course 860-0016-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources II.
860-0016-00L	Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources II Number of participants limited to 12. First priority will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science, Technology, and Policy Program. These students must confirm their participation by 12.02.2021 by registration through myStudies. Students on the waiting list will be notified at the start of the semester. Prerequisite is 860-0015-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I.	W	3 credits	2U	B. Wehrli, F. Brugger, S. Pfister
Abstract	Students integrate their knowledge of mineral resources and technical skills to frame and investigate a commodity-specific challenge faced by countries involved in resource extraction. By own research they evaluate possible policy-relevant solutions, engaging in interdisciplinary teams coached by tutors and experts from natural social and engineering sciences.
Objective	Students will be able to: - Integrate, and extend by own research, their knowledge of mineral resources from course 860-0015-00, in a solution-oriented team with mixed expertise - Apply their problem solving, and analytical skills to critically assess, and define a complex, real-world mineral resource problem, and propose possible solutions. - Summarize and synthesize published literature and expert knowledge, evaluate decision-making tools, and policies applied to mineral resources. - Document and communicate the findings in concise group presentations and a report.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisite is 860-0015-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I. Limited to 12 participants. First priority will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science, Technology, and Policy Program. These students must confirm their participation by February 7th by registration through MyStudies. Students on the waiting list will be notified at the start of the semester.
851-0158-13L	Ecology and Environmentalism Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ERDW, D-HEST, D-USYS, D-BIOL	W	3 credits	2S	N. Guettler
Abstract	The notion of „ecology“ refers to both, scientific research on environments as well as their protection. But how have academic ecology and the environmental movements intersected throughout history?
Objective	In the seminar, students will read and discuss key sources as well as secondary literature on the knowledge transfers between scientific ecology and the environmental movements of the 19th and 20th century. Topics range from 19th-century homeland movement and the rise of ecological awareness in colonial settings, to the rise of an environmental awareness during the Cold War, with a special focus on „green“ politics in Europe. Apart from scientists and „counter-scientists“ the seminar focuses on concepts and ideas that circulated between academic ecology and different nature movements. The participants learn to engage historically with original texts as well as to handle independently the extensive historical literature on the history of environmentalism. At the same time, they develop a critical understanding of different political agendas that have shaped academic and popular ecology until the present day. Students also learn to communicate their findings by writing short (and fictive) blog posts on different aspects of this history.
851-0648-00L	Machine Learning for Global Development Number of participants limited to 24 Prerequisite: Students on BSc or MSc level who have already successfully participated in a data science and programming course.	W	3 credits	2G	J. D. Wegner, L. Hensgen, A. Rom
Abstract	In this course students will learn theories of machine learning and its application to problems in the context of global development, with a focus on developing countries (e.g. predicting the risk of child labor or chances of a malaria outbreak). By the end of the course, students will be able to critically reflect upon linkages between technical innovations, culture and individual/societal needs.
Objective	The objective of this course is to introduce students with a non-technical background to machine learning. Emphasis is on hands-on programming and implementation of basic machine learning concepts to demystify the subject, equip participants with all necessary insights and tools to develop their own solutions, and to come up with original ideas for problems related to the context of global development. Specific importance is placed upon the reconciliation of the predictions, which have been generated by automated processes, with the realities on the ground; hence the linkage between technical and social issues. This raises questions such as “In how far can we trust an algorithm?”, “Which factors are hard to measure and therefore not integrated in the algorithm but still crucial for the result, such as cultural and social influences?”. These questions will be discussed in the interdisciplinary group, equipping students with various perspectives on this crucial and very current debate.
Content	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on global development. We will discuss topics like data preprocessing, feature extraction, clustering, regression, classification and take some first steps towards modern deep learning. The course will consist of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on programming in python, where students will directly implement learned theory as a software to help solving problems in global development.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on applications in global development. It will consist of 50% lectures and 50% programming exercises (in python). Teaching assistants from the EcoVision Lab will help with all programming exercises without any needs for additional funding. Students should bring their laptops to the exercises because we will program on laptops directly. It is required that students enrolling in this course have successfully passed a course that deals with basic data science and are familiar with programming (preferably in Python).
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

D-HEST
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0708-00L	Introduction to Law Introduction to Law as GESS Compulsory Elective Course: Students who have attended or will attend the lecture "Introduction to Law for Architecture" (851-0703-01L), "Introduction to Law for Civil Engineering" (851-0703-03L) or " Introduction to Law" (851-0703-00) , cannot register for this course unit. Particularly suitable for students of D-HEST, D-MAVT, D-MATL, D-USYS.	W	2 credits	2V	A. Stremitzer
Abstract	This class introduces students to basic features of the legal system. Questions of constitutional and administrative law, contract law, tort law, corporate law, intellectual property law, as well as procedural law are covered.
Objective	Introduction to fundamental questions of public and private law which serves as a foundation for more advanced law classes.
Content	1. Öffentliches Recht Staatsrecht: Funktion und Quellen des Rechts, Aufbau und Organisation des Staates, Grundrechte, Grundzüge des Völker- und Europarechts. Verwaltungsrecht: Verwaltungsverhältnis, Verfügung, Verwaltungsorganisation, Durchsetzung des Verwaltungsrechts, Verwaltungsverfahrensrecht, Grundzüge des Polizei-, Umwelt- und Raumplanungsrechts. 2. Privatrecht Vertragsrecht: Vertragsfreiheit, Vertragsentstehung, -erfüllung und -verletzung, Grundzüge des Kauf- und Mietvertrags. Haftungsrecht: Verschuldenshaftung und Kausalhaftung, Beschränkung der Haftung. Grundzüge des Gesellschafts,- Immaterialgüter- und Zivilprozessrechts.
Literature	Weiterführende Informationen sind auf der Moodle-Lernumgebung zur Vorlesung erhältlich (s. http://www.ip.ethz.ch/education/grundzuege).
851-0158-13L	Ecology and Environmentalism Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ERDW, D-HEST, D-USYS, D-BIOL	W	3 credits	2S	N. Guettler
Abstract	The notion of „ecology“ refers to both, scientific research on environments as well as their protection. But how have academic ecology and the environmental movements intersected throughout history?
Objective	In the seminar, students will read and discuss key sources as well as secondary literature on the knowledge transfers between scientific ecology and the environmental movements of the 19th and 20th century. Topics range from 19th-century homeland movement and the rise of ecological awareness in colonial settings, to the rise of an environmental awareness during the Cold War, with a special focus on „green“ politics in Europe. Apart from scientists and „counter-scientists“ the seminar focuses on concepts and ideas that circulated between academic ecology and different nature movements. The participants learn to engage historically with original texts as well as to handle independently the extensive historical literature on the history of environmentalism. At the same time, they develop a critical understanding of different political agendas that have shaped academic and popular ecology until the present day. Students also learn to communicate their findings by writing short (and fictive) blog posts on different aspects of this history.
851-0745-00L	Ethics Workshop: The Impact of Digital Life on Society Number of participants limited to 30. Open to all Master level / PhD students.	W	2 credits	2S	E. Vayena, A. Blasimme, C. Brall, F. Gille, M. Schneider, J. Sleigh
Abstract	This workshop focuses on understanding and managing the ethical and social issues arising from the integration of new technologies in various aspects of daily life.
Objective	Explain relevant concepts in ethics. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of new technology uses. Identify impacted stakeholders and who is ethically responsible. Engage constructively in the public discourse relating to new technology impacts. Review tools and resources currently available that facilitate resolutions and ethical practice Work in a more ethically reflective way
Content	The workshop offers students an experience that trains their ability for critical analysis and develops awareness of responsibilities as a researcher, consumer and citizen. Learning will occur in the context of three intensive workshop days, which are highly interactive and focus on the development and application of reasoning skills. The workshop will begin with some fundamentals: the nature of ethics, of consent and big data, of AI ethics, public trust and health ethics. Students will then be introduced to key ethical concepts such as fairness, autonomy, trust, accountability, justice, as well different ways of reasoning about the ethics of digital technologies. A range of practical problems and issues in the domains of education, news media, society, social media, digital health and justice will be then considered. These six domains are represented respectively by unique and interesting case studies. Each case study has been selected not only for its timely and engaging nature, but also for its relevance. Through the analysis of these case studies key ethical questions (such as fairness, accountability, explain-ability, access etc.) will be highlighted and questions of responsibility and tools for ethical practice will be explored. Throughout, the emphasis will be on learning to make sound arguments about the ethical aspects of policy, practice and research.
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

D-INFK
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0585-38L	Data Science in Techno-Socio-Economic Systems Number of participants limited to 80 This course is thought be for students in the 5th semester or above with quantitative skills and interests in modeling and computer simulations. Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-PHYS	W	3 credits	2V	D. Helbing, N. Antulov-Fantulin, V. Vasiliauskaite
Abstract	This course introduces how techno-socio-economic systems in our complex society can be better understood with techniques and tools of data science. Students shall learn how the fundamentals of data science are used to give insights into the research of complexity science, computational social science, economics, finance, and others.
Objective	The goal of this course is to qualify students with knowledge on data science to better understand techno-socio-economic systems in our complex societies. This course aims to make students capable of applying the most appropriate and effective techniques of data science under different application scenarios. The course aims to engage students in exciting state-of-the-art scientific tools, methods and techniques of data science. In particular, lectures will be divided into research talks and tutorials. The course shall increase the awareness level of students of the importance of interdisciplinary research. Finally, students have the opportunity to develop their own data science skills based on a data challenge task, they have to solve, deliver and present at the end of the course.
Content	Will be provided on a separate course webpage.
Lecture notes	Slides will be provided.
Literature	Grus, Joel. "Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python". O'Reilly Media, 2019. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2904392 "A high-bias, low-variance introduction to machine learning for physicists" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157319300766 Applications to Techno-Socio-Economic Systems: "The hidden geometry of complex, network-driven contagion phenomena" (relevant for modeling pandemic spread) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1337 "A network framework of cultural history" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/345/6196/558 "Science of science" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/eaao0185.abstract "Generalized network dismantling" https://www.pnas.org/content/116/14/6554 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Good programming skills and a good understanding of probability & statistics and calculus are expected.
851-0740-00L	Big Data, Law, and Policy Number of participants limited to 35. Students will be informed by 1.3.2021 the latest.	W	3 credits	2S	S. Bechtold
Abstract	This course introduces students to societal perspectives on the big data revolution. Discussing important contributions from machine learning and data science, the course explores their legal, economic, ethical, and political implications in the past, present, and future.
Objective	This course is intended both for students of machine learning and data science who want to reflect on the societal implications of their field, and for students from other disciplines who want to explore the societal impact of data sciences. The course will first discuss some of the methodological foundations of machine learning, followed by a discussion of research papers and real-world applications where big data and societal values may clash. Potential topics include the implications of big data for privacy, liability, insurance, health systems, voting, and democratic institutions, as well as the use of predictive algorithms for price discrimination and the criminal justice system. Guest speakers, weekly readings and reaction papers ensure a lively debate among participants from various backgrounds.
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0727-01L	Telecommunications Law Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET	W	2 credits	2V	C. von Zedtwitz
Abstract	Introduction to the basics of Telecommunications Law for non-lawyers. The course deals with the legal regulations and principles that apply to telecom network operators and telecom service providers (fixed-line and mobile phone).
Objective	By analyzing the most relevant legal provisions for a telecom provider in Switzerland students will learn about the main concepts of Swiss law. No previous legal courses required.
Content	1. History of Swiss Telecommunications Law 2. Regulation of network access (essential facility doctrine, types of access) 3. Universal Service 4. Phone service contracts (fixed line and mobile phone service) 5. Mobil communication radiation regulation 6. Telecommunication secrecy 7. SPAM-Avoidance
Lecture notes	The powerpoint slides presented in the course will be made availabe online. In addition, links to relevant legal decisions and regulations will be accessible on the course website.
Literature	No mandatory readings.
Prerequisites / Notice	Short written exam at the end of the semester (scope and materials to be defined during the course).
851-0739-01L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MTEC	W	3 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This course explores the application of natural language processing techniques to texts in law, politics, and the news media.
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.
Content	NLP technologies have the potential to assist judges and other decision-makers by making tasks more efficient and consistent. On the other hand, language choices could be biased toward some groups, and automated systems could entrench those biases. We will explore the use of NLP for social science research, not just in the law but also in politics, the economy, and culture. We will explore, critique, and integrate the emerging set of tools for debiasing language models and think carefully about how notions of fairness should be applied in this domain.
Prerequisites / Notice	Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with NLP is highly recommended.
851-0739-02L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy (Course Project) This is the optional course project for "Building a Robot Judge: Data Science for the Law." Please register only if attending the lecture course or with consent of the instructor. Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with text mining is highly recommended.	W	2 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This is the companion course for extra credit for a course project, for the course "Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy".
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.
851-0165-00L	Questions Concerning the Philosophy of Mathematics, Theoretical Physics and Computer Science	W	3 credits	2S	G. Sommaruga, S. Wolf
Abstract	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? etc.
Objective	The objective is not so much to get acquainted with basic concepts and theories in the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics and computer science, but to reflect in a methodical way about what lies at the origin of these philosophies. Students should learn to articulate questions arising during their studies and to pursue them in a more systematic way.
Content	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? Why do certain physical theories, e.g. quantum mechanics, need an "interpretation" whereas others don't? Is computer science part of discrete mathematics or a natural science? etc.
