Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2018

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Environmental Sciences Master
Major in Human-Environment Systems Students starting their Master programme in spring semester 2016 or later cannot choose the Major Human-Environment Systems. Students who registered for the Major Human-Environment Systems autumn semester 2015 or before can finish this Major.
Natural and Technological Systems
Environmental Assessment
701-0998-00L	Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals	W	3 credits	2G	M. Scheringer, B. Escher
Abstract	Application of methods for chemical risk assessment for human health and the environmental according to European and Swiss regulation; hazard and risk; exposure and effect analysis for different types of chemicals. Estimation of missing chemical properties (QSAR methods); critical evaluation of risk assessment methods, presentation of alternative assessment methods.
Learning objective	The students are familiar with regulatory approaches to human and environmental risk assessment of chemicals and can perform a regulatory risk assessment for an industrial chemical. They are aware of pitfalls and challenges and know about new approaches to risk assessment.
Content	Regulatory methods for environmental risk assessment of chemicals (industrial chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals), European regulation REACH, Swiss regulations, international approaches - Human vs. environmental risk assessment - Classification and labelling of chemicals - PBT assessment (persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity) - Exposure analysis: emission patterns, multimedia fate and transport models for quantifying environmental exposure, Long range transport and persistence, predicted and measured exposure concentration for the environment and humans - Effect analysis: estimation of hazard potential for ecotoxicity and human health, extrapolation methods, classification of chemicals according to modes of toxic action, predictive models (QSAR) - Risk assessment methods (deterministic vs. probabilistic), risk assessment vs. hazard assessment, risk management - uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, precautionary principle - Environmental Quality Assessment (water, sediment, biota), Water Framework Directive) - New methods in environmental risk assessment: mixtures, temporally and spatially explicit risk assessment
Lecture notes	Slides of lectures, lecture notes for selected chapters and additional reading material will be made available via moodle or ILIAS. Also templates for the exercises and the report will be made available via moodle or ILIAS.
Literature	- Van Leeuwen, C.J., Vermeire, T. (Eds.) Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction. Springer, 2007 (available as an e-book in the ETH main library). - Scheringer, M., Persistence and Spatial Range of Environmental Chemicals. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002.
Prerequisites / Notice	Block course: Lecture and accompanying exercise where students conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for one selected chemical each according to the European regulation for industrial chemicals. The risk assessment will be presented in class and has to be compiled in a written technical report (Chemical dossier) that will be graded. The overall work load is 90 hours with 30 hours contact time (block course) and 60 hours self-study.
102-0348-00L	Prospective Environmental Assessments Prerequisite for this lecture is basic knowledge of environmental assessment tools, such as material flow analysis, risk assessment and life cycle assessment. Students without previous knowledge in these areas need to read according textbooks prior to or at the beginning of the lecture.	W	3 credits	2G	S. Hellweg, N. Heeren, A. Spörri
Abstract	This lecture deals with prospective assessments of emerging technologies as well as with the assessment of long-term environmental impact caused by today's activities.
Learning objective	- Understanding prospective environmental assessments, including scenario analysis techniques, prospective emission models, dynamic MFA and LCA. - Ability to properly plan and conduct prospective environmental assessment studies, for example on emerging technologies or on technical processes that cause long-term environmental impacts. - Being aware of the uncertainties involved in prospective studies. - Getting to know measures to prevent long-term emissions or impact in case studies - Knowing the arguments in favor and against a temporally differentiated weighting of environmental impacts (discounting)
Content	- Scenario analysis - Dynamic material flow analysis - Temporal differentiation in LCA - Assessment of future and present environmental impact - Case studies (nanotechnology, e-waste, landfills, energy)
Lecture notes	Lecture slides and further documents will be made available on the homepage of the lecture.

Landscape and Ecosystems
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1656-01L	Introduction into Landscape Development This course takes place if at least 5 students enroll. Students who are enrolled in this lecture cannot enroll in the lecture 103-0338-00L Project Week in Landscape Development. It ist necessary to enroll for the lecture 103-0330-00L Landscape Aesthetics (2 CP) to reach the required 5 CP.	W	3 credits	3G	S.‑E. Rabe, E. Celio, A. Grêt-Regamey
Abstract	The course provides an introduction to the theory and methodology of landscape planning. In particular, measuring, understanding and assessing of landscape-relevant land-use, requirements and developments will be taught. Concerning the landscape development, aims will be developed and corresponding actions defined.
Learning objective	The students are able to: - use the different instruments and methods of landscape development. - recognize and name the structure of a landscape. - recognize and understand the history of land-use. - recognize and understand the context of arrangement of a landscape. - assess a landscape in its entirety and in its single-elements. - develop a vision of a landscape. - prepare and provide substantiated actions.
Content	The course consists of theoretical inputs and independent or assisted exercises. Depending on the subject area to be processed, different methods are used. This applies to both the methods of investigation of landscape-elements and characteristics as well as the methods for evaluation of landscape-elements and characteristics. Subjects and methods are developed and defined in the exercises.
Prerequisites / Notice	Students who are enrolled in this lecture cannot enroll in the lecture 103-0338-00L Project Week in Landscape Development.