851-0173-00L	History of Formal Logic: The Emergence of Boolean Logic	W	3 credits	2V	J. L. Gastaldi
Abstract	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. However, Boole’s original system does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. We will study the early history of Boolean logic in relation to the mathematics of its epoch, in search of an alternative philosophy of formal knowledge for the present.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Acquire a general perspective on the history of formal logic -Review relevant aspects of the history of modern mathematics -Obtain philosophical and historical tools for critically assessing the status of formal sciences -Develop a critical understanding of the notion of formal -Discuss the methodological capabilities of historical epistemology
Content	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. Boolean algebras and Boolean rings lay at the basis of propositional logic and digital communication, contributing in a decisive way to the theoretical and technical conditions of our time. However, if attention is paid to Boole’s own work, it will quickly appear that his Calculus of Logic does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. Instead of disregarding those differences as inevitable mistakes of any pioneering enterprise, waiting to be corrected by successive developments, we will try to understand them as the sign of an alternative philosophy of logic and formal knowledge, which later developments excluded and forgot, and from which recent advances in formal sciences could take advantage. Such an inquiry will give us the occasion of exploring the philosophical and scientific landscape in which formal logic emerged in the first half of the 19th century (focusing on the works of Babbage, De Morgan and Boole), and to build a critical perspective on the notion of “formal”, at the crossroad of the history and philosophy of mathematics and logic.
851-0174-00L	Rebooting AI: Human and Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence Suitable only for MA and PhD students	W	3 credits	2G	J. L. Gastaldi, O. Del Fabbro, A. Nardo, D. Trninic
Abstract	Several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective on this phenomenon. Sessions will delve into aspects of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Discuss relevant aspects of the impact of AI in human and social life -Obtain theoretical and methodological tools for critically assessing the place of technology in society -Develop a critical understanding of the conceptual grounds of AI -Acquire a general perspective on the different fields and points of views in the humanities -Engage in collaborative work with researchers in the humanities
Content	The last decades have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although mainly technical feat, such advances have decisive consequences in a wide variety of aspects of human and social life. Even more, AI is challenging in multiple ways our very understanding of what is to be a human. However, despite the significance of the transformations at stake, the perspectives of the humanities -traditionally established as a valid source of critical inquiry into human matters- are generally relegated to a secondary role in the development of AI. In this seminar, several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective which could be taken as a legitimate interlocutor in the debates arising around the current stakes of technology in our society. The seminar will take the form of presentations based on critical readings of chosen texts, followed by group discussions. Each session will delve into one aspect of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”, confronting how they are dealt with in state-of-the-art texts in AI and relevant works in the humanities. We expect students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other fields outside the humanities to actively contribute to a collective construction, which could lead to further collaboration within but also outside this course. As part of the Turing Centre, this seminar intends to sow the seed of a suitable and long-term environment for the exchange of ideas between multiple fields in the natural sciences and the humanities. The seminar will be conducted by Olivier Del Frabbro, Juan Luis Gastaldi, Aline Nardo, Vanessa Rampton and Dragan Trninic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Suitable only for MA and PhD students

D-ITET
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0585-38L	Data Science in Techno-Socio-Economic Systems Number of participants limited to 80 This course is thought be for students in the 5th semester or above with quantitative skills and interests in modeling and computer simulations. Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-PHYS	W	3 credits	2V	D. Helbing, N. Antulov-Fantulin, V. Vasiliauskaite
Abstract	This course introduces how techno-socio-economic systems in our complex society can be better understood with techniques and tools of data science. Students shall learn how the fundamentals of data science are used to give insights into the research of complexity science, computational social science, economics, finance, and others.
Objective	The goal of this course is to qualify students with knowledge on data science to better understand techno-socio-economic systems in our complex societies. This course aims to make students capable of applying the most appropriate and effective techniques of data science under different application scenarios. The course aims to engage students in exciting state-of-the-art scientific tools, methods and techniques of data science. In particular, lectures will be divided into research talks and tutorials. The course shall increase the awareness level of students of the importance of interdisciplinary research. Finally, students have the opportunity to develop their own data science skills based on a data challenge task, they have to solve, deliver and present at the end of the course.
Content	Will be provided on a separate course webpage.
Lecture notes	Slides will be provided.
Literature	Grus, Joel. "Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python". O'Reilly Media, 2019. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2904392 "A high-bias, low-variance introduction to machine learning for physicists" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157319300766 Applications to Techno-Socio-Economic Systems: "The hidden geometry of complex, network-driven contagion phenomena" (relevant for modeling pandemic spread) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1337 "A network framework of cultural history" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/345/6196/558 "Science of science" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/eaao0185.abstract "Generalized network dismantling" https://www.pnas.org/content/116/14/6554 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Good programming skills and a good understanding of probability & statistics and calculus are expected.
227-0664-00L	Technology and Policy of Electrical Energy Storage	W	3 credits	2G	V. Wood, T. Schmidt
Abstract	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence and growing the use of renewables, developing & implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility & grid stabilization represent a key technology & policy challenge. This course uses lithium ion batteries as a case study to understand the interplay between technology, economics, and policy.
Objective	The students will learn of the complexity involved in battery research, design, production, as well as in investment, economics and policy making around batteries. Students from technical disciplines will gain insights into policy, while students from social science backgrounds will gain insights into technology.
Content	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence, and integrating renewables on the electric grid, developing and implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility and grid stabilization represent a key technology and policy challenge. The class will focus on lithium ion batteries since they are poised to enter a variety of markets where policy decisions will affect their production, adoption, and usage scenarios. The course considers the interplay between technology, economics, and policy. * intro to energy storage for electric mobility and grid-stabilization * basics of battery operation, manufacturing, and integration * intro to the role of policy for energy storage innovation & diffusion * discussion of complexities involved in policy and politics of energy storage
Lecture notes	Materials will be made available on the website.
Literature	Materials will be made available on the website.
Prerequisites / Notice	Strong interest in energy and technology policy.
851-0740-00L	Big Data, Law, and Policy Number of participants limited to 35. Students will be informed by 1.3.2021 the latest.	W	3 credits	2S	S. Bechtold
Abstract	This course introduces students to societal perspectives on the big data revolution. Discussing important contributions from machine learning and data science, the course explores their legal, economic, ethical, and political implications in the past, present, and future.
Objective	This course is intended both for students of machine learning and data science who want to reflect on the societal implications of their field, and for students from other disciplines who want to explore the societal impact of data sciences. The course will first discuss some of the methodological foundations of machine learning, followed by a discussion of research papers and real-world applications where big data and societal values may clash. Potential topics include the implications of big data for privacy, liability, insurance, health systems, voting, and democratic institutions, as well as the use of predictive algorithms for price discrimination and the criminal justice system. Guest speakers, weekly readings and reaction papers ensure a lively debate among participants from various backgrounds.
851-0252-01L	Human-Computer Interaction: Cognition and Usability Number of participants limited to 40. Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET	W	3 credits	2S	C. Hölscher, S. Credé, H. Zhao
Abstract	This seminar introduces theory and methods in human-computer interaction and usability. Cognitive Science provides a theoretical framework for designing user interfaces as well as a range of methods for assessing usability (user testing, cognitive walkthrough, GOMS). The seminar will provide an opportunity to experience some of the methods in applied group projects.
Objective	This seminar will introduce key topics, theories and methodology in human-computer interaction (HCI) and usability. Presentations will cover the basics of human-computer interaction and selected topics like mobile interaction, adaptive systems, human error and attention. A focus of the seminar will be on getting to know evaluation techniques in HCI. Students will work in groups and will first familiarize themselves with a select usability evaluation method (e.g. user testing, GOMS, task analysis, heuristic evaluation, questionnaires or Cognitive Walkthrough). They will then apply the methods to a human-computer interaction setting (e.g. an existing software or hardware interface) and present the method as well as their procedure and results to the plenary. Active participation is vital for the success of the seminar, and students are expected to contribute to presentations of foundational themes, methods and results of their chosen group project. In order to obtain course credit a written essay / report will be required (details to be specified in the introductory session of the course).
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0727-01L	Telecommunications Law Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET	W	2 credits	2V	C. von Zedtwitz
Abstract	Introduction to the basics of Telecommunications Law for non-lawyers. The course deals with the legal regulations and principles that apply to telecom network operators and telecom service providers (fixed-line and mobile phone).
Objective	By analyzing the most relevant legal provisions for a telecom provider in Switzerland students will learn about the main concepts of Swiss law. No previous legal courses required.
Content	1. History of Swiss Telecommunications Law 2. Regulation of network access (essential facility doctrine, types of access) 3. Universal Service 4. Phone service contracts (fixed line and mobile phone service) 5. Mobil communication radiation regulation 6. Telecommunication secrecy 7. SPAM-Avoidance
Lecture notes	The powerpoint slides presented in the course will be made availabe online. In addition, links to relevant legal decisions and regulations will be accessible on the course website.
Literature	No mandatory readings.
Prerequisites / Notice	Short written exam at the end of the semester (scope and materials to be defined during the course).
860-0022-00L	Complexity and Global Systems Science Number of participants limited to 50. Prerequisites: solid mathematical skills. Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-MAVT and ISTP	W	3 credits	2S	D. Helbing, S. Mahajan
Abstract	This course discusses complex techno-socio-economic systems, their counter-intuitive behaviors, and how their theoretical understanding empowers us to solve some long-standing problems that are currently bothering the world.
Objective	Participants should learn to get an overview of the state of the art in the field, to present it in a well understandable way to an interdisciplinary scientific audience, to develop models for open problems, to analyze them, and to defend their results in response to critical questions. In essence, participants should improve their scientific skills and learn to think scientifically about complex dynamical systems.
Content	This course starts with a discussion of the typical and often counter-intuitive features of complex dynamical systems such as self-organization, emergence, (sudden) phase transitions at "tipping points", multi-stability, systemic instability, deterministic chaos, and turbulence. It then discusses phenomena in networked systems such as feedback, side and cascading effects, and the problem of radical uncertainty. The course progresses by demonstrating the relevance of these properties for understanding societal and, at times, global-scale problems such as traffic jams, crowd disasters, breakdowns of cooperation, crime, conflict, social unrests, political revolutions, bubbles and crashes in financial markets, epidemic spreading, and/or "tragedies of the commons" such as environmental exploitation, overfishing, or climate change. Based on this understanding, the course points to possible ways of mitigating techno-socio-economic-environmental problems, and what data science may contribute to their solution.
Lecture notes	"Social Self-Organization Agent-Based Simulations and Experiments to Study Emergent Social Behavior" Helbing, Dirk ISBN 978-3-642-24004-1
Literature	Philip Ball Why Society Is A Complex Matter https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783642289996 Globally networked risks and how to respond Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12047 Global Systems Science and Policy Link Managing Complexity: Insights, Concepts, Applications https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783540752608 Further links: http://global-systems-science.org Link Link https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/global-systems-science Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Mathematical skills can be helpful
851-0739-01L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MTEC	W	3 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This course explores the application of natural language processing techniques to texts in law, politics, and the news media.
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.
Content	NLP technologies have the potential to assist judges and other decision-makers by making tasks more efficient and consistent. On the other hand, language choices could be biased toward some groups, and automated systems could entrench those biases. We will explore the use of NLP for social science research, not just in the law but also in politics, the economy, and culture. We will explore, critique, and integrate the emerging set of tools for debiasing language models and think carefully about how notions of fairness should be applied in this domain.
Prerequisites / Notice	Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with NLP is highly recommended.
851-0739-02L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy (Course Project) This is the optional course project for "Building a Robot Judge: Data Science for the Law." Please register only if attending the lecture course or with consent of the instructor. Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with text mining is highly recommended.	W	2 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This is the companion course for extra credit for a course project, for the course "Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy".
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.
851-0173-00L	History of Formal Logic: The Emergence of Boolean Logic	W	3 credits	2V	J. L. Gastaldi
Abstract	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. However, Boole’s original system does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. We will study the early history of Boolean logic in relation to the mathematics of its epoch, in search of an alternative philosophy of formal knowledge for the present.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Acquire a general perspective on the history of formal logic -Review relevant aspects of the history of modern mathematics -Obtain philosophical and historical tools for critically assessing the status of formal sciences -Develop a critical understanding of the notion of formal -Discuss the methodological capabilities of historical epistemology
Content	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. Boolean algebras and Boolean rings lay at the basis of propositional logic and digital communication, contributing in a decisive way to the theoretical and technical conditions of our time. However, if attention is paid to Boole’s own work, it will quickly appear that his Calculus of Logic does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. Instead of disregarding those differences as inevitable mistakes of any pioneering enterprise, waiting to be corrected by successive developments, we will try to understand them as the sign of an alternative philosophy of logic and formal knowledge, which later developments excluded and forgot, and from which recent advances in formal sciences could take advantage. Such an inquiry will give us the occasion of exploring the philosophical and scientific landscape in which formal logic emerged in the first half of the 19th century (focusing on the works of Babbage, De Morgan and Boole), and to build a critical perspective on the notion of “formal”, at the crossroad of the history and philosophy of mathematics and logic.
851-0174-00L	Rebooting AI: Human and Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence Suitable only for MA and PhD students	W	3 credits	2G	J. L. Gastaldi, O. Del Fabbro, A. Nardo, D. Trninic
Abstract	Several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective on this phenomenon. Sessions will delve into aspects of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Discuss relevant aspects of the impact of AI in human and social life -Obtain theoretical and methodological tools for critically assessing the place of technology in society -Develop a critical understanding of the conceptual grounds of AI -Acquire a general perspective on the different fields and points of views in the humanities -Engage in collaborative work with researchers in the humanities
Content	The last decades have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although mainly technical feat, such advances have decisive consequences in a wide variety of aspects of human and social life. Even more, AI is challenging in multiple ways our very understanding of what is to be a human. However, despite the significance of the transformations at stake, the perspectives of the humanities -traditionally established as a valid source of critical inquiry into human matters- are generally relegated to a secondary role in the development of AI. In this seminar, several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective which could be taken as a legitimate interlocutor in the debates arising around the current stakes of technology in our society. The seminar will take the form of presentations based on critical readings of chosen texts, followed by group discussions. Each session will delve into one aspect of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”, confronting how they are dealt with in state-of-the-art texts in AI and relevant works in the humanities. We expect students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other fields outside the humanities to actively contribute to a collective construction, which could lead to further collaboration within but also outside this course. As part of the Turing Centre, this seminar intends to sow the seed of a suitable and long-term environment for the exchange of ideas between multiple fields in the natural sciences and the humanities. The seminar will be conducted by Olivier Del Frabbro, Juan Luis Gastaldi, Aline Nardo, Vanessa Rampton and Dragan Trninic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Suitable only for MA and PhD students

D-MATH
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
401-1010-00L	The Foundations of Analysis from a Philosophical and Historical Point of View Does not take place this semester. Number of participants limited to 30 Particularly suitable for students of D-MATH	W	3 credits	2S	L. Halbeisen
Abstract	Accompanying the courses in analysis, the beginning and development of analysis will be considered and discussed from a philosophical perspective. In particular, different approaches towards dealing with the problems sparked off by the infinitesimals will be studied. And finally, a short presentation of non-standard analysis will be given.
Objective	This course aims at enabling the students to have a critical look at the basic philosophical premisses underlying analysis, to analyze them and to reflect on them. NB. This course is part of the rectorate's critical thinking initiative.
851-0740-00L	Big Data, Law, and Policy Number of participants limited to 35. Students will be informed by 1.3.2021 the latest.	W	3 credits	2S	S. Bechtold
Abstract	This course introduces students to societal perspectives on the big data revolution. Discussing important contributions from machine learning and data science, the course explores their legal, economic, ethical, and political implications in the past, present, and future.
Objective	This course is intended both for students of machine learning and data science who want to reflect on the societal implications of their field, and for students from other disciplines who want to explore the societal impact of data sciences. The course will first discuss some of the methodological foundations of machine learning, followed by a discussion of research papers and real-world applications where big data and societal values may clash. Potential topics include the implications of big data for privacy, liability, insurance, health systems, voting, and democratic institutions, as well as the use of predictive algorithms for price discrimination and the criminal justice system. Guest speakers, weekly readings and reaction papers ensure a lively debate among participants from various backgrounds.
851-0165-00L	Questions Concerning the Philosophy of Mathematics, Theoretical Physics and Computer Science	W	3 credits	2S	G. Sommaruga, S. Wolf
Abstract	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? etc.
Objective	The objective is not so much to get acquainted with basic concepts and theories in the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics and computer science, but to reflect in a methodical way about what lies at the origin of these philosophies. Students should learn to articulate questions arising during their studies and to pursue them in a more systematic way.
Content	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? Why do certain physical theories, e.g. quantum mechanics, need an "interpretation" whereas others don't? Is computer science part of discrete mathematics or a natural science? etc.
851-0181-00L	A New History of Greek Mathematics	W	3 credits	2V	R. Wagner
Abstract	This course will review parts of the history of ancient Greek mathematics, evaluate its characteristic features, attempt to explain them, and reflect on their relation to contemporary mathematics.
Objective	The students will have an overview knowledge of Greek mathematics, and will be able to reflect on it in historical terms and in relation to modern mathematics.
Content	We will follow extracts from Reviel Netz's upcoming monograph entitled "A new history of Greek mathematics".
851-0182-00L	From Economy to Mathematics and Back: A History of Interactions	W	3 credits	2S	R. Wagner
Abstract	This course will review several historical episodes where economy shaped mathematics, and where mathematics re-shaped economy.
Objective	Students will understand how different fields of knowledge can interact in various historical situations. They will also be able to describe various episodes in the history of mathematics and economy.
Content	The first part of the course will study how practices related to money and commerce affected the development of mathematics in antiquity and the middle ages. The second part will study how mathematical entities shaped the study of various economic problems in the 19th and 20th century. We will review methodologies based on Marxist historiography, sociology of science and contemporary science studies.
851-0173-00L	History of Formal Logic: The Emergence of Boolean Logic	W	3 credits	2V	J. L. Gastaldi
Abstract	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. However, Boole’s original system does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. We will study the early history of Boolean logic in relation to the mathematics of its epoch, in search of an alternative philosophy of formal knowledge for the present.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Acquire a general perspective on the history of formal logic -Review relevant aspects of the history of modern mathematics -Obtain philosophical and historical tools for critically assessing the status of formal sciences -Develop a critical understanding of the notion of formal -Discuss the methodological capabilities of historical epistemology
Content	The invention of Boolean logic in the middle of the 19th century is considered a major event in the history of modern thought. Boolean algebras and Boolean rings lay at the basis of propositional logic and digital communication, contributing in a decisive way to the theoretical and technical conditions of our time. However, if attention is paid to Boole’s own work, it will quickly appear that his Calculus of Logic does not correspond to what we came to understand as Boolean logic. Instead of disregarding those differences as inevitable mistakes of any pioneering enterprise, waiting to be corrected by successive developments, we will try to understand them as the sign of an alternative philosophy of logic and formal knowledge, which later developments excluded and forgot, and from which recent advances in formal sciences could take advantage. Such an inquiry will give us the occasion of exploring the philosophical and scientific landscape in which formal logic emerged in the first half of the 19th century (focusing on the works of Babbage, De Morgan and Boole), and to build a critical perspective on the notion of “formal”, at the crossroad of the history and philosophy of mathematics and logic.
851-0174-00L	Rebooting AI: Human and Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence Suitable only for MA and PhD students	W	3 credits	2G	J. L. Gastaldi, O. Del Fabbro, A. Nardo, D. Trninic
Abstract	Several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective on this phenomenon. Sessions will delve into aspects of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”.
Objective	During the course, students will be able to: -Discuss relevant aspects of the impact of AI in human and social life -Obtain theoretical and methodological tools for critically assessing the place of technology in society -Develop a critical understanding of the conceptual grounds of AI -Acquire a general perspective on the different fields and points of views in the humanities -Engage in collaborative work with researchers in the humanities
Content	The last decades have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although mainly technical feat, such advances have decisive consequences in a wide variety of aspects of human and social life. Even more, AI is challenging in multiple ways our very understanding of what is to be a human. However, despite the significance of the transformations at stake, the perspectives of the humanities -traditionally established as a valid source of critical inquiry into human matters- are generally relegated to a secondary role in the development of AI. In this seminar, several researchers from the humanities will propose a critical yet not partisan approach to AI, aiming at elaborating a common perspective which could be taken as a legitimate interlocutor in the debates arising around the current stakes of technology in our society. The seminar will take the form of presentations based on critical readings of chosen texts, followed by group discussions. Each session will delve into one aspect of the way in which AI challenges our understanding of the human, such as “Knowledge”, “Learning”, “Language”, “Freedom” or “Justice”, confronting how they are dealt with in state-of-the-art texts in AI and relevant works in the humanities. We expect students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other fields outside the humanities to actively contribute to a collective construction, which could lead to further collaboration within but also outside this course. As part of the Turing Centre, this seminar intends to sow the seed of a suitable and long-term environment for the exchange of ideas between multiple fields in the natural sciences and the humanities. The seminar will be conducted by Olivier Del Frabbro, Juan Luis Gastaldi, Aline Nardo, Vanessa Rampton and Dragan Trninic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Suitable only for MA and PhD students
851-0197-00L	Medieval and Early Modern Science and Philosophy	W	3 credits	2V	E. Sammarchi
Abstract	The course analyses the evolution of the relation between science and philosophy during the Middle Age and the Early Modern Period.
Objective	The course aims are: - to introduce students to the philosophical dimension of science; - to develop a critical understanding of scientific notions; - to acquire skills in order to read and comment scientific texts written in the past ages.
Content	The course is focused on the investigation of scientific thought between 1000 and 1700, that is to say the period that saw the flourishing of natural philosophy and the birth of the modern scientific method. Several case-studies, taken from different scientific fields (especially algebra, astronomy, and physics) are presented in class in order to examine the relation between science and philosophy and the shift from medieval times to the early modern world.

D-MATL
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0101-01L	Introduction to Practical Philosophy Particularly suitable for students of D-MAVT, D-MATL	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	Practical philosophy deals in a descriptive and evaluative way with the realm of the practical, that is, with action, practices, norms of action, and values held by people and societies. Ethics and political philosophy are branches of practical philosophy. This introductory course will treat some of the main questions and introduce students to the thinking of central figures in the field.
Objective	At the end of the course, students (1) will be familiar with still highly influential answers to some of the main questions (see below, section "contents") in practical philosophy. (2) They will be able to better evaluate how convincing these answers are. (3) Students' own thinking concerning normative, e.g., ethical issues, will be more precise, due to a more sophisticated use of key concepts such as good, right, morality, law, freedom, etc.
Content	Ethics is an account and instruction of the good, that could be reached by conscious, intentional behaviour (=action). Ethics is an essential part of practical philosophy. Therefore one of those central questions, which will be discussed in the course, is: 1. What is the meaning of words like "good" and "bad", used in ethical language? What is meant by "good", if one says: "Working as a volunteer for the <Red Cross> is good"? Does one mean, that doing so is useful, or that it is altruistic, or that is fair? Further questions, to be discussed in the course, are: 2. Are moral judgements apt to be justified, e.g. judgments like "Lower taxes for rich foreigners in the <Kanton Zug> are unjust" or "Every person ought to be entitled to leave any religious community"? If so, how far a moral judgment's justification can reach? Is one right in arguing: "It is possible to show the truth of the proposition (a):The emissions of nitrogen dioxide in Zurich is far beyond the permissible limit (80 mg/m3). But it is not possible to verify the proposition (b): In our times, the inequal global distribution of wealth is far beyond the permissible limit. Proposition (a) states an objective fact, whereas (b) expresses a mere subjective evaluation, though that evaluation might be widely spread. 3. What are just laws, and what is the relationship between law and morality? 4. Is freedom of a person, though presupposed by criminal law and morality, nevertheless an illusion? These questions will be partly discussed with reference to seminal authors within the western philosophical tradition (among else Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant). Contemporary philosophers like Jürgen Habermas, Thomas Nagel, Ernst Tugendhat or Bernard Williams will be included, too.
Literature	Preparatory Literature: -Dieter Birnbacher, Analytische Einführung in die Ethik, 2. Aufl. Berlin: de Gruyter Verlag 2006. - Simon Blackburn, Think. A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford: University Press (=UP) 1999, chapters 3 und 8. - Philippa Foot, <Virtues and Vices> in: diess., Virtues and Vices and Other Essays in Moral Philosophy, Oxford: UP 2002, and <Morality, Action and Outcome>, in: dies., Moral Dilemmas and Other Topics in Moral Philosophy, Oxford: UP 2002. - H.L.A. Hart, <Positivism and the Separation of Law and Morals, in: Harvard Law Review 71 (1958), pp. 593-629. - Detlef Horster, Rechtsphilosophie zur Einführung, Hamburg: Junius Verlag 2002. - Robert Kane, <Introduction: The Contours of the Contemporary Free Will Debates>, in: ders., (Hg.), The Oxford Handbook of Free Will, Oxford 2002. – Thomas Nagel, The Limits of Objectivity, in: The Tanner Lectures on Human Values 1980, Vol I., ed. Sterling McMurrin , Cambridge et al.: UP 1980, pp. 75-139. - Ulrich Pothast, <Einleitung> in: ders., (Hg.), Seminar: Freies Handeln und Determinismus, Frankfurt/M.: suhrkamp taschenbuch wissenschaft 1978, pp. 7-31. - Bernard Williams, Morality. An Introduction to Ethics, Cambridge: UP (=Canto Series) 1976. - Peter Winch, The Idea of a Social Science, 4.Aufl. London 1965, ch. II.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course will be a mixture of lecture and seminar. For getting credit points, essays on given or freely chosen subjects have to be written.
851-0708-00L	Introduction to Law Introduction to Law as GESS Compulsory Elective Course: Students who have attended or will attend the lecture "Introduction to Law for Architecture" (851-0703-01L), "Introduction to Law for Civil Engineering" (851-0703-03L) or " Introduction to Law" (851-0703-00) , cannot register for this course unit. Particularly suitable for students of D-HEST, D-MAVT, D-MATL, D-USYS.	W	2 credits	2V	A. Stremitzer
Abstract	This class introduces students to basic features of the legal system. Questions of constitutional and administrative law, contract law, tort law, corporate law, intellectual property law, as well as procedural law are covered.
Objective	Introduction to fundamental questions of public and private law which serves as a foundation for more advanced law classes.
Content	1. Öffentliches Recht Staatsrecht: Funktion und Quellen des Rechts, Aufbau und Organisation des Staates, Grundrechte, Grundzüge des Völker- und Europarechts. Verwaltungsrecht: Verwaltungsverhältnis, Verfügung, Verwaltungsorganisation, Durchsetzung des Verwaltungsrechts, Verwaltungsverfahrensrecht, Grundzüge des Polizei-, Umwelt- und Raumplanungsrechts. 2. Privatrecht Vertragsrecht: Vertragsfreiheit, Vertragsentstehung, -erfüllung und -verletzung, Grundzüge des Kauf- und Mietvertrags. Haftungsrecht: Verschuldenshaftung und Kausalhaftung, Beschränkung der Haftung. Grundzüge des Gesellschafts,- Immaterialgüter- und Zivilprozessrechts.
Literature	Weiterführende Informationen sind auf der Moodle-Lernumgebung zur Vorlesung erhältlich (s. http://www.ip.ethz.ch/education/grundzuege).
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
227-0664-00L	Technology and Policy of Electrical Energy Storage	W	3 credits	2G	V. Wood, T. Schmidt
Abstract	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence and growing the use of renewables, developing & implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility & grid stabilization represent a key technology & policy challenge. This course uses lithium ion batteries as a case study to understand the interplay between technology, economics, and policy.
Objective	The students will learn of the complexity involved in battery research, design, production, as well as in investment, economics and policy making around batteries. Students from technical disciplines will gain insights into policy, while students from social science backgrounds will gain insights into technology.
Content	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence, and integrating renewables on the electric grid, developing and implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility and grid stabilization represent a key technology and policy challenge. The class will focus on lithium ion batteries since they are poised to enter a variety of markets where policy decisions will affect their production, adoption, and usage scenarios. The course considers the interplay between technology, economics, and policy. * intro to energy storage for electric mobility and grid-stabilization * basics of battery operation, manufacturing, and integration * intro to the role of policy for energy storage innovation & diffusion * discussion of complexities involved in policy and politics of energy storage
Lecture notes	Materials will be made available on the website.
Literature	Materials will be made available on the website.
Prerequisites / Notice	Strong interest in energy and technology policy.
363-1039-00L	Introduction to Negotiation	W	3 credits	2G	M. Ambühl
Abstract	The course introduces students to the concepts, theories, and strategies of negotiation and is enriched with an extensive exploration of real-life case-study examples.
Objective	The objective of the course is to teach students to recognize, understand, and approach different negotiation situations, by relying on a range of primarily quantitative and some qualitative analytical tools.
Content	We all negotiate on a daily basis – on a personal level with friends, family, and service providers, on a professional level with employers and clients, among others. Additionally, negotiations are constantly unfolding across various issues at the political level, from solving armed conflicts to negotiating trade and market access deals. The course aims to provide students with a toolbox of analytical methods that can be used to identify and disentangle negotiation situations, as well as serve as a reference point to guide action in practice. The applicability of these analytical methods is illustrated through examples of negotiation situations from international politics and business. The theoretical part of the course covers diverse perspectives on negotiation: with a key focus on game theory, but also covering Harvard principles of negotiation, as well as the negotiation engineering approach developed by Prof. Ambühl at ETH Zurich. The course also dedicates some time to focus on conflict management as a specific category of negotiation situations and briefly introduces students to the social aspects of negotiation, based on the insights from psychology and behavioral economics. The empirical part of the course draws on case-studies from the realm of international politics and business, including examples from Prof. Ambühl’s work as a career diplomat. Every year, the course also hosts two guest lecturers – representatives from politics or business leaders, who share practical experience on negotiations from their careers.
Literature	The list of relevant references will be distributed in the beginning of the course.
701-0791-00L	Environmental History - Introduction and Overview Number of participants limited to 80.	W	2 credits	2V	M. Gisler
Abstract	Introduction into environmental history as a discipline that ask for the human-nature-relationships from a long-term and spatially defined perspective. By presenting a selection of different topics the lecture provides access to new questions and insights.
Objective	Introduction into environmental history; survey of long-term development of human-nature-interrelations; discussion of selected problems. Improved ability to assess current problems from a historical perspective and to critically interrogate one's own standpoint.
Content	Humans live in and with nature, depend on it, change it permanently: as bio- and geological agents they intervene, reshape, leave prints, improve, reproduce and demonize nature; in short, they’re “doing environment”. Namely in the 20th century, the "era of ecology" (Joachim Radkau) or the age of the “Great Acceleration” (John McNeill), human interventions in their environments have increased exponentially. But nature itself is also constantly changing, adapting, striking back. This leads to a constantly changing interrelation between human and nature. This interdependence is at the core of this lecture. The introduction into “environmental history” offers an overview of the human-environment-relationship in a long-term perspective. It outlines concepts such as the anthropocene, climate and energy as well as questions of environmental policy and the history of the environmental movements. It is meant to expand the competencies for the assessment of current problems and the critical questioning of one's own point of view.
Lecture notes	Course material is provided in digital form.
Literature	McNeill, John R. 2000. Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world, New York: Norton. Uekötter, Frank (Ed.) 2010. The turning points of environmental history, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Winiwarter, Verena und Martin Knoll 2007. Umweltgeschichte: Eine Einführung, Köln: Böhlau.
Prerequisites / Notice	Students are asked to write an exam during the last session

D-MTEC
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0585-38L	Data Science in Techno-Socio-Economic Systems Number of participants limited to 80 This course is thought be for students in the 5th semester or above with quantitative skills and interests in modeling and computer simulations. Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-PHYS	W	3 credits	2V	D. Helbing, N. Antulov-Fantulin, V. Vasiliauskaite
Abstract	This course introduces how techno-socio-economic systems in our complex society can be better understood with techniques and tools of data science. Students shall learn how the fundamentals of data science are used to give insights into the research of complexity science, computational social science, economics, finance, and others.
Objective	The goal of this course is to qualify students with knowledge on data science to better understand techno-socio-economic systems in our complex societies. This course aims to make students capable of applying the most appropriate and effective techniques of data science under different application scenarios. The course aims to engage students in exciting state-of-the-art scientific tools, methods and techniques of data science. In particular, lectures will be divided into research talks and tutorials. The course shall increase the awareness level of students of the importance of interdisciplinary research. Finally, students have the opportunity to develop their own data science skills based on a data challenge task, they have to solve, deliver and present at the end of the course.
Content	Will be provided on a separate course webpage.
Lecture notes	Slides will be provided.
Literature	Grus, Joel. "Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python". O'Reilly Media, 2019. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2904392 "A high-bias, low-variance introduction to machine learning for physicists" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157319300766 Applications to Techno-Socio-Economic Systems: "The hidden geometry of complex, network-driven contagion phenomena" (relevant for modeling pandemic spread) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1337 "A network framework of cultural history" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/345/6196/558 "Science of science" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/eaao0185.abstract "Generalized network dismantling" https://www.pnas.org/content/116/14/6554 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Good programming skills and a good understanding of probability & statistics and calculus are expected.
351-0578-00L	Introduction to Economic Policy	W	2 credits	2V	H. Mikosch
Abstract	First approach to the theory of economic policy.
Objective	First approach to the theory of economic policy.
Content	Wirtschaftspolitik ist die Gesamtheit aller Massnahmen von staatlichen Institutionen mit denen das Wirtschaftsgeschehen geregelt und gestaltet wird. Die Vorlesung bietet einen ersten Zugang zur Theorie der Wirtschaftspolitik. Gliederung der Vorlesung: 1.) Wohlfahrtsökonomische Grundlagen: Wohlfahrtsfunktion, Pareto-Optimalität, Wirtschaftspolitik als Mittel-Zweck-Analyse u.a. 2.) Wirtschaftsordnungen: Geplante und ungeplante Ordnung 3.) Wettbewerb und Effizienz: Hauptsätze der Wohlfahrtsökonomik, Effizienz von Wettbewerbsmärkten 4.) Wettbewerbspolitik: Sicherstellung einer wettbewerblichen Ordnung Gründe für Marktversagen: 5.) Externe Effekte 6.) Öffentliche Güter 7.) Natürliche Monopole 8.) Informationsasymmetrien 9.) Anpassungskosten 10.) Irrationalität 11.) Wirtschaftspolitik und Politische Ökonomie Die Vorlesung beinhaltet Anwendungsbeispiele und Exkurse, um eine Verbindung zwischen Theorie und Praxis der Wirtschaftspolitik herzustellen. Z. B. Verteilungseffekte von wirtschaftspolitischen Massnahmen, Kartellpolitik am Ölmarkt, Internalisierung externer Effekte durch Emissionshandel, moralisches Risiko am Finanzmarkt, Nudging, zeitinkonsistente Präferenzen im Bereich der Gesundheitspolitik
Lecture notes	Ja (in Form von Vorlesungsslides).
363-0532-00L	Economics of Sustainable Development	W	3 credits	2V	L. Bretschger
Abstract	Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability; neoclassical and endogenous growth models; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve; sustainability policy.
Objective	The aim is to develop an understanding of the implications of sustainable development for the long-run development of economies. It is to be shown to which extent the potential for growth to be sustainable depends on substitution possibilities, technological change and environmental policy. After successful completion of this course, students are able to 1. understand the causes of long-term economic development 2. analyse the influence of natural resources and pollution on the development of social welfare 3. to appropriately classify the role of politics in the pursuit of sustainability goals.
Content	The lecture introduces different concepts and paradigms of sustainable development. Building on this foundation and following a general introduction to the modelling of economic growth, conditions for growth to be sustainable in the presence of pollution and scarce natural resources are derived. Special attention is devoted to the scope for substitution and role of technological progress in overcoming resource scarcities. Implications of environmental externalities are regarded with respect to the design of environmental policies. Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability, sustainability optimism vs. pessimism; introduction to neoclassical and endogenous growth models; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution possibilities and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve: concept, theory and empirical results; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources, Hartwick rule, resource saving technological change.
Lecture notes	Will be provided successively in the course of the semester.
Literature	Bretschger, F. (1999), Growth Theory and Sustainable Development, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Bretschger, L. (2004), Wachstumstheorie, Oldenbourg, 3. Auflage, München. Bretschger, L. (2018), Greening Economy, Graying Society, CER-ETH Press, ETH Zurich. Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray and M. Common (2011), Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Longman , 4th ed., Essex. Neumayer, E. (2003), Weak and Strong Sustainability, 2nd ed., Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
363-1039-00L	Introduction to Negotiation	W	3 credits	2G	M. Ambühl
Abstract	The course introduces students to the concepts, theories, and strategies of negotiation and is enriched with an extensive exploration of real-life case-study examples.
Objective	The objective of the course is to teach students to recognize, understand, and approach different negotiation situations, by relying on a range of primarily quantitative and some qualitative analytical tools.
Content	We all negotiate on a daily basis – on a personal level with friends, family, and service providers, on a professional level with employers and clients, among others. Additionally, negotiations are constantly unfolding across various issues at the political level, from solving armed conflicts to negotiating trade and market access deals. The course aims to provide students with a toolbox of analytical methods that can be used to identify and disentangle negotiation situations, as well as serve as a reference point to guide action in practice. The applicability of these analytical methods is illustrated through examples of negotiation situations from international politics and business. The theoretical part of the course covers diverse perspectives on negotiation: with a key focus on game theory, but also covering Harvard principles of negotiation, as well as the negotiation engineering approach developed by Prof. Ambühl at ETH Zurich. The course also dedicates some time to focus on conflict management as a specific category of negotiation situations and briefly introduces students to the social aspects of negotiation, based on the insights from psychology and behavioral economics. The empirical part of the course draws on case-studies from the realm of international politics and business, including examples from Prof. Ambühl’s work as a career diplomat. Every year, the course also hosts two guest lecturers – representatives from politics or business leaders, who share practical experience on negotiations from their careers.
Literature	The list of relevant references will be distributed in the beginning of the course.
363-0564-00L	Entrepreneurial Risks	W	3 credits	2G	D. Sornette
Abstract	Dimensions of risks with emphasis on entrepreneurial, financial and social risks. What young entrepreneurs need to know from start-up creation to investment in innovation. Perspectives on the future of innovation and how to better invent and create. How to innovate and scale up and work with China. Dynamical risk management and learning from the failure of others.
Objective	We live a in complex world with many nonlinear negative and positive feedbacks. Entrepreneurship is one of the leading human activity based on innovation to create new wealth and new social developments. This course will analyze the risks (upside and downside) associated with entrepreneurship and more generally human activity in the firms, in social networks and in society. The goal is to present what we believe are the key concepts and the quantitative tools to understand and manage risks. An emphasis will be on large and extreme risks, known to control many systems, and which require novel ways of thinking and of managing. We will examine the questions of (i) how much one can manage and control these risks, (ii) how these actions may feedback positively or negatively and (iii) how to foster human cooperation for the creation of wealth and social well-being. The exam will be in the format of multiple choice questions.
Content	PART I: INTRODUCTION Lecture 1 (19/02): Risks (and opportunities) in the economic, entrepreneurial and social spheres (D. Sornette) PART II: START-UPS AND INVESTMENT IN INNOVATION Lecture 2 (26/02): Setting the landscape on entrepreneurship and private investment (P. Cauwels) Lecture 3 (04/03 and 11/03): Corporate finance (P. Cauwels) Lecture 4 (18/03): Legal, governance and management (P. Cauwels) Lecture 5 (25/03): Investors in the innovation economy (P. Cauwels) PART III: HOW TO PREDICT THE FUTURE Lecture 6 (01/04): Historical perspective (P. Cauwels) Lecture 7 (08/04): The logistic equation of growth and saturation (D. Sornette) Lecture 8 (22/04): Future perspective (P. Cauwels) Lecture 9 (29/04): The fair reward problem, the illusion of success and how to solve it (P. Cauwels) PART IV: HOW TO WORK WITH CHINA “if China succeeds, the world succeeds; if China fails, the world fails” (D. Sornette). Lecture 10 (06/05): The macro status in China and the potential opportunity and risks for the world (K. Wu) Lecture 11 (13/05): The collision of the two opposite mindsets: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in China and Switzerland (K. Wu) PART V: ESSENTIALS ON DYNAMICAL RISK MANAGEMENT Lecture 12 (20/05): Principles of Risk Management for entrepreneurship (D. Sornette) Lecture 13 (27/05): The biology of risks and war principles applied to management (D. Sornette)
Lecture notes	The lecture notes will be distributed a the beginning of each lecture.
Literature	I will use elements taken from my books -D. Sornette Critical Phenomena in Natural Sciences, Chaos, Fractals, Self-organization and Disorder: Concepts and Tools, 2nd ed. (Springer Series in Synergetics, Heidelberg, 2004) -Y. Malevergne and D. Sornette Extreme Financial Risks (From Dependence to Risk Management) (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006). -D. Sornette, Why Stock Markets Crash (Critical Events in Complex Financial Systems), (Princeton University Press, 2003) as well as from a variety of other sources, which will be indicated to the students during each lecture.
Prerequisites / Notice	-A deep curiosity and interest in asking questions and in attempting to understand and manage the complexity of the corporate, financial and social world -quantitative skills in mathematical analysis and algebra for the modeling part.
751-1500-00L	Development Economics	W	3 credits	2V	I. Günther, K. Harttgen
Abstract	Introduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction.
Objective	The goal of this lecture is to introduce students to basic development economics and related economic and developmental contexts.
Content	The course begins with a theoretical and empirical introduction to the concepts of poverty reduction and issues of combating socioeconomic inequality. Based on this, important external and internal drivers of economic development and poverty reduction are discussed as well as economic and development policies to overcome global poverty. In particular, the following topics are discussed: - measurement of development, poverty and inequality, - growth theories - trade and development - education, health, population and development - states and institutions - fiscal,monetary- and exchange rate policies
Lecture notes	None.
Literature	Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2020): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik.
Prerequisites / Notice	Voraussetzungen: Grundlagenkenntisse der Mikro- und Makroökonomie. Besonderes: Die Veranstaltung besteht aus einem Vorlesungsteil, aus eigener Literatur- und Recherchearbeit sowie der Bearbeitung von Aufgabenblättern. Die Vorlesung basiert auf: Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2019): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik. Einzelne Kapitel müssen jeweils vor den Veranstaltungen gelesen werden. In den Veranstaltungen wird das Gelesene diskutiert und angewendet. Auch werden offene Fragen der Kapitel und Übungen besprochen.
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
851-0252-10L	Project in Behavioural Finance Does not take place this semester. Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-MTEC	W	3 credits	2S	C. Hölscher
Abstract	This interactive practical course provides and overview of the key topics in behavioral finance. Along studying information about investor's behavior, decision-making, cognitive, biological and personality markers of risk taking and measuring risk appetite, students train critical thinking, argumentation and presentation. The learning process is based on interactive discussions and presentations.
Objective	This course provides an overview of the key topics in behavioural finance and gives the opportunity for a first hands-on experience in designing, analysing and presenting a behavioural study. In the first half of the semester, students present papers from different topics within behavioural finance, including Judgment and Decision Making, psychometrics and individual differences, and risk perception and eliciting people’s propensity to take risk, biological markers of risk taking and investment behavior and trading games. The paper presentations are informal, require no power-point presentations and are followed by a discussion with the rest of the students in the class. The goal of these presentations is three-fold: in an interactive and engaging way, to provide an overview of the topics contained in the area of behavioural finance, to teach students to extract the most relevant information from scientific papers and be able to communicate them to their peers and to enhance critical thinking during the discussion. In the middle of the semester, the students pick a topic in which they want to conduct a small study. Some topics will be offered by the lecturers, but students are free to choose a topic of their own. This is followed by fine-tuning their research questions given found literature, data collection and analysis. At the end of the semester students receive feedback and advice on the data analysis and present the results in a formal presentation with slides. The final assignment is a written report from their study. Active participation in the meetings is mandatory to pass the course. This course does not involve learning by heart. Key skills after the course completion: - Overview of topics in behavioural finance - Communication of research output in an a formal and informal way, in an oral and written form - Critical thinking - Argumentation and study design
Content	- Giving presentations - How to quickly "read" a paper - Judgment and Decision Making, Heuristics and Biases - Biology on the trading floor - Psychometrics and individual differences - Eliciting people's propensity to take risks - Experimental design in behavioural studies - Experimental Asset Markets
Lecture notes	All learning materials will be available to students over eDoz platform.
Literature	Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1992). Advance in prospect theory: Cumulative representation of uncertainty. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 5(4), 297-323 Rieskamp, J. (2008). The probabilistic nature of preferential choice. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, memory and Cognition, 34(6), 1446-1465 Hertwig, R., & Herzog, S. (2009). Fast and frugal heuristics: Tools of social rationality. Social Cognition, 27(5), 661-698 Coates, J.M., Gurnell, M., & Sarnyai, Z. (2010). From molecule to market: steroid hormones and financial risk taking. Philosophical Transacations of the Royal Society B, 365, 331-343 Cueva, C., Roberts, R.E., Spencer, T., Rani, N., Tempest, M., Tobler, P.N., Herbert, J., & Rustichini (2015). Cortisol and testosterone increase financial risk taking and may destabilize markets. Nature, 5(11206), 1-16 Conlin, A., Kyröläinen, P., Kaakinen, M., Järvelin, M-R., Perttunen, J., & Svento, R. (2015). Personality traits and stock market participation. Journal of Empirical Finance, 33, 34-50 Kosinski, M., Stillwell, D., & Graepel, T. (2013). Private traits and attributes are predictable from digital records of human behavior. Proceedings in National Academy of Sciences, 110, 5802-5805 Oehler, A., Wedlich, F., Wendt, S., & Horn, M. (July 9, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2807401 Fenton-O'Creevy, M., Nicholson, N., Soane, E., & Willman, P. (2003). Trading on illusions: Unrealistic perceptions of control and trading performance. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 76, 53-68 Frey, R., Pedroni, A., Mata, R., Rieskamp, J., & Hertwig, R. (2017). Risk preference shares the psychometric structure of major psychological traits. Science Advances, 3, 1-13 Schürmann, O., Andraszewicz, S., & Rieskamp, J. (2017). The importance of losses when eliciting risk preferences. Under review Andraszewicz, S., Kaszas, D., Zeisberger, S., Murphy, R.O., & Hölscher, C. (2017). Simulating historical market crashes in the laboratory. Manuscript in preparation. Allenbach, M., Kaszas, D., Andraszewicz, S., & Hölscher, C. (2017). Skin conductance response as marker or risk undertaken by investors. Manuscript in preparation. Simic, M., Kaszas, D., Andraszewicz, S., & Hölscher, C. (2017). Incentive structure compatibility in a principal agent problem. Manuscript in preparation. Sornette, D., Andraszewicz, S., Wu, K., Murphy, R.O., Rindlerm P., & Sanadgol, D. (2017). Overpricing persistance in experimental asset markets with intrinsic uncertainty. Under review. Andraszewicz, S., Wu, K., & Sornette, D. (2017). Behavioural effects and market dynamics in field and laboratory experimental asset markets. Under review.
Prerequisites / Notice	Grading is based the active participation in the class and the final project. There is no exam.
851-0739-01L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MTEC	W	3 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This course explores the application of natural language processing techniques to texts in law, politics, and the news media.
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.
Content	NLP technologies have the potential to assist judges and other decision-makers by making tasks more efficient and consistent. On the other hand, language choices could be biased toward some groups, and automated systems could entrench those biases. We will explore the use of NLP for social science research, not just in the law but also in politics, the economy, and culture. We will explore, critique, and integrate the emerging set of tools for debiasing language models and think carefully about how notions of fairness should be applied in this domain.
Prerequisites / Notice	Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with NLP is highly recommended.
851-0739-02L	Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy (Course Project) This is the optional course project for "Building a Robot Judge: Data Science for the Law." Please register only if attending the lecture course or with consent of the instructor. Some programming experience in Python is required, and some experience with text mining is highly recommended.	W	2 credits	2V	E. Ash
Abstract	This is the companion course for extra credit for a course project, for the course "Sequencing Legal DNA: NLP for Law and Political Economy".
Objective	Students will be introduced to a broad array of tools in natural language processing (NLP). They will learn to evaluate and apply NLP tools to a variety of problems. The applications will focus on social-science contexts, including law, politics, and the news media. Topics include text classification, topic modeling, transformers, model explanation, and bias in language.

D-MAVT
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0101-01L	Introduction to Practical Philosophy Particularly suitable for students of D-MAVT, D-MATL	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	Practical philosophy deals in a descriptive and evaluative way with the realm of the practical, that is, with action, practices, norms of action, and values held by people and societies. Ethics and political philosophy are branches of practical philosophy. This introductory course will treat some of the main questions and introduce students to the thinking of central figures in the field.
Objective	At the end of the course, students (1) will be familiar with still highly influential answers to some of the main questions (see below, section "contents") in practical philosophy. (2) They will be able to better evaluate how convincing these answers are. (3) Students' own thinking concerning normative, e.g., ethical issues, will be more precise, due to a more sophisticated use of key concepts such as good, right, morality, law, freedom, etc.
Content	Ethics is an account and instruction of the good, that could be reached by conscious, intentional behaviour (=action). Ethics is an essential part of practical philosophy. Therefore one of those central questions, which will be discussed in the course, is: 1. What is the meaning of words like "good" and "bad", used in ethical language? What is meant by "good", if one says: "Working as a volunteer for the <Red Cross> is good"? Does one mean, that doing so is useful, or that it is altruistic, or that is fair? Further questions, to be discussed in the course, are: 2. Are moral judgements apt to be justified, e.g. judgments like "Lower taxes for rich foreigners in the <Kanton Zug> are unjust" or "Every person ought to be entitled to leave any religious community"? If so, how far a moral judgment's justification can reach? Is one right in arguing: "It is possible to show the truth of the proposition (a):The emissions of nitrogen dioxide in Zurich is far beyond the permissible limit (80 mg/m3). But it is not possible to verify the proposition (b): In our times, the inequal global distribution of wealth is far beyond the permissible limit. Proposition (a) states an objective fact, whereas (b) expresses a mere subjective evaluation, though that evaluation might be widely spread. 3. What are just laws, and what is the relationship between law and morality? 4. Is freedom of a person, though presupposed by criminal law and morality, nevertheless an illusion? These questions will be partly discussed with reference to seminal authors within the western philosophical tradition (among else Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant). Contemporary philosophers like Jürgen Habermas, Thomas Nagel, Ernst Tugendhat or Bernard Williams will be included, too.
Literature	Preparatory Literature: -Dieter Birnbacher, Analytische Einführung in die Ethik, 2. Aufl. Berlin: de Gruyter Verlag 2006. - Simon Blackburn, Think. A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford: University Press (=UP) 1999, chapters 3 und 8. - Philippa Foot, <Virtues and Vices> in: diess., Virtues and Vices and Other Essays in Moral Philosophy, Oxford: UP 2002, and <Morality, Action and Outcome>, in: dies., Moral Dilemmas and Other Topics in Moral Philosophy, Oxford: UP 2002. - H.L.A. Hart, <Positivism and the Separation of Law and Morals, in: Harvard Law Review 71 (1958), pp. 593-629. - Detlef Horster, Rechtsphilosophie zur Einführung, Hamburg: Junius Verlag 2002. - Robert Kane, <Introduction: The Contours of the Contemporary Free Will Debates>, in: ders., (Hg.), The Oxford Handbook of Free Will, Oxford 2002. – Thomas Nagel, The Limits of Objectivity, in: The Tanner Lectures on Human Values 1980, Vol I., ed. Sterling McMurrin , Cambridge et al.: UP 1980, pp. 75-139. - Ulrich Pothast, <Einleitung> in: ders., (Hg.), Seminar: Freies Handeln und Determinismus, Frankfurt/M.: suhrkamp taschenbuch wissenschaft 1978, pp. 7-31. - Bernard Williams, Morality. An Introduction to Ethics, Cambridge: UP (=Canto Series) 1976. - Peter Winch, The Idea of a Social Science, 4.Aufl. London 1965, ch. II.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course will be a mixture of lecture and seminar. For getting credit points, essays on given or freely chosen subjects have to be written.
851-0585-38L	Data Science in Techno-Socio-Economic Systems Number of participants limited to 80 This course is thought be for students in the 5th semester or above with quantitative skills and interests in modeling and computer simulations. Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-PHYS	W	3 credits	2V	D. Helbing, N. Antulov-Fantulin, V. Vasiliauskaite
Abstract	This course introduces how techno-socio-economic systems in our complex society can be better understood with techniques and tools of data science. Students shall learn how the fundamentals of data science are used to give insights into the research of complexity science, computational social science, economics, finance, and others.
Objective	The goal of this course is to qualify students with knowledge on data science to better understand techno-socio-economic systems in our complex societies. This course aims to make students capable of applying the most appropriate and effective techniques of data science under different application scenarios. The course aims to engage students in exciting state-of-the-art scientific tools, methods and techniques of data science. In particular, lectures will be divided into research talks and tutorials. The course shall increase the awareness level of students of the importance of interdisciplinary research. Finally, students have the opportunity to develop their own data science skills based on a data challenge task, they have to solve, deliver and present at the end of the course.
Content	Will be provided on a separate course webpage.
Lecture notes	Slides will be provided.
Literature	Grus, Joel. "Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python". O'Reilly Media, 2019. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2904392 "A high-bias, low-variance introduction to machine learning for physicists" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157319300766 Applications to Techno-Socio-Economic Systems: "The hidden geometry of complex, network-driven contagion phenomena" (relevant for modeling pandemic spread) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1337 "A network framework of cultural history" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/345/6196/558 "Science of science" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/eaao0185.abstract "Generalized network dismantling" https://www.pnas.org/content/116/14/6554 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Good programming skills and a good understanding of probability & statistics and calculus are expected.
851-0708-00L	Introduction to Law Introduction to Law as GESS Compulsory Elective Course: Students who have attended or will attend the lecture "Introduction to Law for Architecture" (851-0703-01L), "Introduction to Law for Civil Engineering" (851-0703-03L) or " Introduction to Law" (851-0703-00) , cannot register for this course unit. Particularly suitable for students of D-HEST, D-MAVT, D-MATL, D-USYS.	W	2 credits	2V	A. Stremitzer
Abstract	This class introduces students to basic features of the legal system. Questions of constitutional and administrative law, contract law, tort law, corporate law, intellectual property law, as well as procedural law are covered.
Objective	Introduction to fundamental questions of public and private law which serves as a foundation for more advanced law classes.
Content	1. Öffentliches Recht Staatsrecht: Funktion und Quellen des Rechts, Aufbau und Organisation des Staates, Grundrechte, Grundzüge des Völker- und Europarechts. Verwaltungsrecht: Verwaltungsverhältnis, Verfügung, Verwaltungsorganisation, Durchsetzung des Verwaltungsrechts, Verwaltungsverfahrensrecht, Grundzüge des Polizei-, Umwelt- und Raumplanungsrechts. 2. Privatrecht Vertragsrecht: Vertragsfreiheit, Vertragsentstehung, -erfüllung und -verletzung, Grundzüge des Kauf- und Mietvertrags. Haftungsrecht: Verschuldenshaftung und Kausalhaftung, Beschränkung der Haftung. Grundzüge des Gesellschafts,- Immaterialgüter- und Zivilprozessrechts.
Literature	Weiterführende Informationen sind auf der Moodle-Lernumgebung zur Vorlesung erhältlich (s. http://www.ip.ethz.ch/education/grundzuege).
851-0732-03L	Intellectual Property: An Introduction Number of participants limited to 150 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH, D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D- MATL, D-MTEC.	W	2 credits	2V	S. Bechtold, R. Zingg
Abstract	The course introduces students to the basics of the intellectual property system and of innovation policy. Areas covered include patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer. The course looks at Swiss, European, U.S. and international law and uses examples from a broad range of technologies. Insights can be used in academia, industry or start-ups.
Objective	Intellectual property issues become more and more important in our society. In order to prepare students for their future challenges in research, industry or start-ups, this course introduces them to the foundations of the intellectual property system. The course covers patent, copyright, trademark, design, know-how protection, open source, and technology transfer law. It explains links to contract, antitrust, Internet, privacy and communications law where appropriate. While the introduction to these areas of the law is designed at a general level, examples and case studies come from various jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, and international law. In addition, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of innovation policy. After exposing students to the economics of intellectual property protection, the course asks questions such as: Why do states grant property rights in inventions? Has the protection of intellectual property gone too far? How do advances in biotechnology and the Internet affect the intellectual property system? What is the relationship between open source, open access and intellectual property? What alternatives to intellectual property protection exist? Knowing how the intellectual property system works and what kind of protection is available is useful for all students who are interested in working in academia, industry or in starting their own company. Exposing students to the advantages and disadvantages of the intellectual property system enables them to participate in the current policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation and technology law. The course will include practical examples and case studies as well as guest speakers from industry and private practice.
227-0664-00L	Technology and Policy of Electrical Energy Storage	W	3 credits	2G	V. Wood, T. Schmidt
Abstract	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence and growing the use of renewables, developing & implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility & grid stabilization represent a key technology & policy challenge. This course uses lithium ion batteries as a case study to understand the interplay between technology, economics, and policy.
Objective	The students will learn of the complexity involved in battery research, design, production, as well as in investment, economics and policy making around batteries. Students from technical disciplines will gain insights into policy, while students from social science backgrounds will gain insights into technology.
Content	With the global emphasis on decreasing CO2 emissions, achieving fossil fuel independence, and integrating renewables on the electric grid, developing and implementing energy storage solutions for electric mobility and grid stabilization represent a key technology and policy challenge. The class will focus on lithium ion batteries since they are poised to enter a variety of markets where policy decisions will affect their production, adoption, and usage scenarios. The course considers the interplay between technology, economics, and policy. * intro to energy storage for electric mobility and grid-stabilization * basics of battery operation, manufacturing, and integration * intro to the role of policy for energy storage innovation & diffusion * discussion of complexities involved in policy and politics of energy storage
Lecture notes	Materials will be made available on the website.
Literature	Materials will be made available on the website.
Prerequisites / Notice	Strong interest in energy and technology policy.
363-1039-00L	Introduction to Negotiation	W	3 credits	2G	M. Ambühl
Abstract	The course introduces students to the concepts, theories, and strategies of negotiation and is enriched with an extensive exploration of real-life case-study examples.
Objective	The objective of the course is to teach students to recognize, understand, and approach different negotiation situations, by relying on a range of primarily quantitative and some qualitative analytical tools.
Content	We all negotiate on a daily basis – on a personal level with friends, family, and service providers, on a professional level with employers and clients, among others. Additionally, negotiations are constantly unfolding across various issues at the political level, from solving armed conflicts to negotiating trade and market access deals. The course aims to provide students with a toolbox of analytical methods that can be used to identify and disentangle negotiation situations, as well as serve as a reference point to guide action in practice. The applicability of these analytical methods is illustrated through examples of negotiation situations from international politics and business. The theoretical part of the course covers diverse perspectives on negotiation: with a key focus on game theory, but also covering Harvard principles of negotiation, as well as the negotiation engineering approach developed by Prof. Ambühl at ETH Zurich. The course also dedicates some time to focus on conflict management as a specific category of negotiation situations and briefly introduces students to the social aspects of negotiation, based on the insights from psychology and behavioral economics. The empirical part of the course draws on case-studies from the realm of international politics and business, including examples from Prof. Ambühl’s work as a career diplomat. Every year, the course also hosts two guest lecturers – representatives from politics or business leaders, who share practical experience on negotiations from their careers.
Literature	The list of relevant references will be distributed in the beginning of the course.
851-0735-14L	Seminar Business Law: Contracts for Projects by Mechanical Engineers Number of participants limited to 20 Particularly suitable for students of D-MAVT	W	2 credits	2S	P. Peyrot
Abstract	This seminar provides an introduction into the legal aspects of projects in the machine and plant construction industries. The seminar has specific practical focus as a real life case of an industry company will be studied.
Objective	In practice, students will invariably have to assume responsibility for project management. This will also include dealing with legal issues. The seminar offers an introduction into the legal basis and the legal issues of managing projects.
Content	Topics: - law of contracts for sales, work and mandate - specifics of project contracts: definition of scope, distribution of risk and opportunities, warranties, liability - typical contract clauses, sample agreements - specific agreements used in the case study - contracts and claims management The students will be introduced into the original agreements of the real life case and the responsible persons will give introductions into the legal issues encountered during the completion of the project
Lecture notes	The script will be provided on the moodle platform.
Prerequisites / Notice	The seminar is not an introductory course. Students are required to have attended an introductory lecture (e.g. Business Law by Dr. Paul Peyrot, Introduction to Law by Prof. Dr. Stefan Bechtold). For the successful completion of the seminar and for obtaining the grade, all parts of the seminar must be attended. All participants are required to participate in a group effort which has to be presented on the last day of the seminar. The grade will be a wheighted average of an individual paper based on questions out of the materials (1/3) and the group presentation (2/3). The seminar will take place on the following days: Block I: 25. Februar 2021 16:15 bis 20:00 Block II: 4. März 2021 16:15 bis 20:00 Block III: 11. März 2021 16:15 bis 20:00 Block IV: 18. März 2021 extern bei MAN Energy Solutions AG (Zürich), 8:00 bis 18:00 Block V: 15. April 2021 16:15 bis 20:00 Block VI: 22. April 2021 16:15 bis 20:00
860-0022-00L	Complexity and Global Systems Science Number of participants limited to 50. Prerequisites: solid mathematical skills. Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-MAVT and ISTP	W	3 credits	2S	D. Helbing, S. Mahajan
Abstract	This course discusses complex techno-socio-economic systems, their counter-intuitive behaviors, and how their theoretical understanding empowers us to solve some long-standing problems that are currently bothering the world.
Objective	Participants should learn to get an overview of the state of the art in the field, to present it in a well understandable way to an interdisciplinary scientific audience, to develop models for open problems, to analyze them, and to defend their results in response to critical questions. In essence, participants should improve their scientific skills and learn to think scientifically about complex dynamical systems.
Content	This course starts with a discussion of the typical and often counter-intuitive features of complex dynamical systems such as self-organization, emergence, (sudden) phase transitions at "tipping points", multi-stability, systemic instability, deterministic chaos, and turbulence. It then discusses phenomena in networked systems such as feedback, side and cascading effects, and the problem of radical uncertainty. The course progresses by demonstrating the relevance of these properties for understanding societal and, at times, global-scale problems such as traffic jams, crowd disasters, breakdowns of cooperation, crime, conflict, social unrests, political revolutions, bubbles and crashes in financial markets, epidemic spreading, and/or "tragedies of the commons" such as environmental exploitation, overfishing, or climate change. Based on this understanding, the course points to possible ways of mitigating techno-socio-economic-environmental problems, and what data science may contribute to their solution.
Lecture notes	"Social Self-Organization Agent-Based Simulations and Experiments to Study Emergent Social Behavior" Helbing, Dirk ISBN 978-3-642-24004-1
Literature	Philip Ball Why Society Is A Complex Matter https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783642289996 Globally networked risks and how to respond Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12047 Global Systems Science and Policy Link Managing Complexity: Insights, Concepts, Applications https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783540752608 Further links: http://global-systems-science.org Link Link https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/global-systems-science Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Mathematical skills can be helpful
701-0791-00L	Environmental History - Introduction and Overview Number of participants limited to 80.	W	2 credits	2V	M. Gisler
Abstract	Introduction into environmental history as a discipline that ask for the human-nature-relationships from a long-term and spatially defined perspective. By presenting a selection of different topics the lecture provides access to new questions and insights.
Objective	Introduction into environmental history; survey of long-term development of human-nature-interrelations; discussion of selected problems. Improved ability to assess current problems from a historical perspective and to critically interrogate one's own standpoint.
Content	Humans live in and with nature, depend on it, change it permanently: as bio- and geological agents they intervene, reshape, leave prints, improve, reproduce and demonize nature; in short, they’re “doing environment”. Namely in the 20th century, the "era of ecology" (Joachim Radkau) or the age of the “Great Acceleration” (John McNeill), human interventions in their environments have increased exponentially. But nature itself is also constantly changing, adapting, striking back. This leads to a constantly changing interrelation between human and nature. This interdependence is at the core of this lecture. The introduction into “environmental history” offers an overview of the human-environment-relationship in a long-term perspective. It outlines concepts such as the anthropocene, climate and energy as well as questions of environmental policy and the history of the environmental movements. It is meant to expand the competencies for the assessment of current problems and the critical questioning of one's own point of view.
Lecture notes	Course material is provided in digital form.
Literature	McNeill, John R. 2000. Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world, New York: Norton. Uekötter, Frank (Ed.) 2010. The turning points of environmental history, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Winiwarter, Verena und Martin Knoll 2007. Umweltgeschichte: Eine Einführung, Köln: Böhlau.
Prerequisites / Notice	Students are asked to write an exam during the last session
851-0648-00L	Machine Learning for Global Development Number of participants limited to 24 Prerequisite: Students on BSc or MSc level who have already successfully participated in a data science and programming course.	W	3 credits	2G	J. D. Wegner, L. Hensgen, A. Rom
Abstract	In this course students will learn theories of machine learning and its application to problems in the context of global development, with a focus on developing countries (e.g. predicting the risk of child labor or chances of a malaria outbreak). By the end of the course, students will be able to critically reflect upon linkages between technical innovations, culture and individual/societal needs.
Objective	The objective of this course is to introduce students with a non-technical background to machine learning. Emphasis is on hands-on programming and implementation of basic machine learning concepts to demystify the subject, equip participants with all necessary insights and tools to develop their own solutions, and to come up with original ideas for problems related to the context of global development. Specific importance is placed upon the reconciliation of the predictions, which have been generated by automated processes, with the realities on the ground; hence the linkage between technical and social issues. This raises questions such as “In how far can we trust an algorithm?”, “Which factors are hard to measure and therefore not integrated in the algorithm but still crucial for the result, such as cultural and social influences?”. These questions will be discussed in the interdisciplinary group, equipping students with various perspectives on this crucial and very current debate.
Content	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on global development. We will discuss topics like data preprocessing, feature extraction, clustering, regression, classification and take some first steps towards modern deep learning. The course will consist of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on programming in python, where students will directly implement learned theory as a software to help solving problems in global development.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on applications in global development. It will consist of 50% lectures and 50% programming exercises (in python). Teaching assistants from the EcoVision Lab will help with all programming exercises without any needs for additional funding. Students should bring their laptops to the exercises because we will program on laptops directly. It is required that students enrolling in this course have successfully passed a course that deals with basic data science and are familiar with programming (preferably in Python).
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

D-PHYS
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0585-38L	Data Science in Techno-Socio-Economic Systems Number of participants limited to 80 This course is thought be for students in the 5th semester or above with quantitative skills and interests in modeling and computer simulations. Particularly suitable for students of D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-PHYS	W	3 credits	2V	D. Helbing, N. Antulov-Fantulin, V. Vasiliauskaite
Abstract	This course introduces how techno-socio-economic systems in our complex society can be better understood with techniques and tools of data science. Students shall learn how the fundamentals of data science are used to give insights into the research of complexity science, computational social science, economics, finance, and others.
Objective	The goal of this course is to qualify students with knowledge on data science to better understand techno-socio-economic systems in our complex societies. This course aims to make students capable of applying the most appropriate and effective techniques of data science under different application scenarios. The course aims to engage students in exciting state-of-the-art scientific tools, methods and techniques of data science. In particular, lectures will be divided into research talks and tutorials. The course shall increase the awareness level of students of the importance of interdisciplinary research. Finally, students have the opportunity to develop their own data science skills based on a data challenge task, they have to solve, deliver and present at the end of the course.
Content	Will be provided on a separate course webpage.
Lecture notes	Slides will be provided.
Literature	Grus, Joel. "Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python". O'Reilly Media, 2019. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2904392 "A high-bias, low-variance introduction to machine learning for physicists" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157319300766 Applications to Techno-Socio-Economic Systems: "The hidden geometry of complex, network-driven contagion phenomena" (relevant for modeling pandemic spread) https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1337 "A network framework of cultural history" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/345/6196/558 "Science of science" https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6379/eaao0185.abstract "Generalized network dismantling" https://www.pnas.org/content/116/14/6554 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	Good programming skills and a good understanding of probability & statistics and calculus are expected.
851-0165-00L	Questions Concerning the Philosophy of Mathematics, Theoretical Physics and Computer Science	W	3 credits	2S	G. Sommaruga, S. Wolf
Abstract	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? etc.
Objective	The objective is not so much to get acquainted with basic concepts and theories in the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics and computer science, but to reflect in a methodical way about what lies at the origin of these philosophies. Students should learn to articulate questions arising during their studies and to pursue them in a more systematic way.
Content	This seminar tackles questions of the philosophy of mathematics, of theoretical physics ad computer science which are rather non-standard such as: Are proofs really constitutive of mathematics? Why are applications of mathematics (to nature but also to mathematics itself) so fascinating and so hard to understand? Why do certain physical theories, e.g. quantum mechanics, need an "interpretation" whereas others don't? Is computer science part of discrete mathematics or a natural science? etc.
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).
851-0197-00L	Medieval and Early Modern Science and Philosophy	W	3 credits	2V	E. Sammarchi
Abstract	The course analyses the evolution of the relation between science and philosophy during the Middle Age and the Early Modern Period.
Objective	The course aims are: - to introduce students to the philosophical dimension of science; - to develop a critical understanding of scientific notions; - to acquire skills in order to read and comment scientific texts written in the past ages.
Content	The course is focused on the investigation of scientific thought between 1000 and 1700, that is to say the period that saw the flourishing of natural philosophy and the birth of the modern scientific method. Several case-studies, taken from different scientific fields (especially algebra, astronomy, and physics) are presented in class in order to examine the relation between science and philosophy and the shift from medieval times to the early modern world.

D-USYS
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0758-00L	Ecological Economics: Introduction with Focus on Growth Critics	W	2 credits	2V	I. Seidl
Abstract	Students become acquainted with the basics / central questions / analyses of Ecological Economics. Thereby, central will be the topic of economic growth. What are the positions of Ecological Economics in this regard? What are the theories and concepts to found this position in general and in particular economic areas (e.g. resource consumption, efficiency, consumption, labour market, enterprises)?
Objective	Become acquainted with basics and central questions of Ecological Economics (EE): e.g. 'pre-analytic vision', field of discipline, development EE, contributions of involved disciplines such as ecology or political sciences, ecological-economic analysis of topics such as labour market, consumption, money. Critical analysis of growth and learning about approaches to reduce growth pressures.
Content	What is Ecological Economics, what are the topics? Field of the discipline and basics Resource consumption, its development and measurements Measurement of economic activity and welfare Economic growth, growth critics and post-growth society Consumption, Money, Enterprises, labour market and growth pressures Starting points for a post-growth society
Lecture notes	No Script. Slides and texts will be provided beforehand.
Literature	Daly, H. E. / Farley, J. (2004). Ecological Economics. Principles and Applications. Washington, Island Press. Seidl, I. /Zahrnt A. (2010). Postwachstumsgesellschaft. Konzepte für die Zukunft, Marburg, Metropolis Seidl, I. /Zahrnt A. (2019). Tätigsein in der Postwachstumsgesellschaft, Marburg, Metropolis Ausgewählte wissenschaftliche Artikel.
Prerequisites / Notice	Participation in a lecture on environmental economics or otherwise basic knowledge of economics (e.g. A-Level)
701-0786-00L	Mediation in Environmental Planning: Theory and Case Studies.	W	2 credits	2G	K. Siegwart
Abstract	This course is intended to demonstrate how environmental decisions can be optimized and conflicts better dealt by using mediation. Case studies will focus on construction of windmills for electricity purpose, use of fracking, sustainable city-planning in the field of former industrial area or the establishment of a birds- or a forest-management plan.
Objective	- Develop comprehension of legal and social responses to environmental conflicts - Recognize the most important participative techniques and their ranges - Develop concepts for doing and evaluating mediation processes - Estimate the potential and limitations of cooperative environmental planning - Train communicative skills (presentation, moderation, discussion design, negotiation), especially by participating at a mediation
Content	To this end, we will look at the most important techniques of mediation and put them into the context of today's legislation, participation and conflict culture. The potential and limitations of the individual techniques will be discussed using current Swiss and international case studies, namely in the field of windenergy. Students can do conflict analyses, for instance, as part of individual and group analyses and a half-day mediation-simulation, develop technique concepts and train their own communicative and negotiation skills.
Lecture notes	A reader will be handed out.
701-0729-00L	Social Research Methods Target group: students of BSc Environmental Sciences	W	3 credits	2G	M. Stauffacher, A. Bearth, O. Ejderyan
Abstract	The aim of this course is to impart methodological principles of social science research and thus to stimulate a critical reflection of social science findings. The course provides an insight into the concrete approach and methods of guideline-based interview techniques and questionnaire research.
Objective	Students are able to - describe the significance of method-supported procedures in the social sciences. - explain the basic principles of social-scientific research. - critically interpret the results of social-scientific research . - conduct small-scale interviews and surveys via questionnaires.
Content	Alle Teilnehmenden verpflichten sich zur aktiven Mitarbeit in Form von drei Übungen (leitfadengestütztes Interview, Erstellung von Fragebogen, Erhebung und Auswertung von Fragebogen). Inhaltsübersicht: (1) Wozu empirische (Sozial-)Forschung? (2) Der Forschungsablauf im Überblick, verknüpfen von qualitativen und quantitativen Methoden (3) Leitfadengestützte Interviews: erstellen Leitfaden, Durchführung und Auswertung (4) Fragebogen: Hypothesen erarbeiten, Fragebogen erstellen, Durchführung, Daten auswerten, und Resultate darstellen
Lecture notes	Die Dozierenden arbeiten mit Folien, die als Handout abgegeben werden.
Literature	Zur ergänzenden Begleitlektüre kann folgendes Buch empfohlen werden: Bryman, A. (2012, 4th edition). Social research methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
701-0712-00L	Use and Perception of Nature Among Societies Outside Europe Does not take place this semester.	W	2 credits	2V
Abstract	Views of what we call "nature“" in traditional societies in Africa, Asia and Southern America are presented and discussed. In such subsistence-oriented ethnic groups "nature" is often perceived as being inhabited by gods and spirits. This view is often regarded as being irrational by natural science. But what are the impacts of such religious views on the sustainable use of natural resources?
Objective	This lecture shall give an overview of worldviews of so called traditional societies in Africa, Asia and Southern America. The aim is to understand the way such societies view what we call nature or environment and their strategies to use natural resources. The lecure shall also provide a critical analysis of such processes based on concrete case studies, in which we will discuss problems of sustainable use of natrual resources and participatory processes in the governance of such resources.
Content	Die Studierenden werden dabei mit Vorstellungen und Ideologien von Natur konfrontiert, die sich nicht mit unserer Logik physisch-chemischer und biologischer Abläufe in der "Natur" decken, und die wir somit als "irrational" empfinden. Wir werden uns mit verschiedenen Konzepten aus dem Bereich der Religions-Ethnologie beschäftigen, die sich insbesondere im Bereich Magie, Hexerei und Orakelbefragung mit der "Rationalität" solcher Umweltvorstellungen auseinandersetzen. Seit der Beschäftigung mit der Ökosystemtheorie durch Roy Rappaport erhielt diese "wilde Denken" eine neue Funktion (Rappaport 1971, 1979). Es wurde in Zusammenhang eines gesamten Ökosystems analysiert, zu dessen Erhaltung und zu dessen Fliessgleichgewicht es diene. Diese Sichtweise, obwohl heftig kritisiert, ist von Bedeutung, weil mit der ökologischen Krise man in der industrialisierte Welt Ausschau nach neuen Konzepten hält. Diese werden teilweise in den uns fremden Bildern aussereuropäischer Völker von der "heiligen Natur" gesehen, welche uns als Lehre dienen und zu nachhaltiger Ressourcennutzung führen könnte. Zudem erscheinen die Umwelt-Bilder und Weltsichten dieser Gesellschaften (heute oftmals indigene Völker genannt) auf der praktischen Ebene als gelebter Naturschutz, den es insbesondere für die Konservierung von Biodiversität zu erhalten gilt. Heilige Orte sollen nun auch für den Schutz von beispielsweise Nationalparks oder Biosphärenreservaten dienen. In diesem Zusammenhang ist ein genauer Blick von Nöten, denn Fehlanalysen sind in diesem Bereich fatal und eine unkritische Instrumentalisierung magischer Weltsichten kontraproduktiv. Wo jedoch religiöse Weltsichten der Natur eine im Sinne der Nachhaltigkeit positive Rolle spielen können, ist der Bereich der Institutionen für das Ressourcenmanagement. Dieser Begriff wird hier im Sinne des Neuen Institutionalismus verwendet: Institutionen sind demnach Regeln, Werte und Normen, die das Handeln der Individuen beeinflussen und eine gewisse Sicherheit bezüglich dem erwarteten Verhalten der anderen Individuen einer Gemeinschaft bieten und dabei die sogenannten Transaktionskosten (Informationsbeschaffung bezüglich dem Verhalten anderer Akteure, Überwachung und Sanktionierung) reduzieren (North 1990. Ostrom 1990, Ensminger 1992). Dieser aus der Ökonomie beeinflusste Ansatz weist meines Erachtens interessante Elemente bezüglich der nachhaltigen Nutzung von Ressourcen auf, was sich bei der Nutzung von Kollektivressourcen (Com
Lecture notes	Zur Veranstaltung gibt es kein Script, aber es wird rechtzeitig ein Ordner mit der relevanten Literatur bereitgestellt. Am Thema Interessierte Studierende können sich bereits in folgenden zwei Büchern ins Thema einlesen: - Berkes, Fikret. 1999. Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Managment. Philadelphia: Taylor and Francis. - Haller, Tobias. 2001. Leere Speicher, erodierte Felder und das Bier der Frauen: Umweltanpassung und Krise bei den Ouldeme und Platha in den Mandarabergen Nord-Kameruns. Studien zur Sozialanthropologie. Berlin: Dietrich Reimer Verlag.
Literature	Becker, Dustin, C. and Elinor Ostrom,.1995. Human Ecology and Resource Sustainability: The Importance of Institutional Diversity. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst.1995. No. 26:113-33. Berkes, Fikret. 1999. Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Managment. Philadelphia: Taylor and Francis. Dangwal, Parmesh. 1998. Van Gujjars at Apex of National Park Management. Indigenous Affairs No.4:24-31. Diener, Paul and Robkin, Eugene E. 1978. Ecology, Evolution, and the Search for Cultural Origins: The Question of Islamic Pig Prohibition. In: Current Anthropology 19, No.3():493-540. Diener, Paul, Nonini, Donald and Robkin, Eugene E. 1977/78. The Dialectics of the Sacred Cow: Ecological Adaptation versus Political Appropriation in the Origins of Indias Cattle Complex. In: Dialectical Anthropology (Amsterdam) 3: 221-241. Evans-Pritchard, Edward E. 1978. Hexerei, Magie und Orakel bei den Zande. Frankfurt am Main:Suhrkamp. Evans-Pritchard, Edward und Mayer Fortes. 1983. Afrikanische politische Systeme, in: Kramer, F. und Siegrist, Ch. eds. Gesellschaften ohne Staat. Frankfurt a. Main:Syndikat: 150-174. Fairhead, James und Leach, Melissa. 1996. Misreading the African Landscape. Society and ecology in a forest-savanna mosaic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Freed, Stanley A. and Freed, Ruth, S. 1981.Sacred Cows and Water Buffalo in India: The Uses of Ethnography. In. Current Anthropology 22, No.5: 483-502. Haller, Tobias. 1995.Raub der „Seelenschatten in Nord-Kamerun. Krankheit bei den Ouldeme und Platha in den Mandarabergen“. In: Keller, Frank-Beat (Hg.). Krank warum? Vorstellung der Völker, Heiler und Mediziner, Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung. Ostfildern: Cantz Verlag. pp.302-306. Haller, Tobias. 2000. Bodendegradierung und Ernährungskrise bei den Ouldeme und Platha. Umwelt- und Ernährungsprobleme bei zwei Feldbauerngruppen in den Mandarabergen Nord-Kameruns: Eine Folge der Adaptation an Monetarisierung und Wandel traditioneller institutioneller Rahmenbedingungen. In: Zeitschrift für Ethnologie 124 (1999): 335–354. Haller, Tobias. 2001. Leere Speicher, erodierte Felder und das Bier der Frauen: Umweltanpassung und Krise bei den Ouldeme und Platha in den Mandarabergen Nord-Kameruns. Studien zur Sozialanthropologie. Berlin: Dietrich Reimer Verlag. Haller, Tobias. 2002a. „Spiel gegen Risiken in der ‘Natur’“, In: Giordano et al (Hrsg.). Ordnung, Risiko und Gefährdung. Reader des Blockseminars der Schweizerischen
Prerequisites / Notice	Die Veranstaltung beginnt in einem ersten Teil mit einer Reihe von Vorlesungen und wird in einem zweiten Teil mit Lesen und Diskutieren von Texten (Kurzvorträge von den Studierenden) fortgesetzt (nähere Erläuterungen und Programm am Anfang der Veranstaltung).
751-1500-00L	Development Economics	W	3 credits	2V	I. Günther, K. Harttgen
Abstract	Introduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction.
Objective	The goal of this lecture is to introduce students to basic development economics and related economic and developmental contexts.
Content	The course begins with a theoretical and empirical introduction to the concepts of poverty reduction and issues of combating socioeconomic inequality. Based on this, important external and internal drivers of economic development and poverty reduction are discussed as well as economic and development policies to overcome global poverty. In particular, the following topics are discussed: - measurement of development, poverty and inequality, - growth theories - trade and development - education, health, population and development - states and institutions - fiscal,monetary- and exchange rate policies
Lecture notes	None.
Literature	Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2020): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik.
Prerequisites / Notice	Voraussetzungen: Grundlagenkenntisse der Mikro- und Makroökonomie. Besonderes: Die Veranstaltung besteht aus einem Vorlesungsteil, aus eigener Literatur- und Recherchearbeit sowie der Bearbeitung von Aufgabenblättern. Die Vorlesung basiert auf: Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2019): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik. Einzelne Kapitel müssen jeweils vor den Veranstaltungen gelesen werden. In den Veranstaltungen wird das Gelesene diskutiert und angewendet. Auch werden offene Fragen der Kapitel und Übungen besprochen.
851-0708-00L	Introduction to Law Introduction to Law as GESS Compulsory Elective Course: Students who have attended or will attend the lecture "Introduction to Law for Architecture" (851-0703-01L), "Introduction to Law for Civil Engineering" (851-0703-03L) or " Introduction to Law" (851-0703-00) , cannot register for this course unit. Particularly suitable for students of D-HEST, D-MAVT, D-MATL, D-USYS.	W	2 credits	2V	A. Stremitzer
Abstract	This class introduces students to basic features of the legal system. Questions of constitutional and administrative law, contract law, tort law, corporate law, intellectual property law, as well as procedural law are covered.
Objective	Introduction to fundamental questions of public and private law which serves as a foundation for more advanced law classes.
Content	1. Öffentliches Recht Staatsrecht: Funktion und Quellen des Rechts, Aufbau und Organisation des Staates, Grundrechte, Grundzüge des Völker- und Europarechts. Verwaltungsrecht: Verwaltungsverhältnis, Verfügung, Verwaltungsorganisation, Durchsetzung des Verwaltungsrechts, Verwaltungsverfahrensrecht, Grundzüge des Polizei-, Umwelt- und Raumplanungsrechts. 2. Privatrecht Vertragsrecht: Vertragsfreiheit, Vertragsentstehung, -erfüllung und -verletzung, Grundzüge des Kauf- und Mietvertrags. Haftungsrecht: Verschuldenshaftung und Kausalhaftung, Beschränkung der Haftung. Grundzüge des Gesellschafts,- Immaterialgüter- und Zivilprozessrechts.
Literature	Weiterführende Informationen sind auf der Moodle-Lernumgebung zur Vorlesung erhältlich (s. http://www.ip.ethz.ch/education/grundzuege).
851-0735-11L	Environmental Regulation: Law and Policy Number of participants limited to 20. Particularly suitable for students of D-USYS	W	3 credits	1S	J. van Zeben
Abstract	The aim of this course is to make students with a technical scientific background aware of the legal and political context of environmental policy in order to place technical solutions in their regulatory context.
Objective	The aim of this course is to equip students with a legal and regulatory skill-set that allows them to translate their technical knowledge into a policy brief directed at legally trained regulators. More generally, it aims to inform students with a technical scientific background of the legal and political context of environmental policy. The focus of the course will be on international and European issues and regulatory frameworks - where relevant, the position of Switzerland within these international networks will also be discussed.
Content	Topics covered in lectures: (1) Environmental Regulation a. Perspectives b. Regulatory Challenges of Environment Problems c. Regulatory Tools (2) Law: International, European and national laws a. International law b. European law c. National law (3) Policy: Case studies Assessment: (i) Class participation (25%): Students will be expected to contribute to class discussions and prepare short memos on class readings. (ii) Exam (75%) consisting of two parts: a. Policy brief - a maximum of 2 pages (including graphs and tables); b. Background document to the policy brief - this document sets out a more detailed and academic overview of the topic (maximum 8 pages including graphs and tables);
Lecture notes	The course is taught as an interactive seminar and in-class participation is expected from the students. Participation will be capped at 20 in order to maintain the interactive nature of the classes. All classes, readings, and assignments, are in English. Teaching will take place over three days in January.
Literature	The book for this course is van Zeben and Rowell, A Guide to EU Environmental Law, University of California Press, 2020 - available via https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520295223/a-guide-to-eu-environmental-law. Electronic copy of remaining readings will be provided to the students at no cost before the start of the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	No specific pre-existing legal knowledge is required, however all students must have successfully completed Grundzüge des Rechts (851-0708-00 V) or an equivalent course. The course is (inter)related to materials discussed in Politikwissenschaft: Grundlagen (851-0577-00 V), Ressourcen- und Umweltökonomie (751-1551-00 V), Umweltrecht: Konzepte und Rechtsgebiete (851-0705-01 V), Rechtlicher Umgang mit natürlichen Ressourcen (701-0743-01 V), Environmental Governance (701-1651-00 G), Policy and Economics of Ecosystem Services (701-1653-00 G), International Environmental Politics: Part I (851-0594-00 V).
701-0743-01L	Law and Natural Resources Number of participants limited to 20.	W	2 credits	2V	N. Dajcar
Abstract	This course teaches the possibilities and limits of the law in order to protect natural resources and landscapes against harm and nuisance. The complexity of the legal situation will be discussed by analysing virtual and real law cases focused on spatial projects and planning. Precise writing is an emportant aspect in this course.
Objective	The students know the opportunities and restrictions which are given by the law when using natural resources. They have insights into the complex environmental legal system and their application in conrete cases. The students are able to formulate typical legal questions, to understand the argumentation of courts and to solve simple legal problems with respect to environmental problems. An important goal ist the writing of precise written answers.
Content	In this course, the aim is to gain in-depth-knowledge in forest law, law of landscape and nature protection and spatial planning law
Lecture notes	everything necessary will be uploaded on moodle
Literature	Griffel, A.; Raumplanungs- und Baurecht in a nutshell, Dike Verlag, 3. Auflage, Zürich/St. Gallen 2017 Griffel, A.; Umweltrecht in a nutshell, Dike Verlag, Zürich/St. Gallen 2015
Prerequisites / Notice	In this course, in-depth knowledge of forest law, landscape- and nature-protection law and spatial planning law can be gained. The webclass consists of team work. There are written works to be done (usually in german) and presentation to be held. A good part of the course is self study work.
851-0158-13L	Ecology and Environmentalism Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ERDW, D-HEST, D-USYS, D-BIOL	W	3 credits	2S	N. Guettler
Abstract	The notion of „ecology“ refers to both, scientific research on environments as well as their protection. But how have academic ecology and the environmental movements intersected throughout history?
Objective	In the seminar, students will read and discuss key sources as well as secondary literature on the knowledge transfers between scientific ecology and the environmental movements of the 19th and 20th century. Topics range from 19th-century homeland movement and the rise of ecological awareness in colonial settings, to the rise of an environmental awareness during the Cold War, with a special focus on „green“ politics in Europe. Apart from scientists and „counter-scientists“ the seminar focuses on concepts and ideas that circulated between academic ecology and different nature movements. The participants learn to engage historically with original texts as well as to handle independently the extensive historical literature on the history of environmentalism. At the same time, they develop a critical understanding of different political agendas that have shaped academic and popular ecology until the present day. Students also learn to communicate their findings by writing short (and fictive) blog posts on different aspects of this history.
701-0791-00L	Environmental History - Introduction and Overview Number of participants limited to 80.	W	2 credits	2V	M. Gisler
Abstract	Introduction into environmental history as a discipline that ask for the human-nature-relationships from a long-term and spatially defined perspective. By presenting a selection of different topics the lecture provides access to new questions and insights.
Objective	Introduction into environmental history; survey of long-term development of human-nature-interrelations; discussion of selected problems. Improved ability to assess current problems from a historical perspective and to critically interrogate one's own standpoint.
Content	Humans live in and with nature, depend on it, change it permanently: as bio- and geological agents they intervene, reshape, leave prints, improve, reproduce and demonize nature; in short, they’re “doing environment”. Namely in the 20th century, the "era of ecology" (Joachim Radkau) or the age of the “Great Acceleration” (John McNeill), human interventions in their environments have increased exponentially. But nature itself is also constantly changing, adapting, striking back. This leads to a constantly changing interrelation between human and nature. This interdependence is at the core of this lecture. The introduction into “environmental history” offers an overview of the human-environment-relationship in a long-term perspective. It outlines concepts such as the anthropocene, climate and energy as well as questions of environmental policy and the history of the environmental movements. It is meant to expand the competencies for the assessment of current problems and the critical questioning of one's own point of view.
Lecture notes	Course material is provided in digital form.
Literature	McNeill, John R. 2000. Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world, New York: Norton. Uekötter, Frank (Ed.) 2010. The turning points of environmental history, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Winiwarter, Verena und Martin Knoll 2007. Umweltgeschichte: Eine Einführung, Köln: Böhlau.
Prerequisites / Notice	Students are asked to write an exam during the last session
851-0648-00L	Machine Learning for Global Development Number of participants limited to 24 Prerequisite: Students on BSc or MSc level who have already successfully participated in a data science and programming course.	W	3 credits	2G	J. D. Wegner, L. Hensgen, A. Rom
Abstract	In this course students will learn theories of machine learning and its application to problems in the context of global development, with a focus on developing countries (e.g. predicting the risk of child labor or chances of a malaria outbreak). By the end of the course, students will be able to critically reflect upon linkages between technical innovations, culture and individual/societal needs.
Objective	The objective of this course is to introduce students with a non-technical background to machine learning. Emphasis is on hands-on programming and implementation of basic machine learning concepts to demystify the subject, equip participants with all necessary insights and tools to develop their own solutions, and to come up with original ideas for problems related to the context of global development. Specific importance is placed upon the reconciliation of the predictions, which have been generated by automated processes, with the realities on the ground; hence the linkage between technical and social issues. This raises questions such as “In how far can we trust an algorithm?”, “Which factors are hard to measure and therefore not integrated in the algorithm but still crucial for the result, such as cultural and social influences?”. These questions will be discussed in the interdisciplinary group, equipping students with various perspectives on this crucial and very current debate.
Content	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on global development. We will discuss topics like data preprocessing, feature extraction, clustering, regression, classification and take some first steps towards modern deep learning. The course will consist of 50% lectures and 50% hands-on programming in python, where students will directly implement learned theory as a software to help solving problems in global development.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course will give an introduction to machine learning with emphasis on applications in global development. It will consist of 50% lectures and 50% programming exercises (in python). Teaching assistants from the EcoVision Lab will help with all programming exercises without any needs for additional funding. Students should bring their laptops to the exercises because we will program on laptops directly. It is required that students enrolling in this course have successfully passed a course that deals with basic data science and are familiar with programming (preferably in Python).
851-0097-00L	What Is Knowledge and Under What Conditions Are We Entitled to Claim Knowledge?	W	3 credits	2G	L. Wingert
Abstract	The seminar aims at a clarification of the concept of knowledge, as it is built in our experiential relations to the world. An analysis is needed of the difference between knowledge and belief, of the relation between objectivity and knowledge, and of the role of reasons for having knowledge. Additionally, the legitimacy of different types of knowledge claims should be evaluated.
Objective	On will able to evaluate the arguments pro and con the thesis, that knowledge is justified, true belief. Furthermore, one will gain some insights in the role of reasons for knowledge and in the merits and misgivings of a naturalistic account of knowledge. Finally, one will be a bit more familiar with some theories of philosophical epistemology (e.g. empiricism, rationalism).

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