Climate Change
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1232-00L	Radiation and Climate Change	W	3 credits	2G	M. Wild, W. Ball
Abstract	This lecture focuses on the prominent role of radiation in the energy balance of the Earth and in the context of past and future climate change.
Learning objective	The aim of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental role of radiation in the context of climate change.
Content	The course will cover the following topics: Basic radiation laws; sun-earth relations; the sun as driver of climate change (faint sun paradox, Milankovic ice age theory, solar cycles); radiative forcings in the atmosphere: aerosol, water vapour, clouds; radiation balance of the Earth (satellite and surface observations, modeling approaches); anthropogenic perturbation of the Earth radiation balance: greenhouse gases and enhanced greenhouse effect, air pollution and global dimming; radiation-induced feedbacks in the climate system (water vapour feedback, snow albedo feedback); climate model scenarios under various radiative forcings.
Lecture notes	Slides will be made available, lecture notes for part of the course
Literature	As announced in the course
701-1252-00L	Climate Change Uncertainty and Risk: From Probabilistic Forecasts to Economics of Climate Adaptation	W	3 credits	2V + 1U	D. N. Bresch, R. Knutti
Abstract	The course introduces the concepts of predictability, probability, uncertainty and probabilistic risk modelling and their application to climate modeling and the economics of climate adaptation.
Learning objective	Students will acquire knowledge in uncertainty and risk quantification (probabilistic modelling) and an understanding of the economics of climate adaptation. They will become able to construct their own uncertainty and risk assessment models (MATLAB), hence basic understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course.
Content	The first part of the course covers methods to quantify uncertainty in detecting and attributing human influence on climate change and to generate probabilistic climate change projections on global to regional scales. Model evaluation, calibration and structural error are discussed. In the second part, quantification of risks associated with local climate impacts and the economics of different baskets of climate adaptation options are assessed – leading to informed decisions to optimally allocate resources. Such pre-emptive risk management allows evaluating a mix of prevention, preparation, response, recovery, and (financial) risk transfer actions, resulting in an optimal balance of public and private contributions to risk management, aiming at a more resilient society. The course provides an introduction to the following themes: 1) basics of probabilistic modelling and quantification of uncertainty from global climate change to local impacts of extreme events 2) methods to optimize and constrain model parameters using observations 3) risk management from identification (perception) and understanding (assessment, modelling) to actions (prevention, preparation, response, recovery, risk transfer) 4) basics of economic evaluation, economic decision making in the presence of climate risks and pre-emptive risk management to optimally allocate resources
Lecture notes	Powerpoint slides will be made available
Literature	-
Prerequisites / Notice	Hands-on experience with probabilistic climate models and risk models will be acquired in the tutorials; hence basic understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course. Basic understanding of the climate system, e.g. as covered in the course 'Klimasysteme' is required. Examination: graded tutorials during the semester (benotete Semesterleistung)
701-1317-00L	Global Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate	W	3 credits	3G	N. Gruber, M. Vogt
Abstract	The human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide has led to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that Earth likely has no’t seen for the last 30 million years. This course aims to investigate and understand the impact of humans on Earth's biogeochemical cycles with a focus on the carbon cycle and its interaction with the physical climate system for the past, the present, and the future.
Learning objective	This course aims to investigate the nature of the interaction between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean with climate and how this interaction has evolved over time and will change in the future. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature and class presentations.
Content	Topics discussed include: The anthropogenic perturbation of the global carbon cycle and climate. Response of land and oceanic ecosystems to past and future global changes; Interactions between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean; Biogeochemical processes controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere on time-scales from a few years to a few hundred thousand years.
Lecture notes	Sarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press. Additional handouts will be provided as needed. see website: http://www.up.ethz.ch/education/biogeochem_cycles
Literature	Sarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 526pp. MacKenzie, F. T. (1999), Global biogeochemical cycles and the physical climate system, Global Change Instruction Program, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 69pp. W. H. Schlesinger (1997), Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, Academic Press. Original literature.

Social Systems (Micro, Macro)
Psychology
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1652-00L	Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making	W	3 credits	2G	R. Hansmann
Abstract	Environmental Behavior and Decision-making is considered from different perspectives (psychological approaches, evolutionary biology, game theory, and political sciences). The course is focusing ascending levels of human regulatory systems (individuals, groups, organizations) in contexts of forest & landscape management and other environmentally relevant areas.
Learning objective	Environmental decision-making can be analyzed from different disciplinary perspectives, and the level at which scientists analyze decision-making depends on the context and research goals. In the course, students get acquainted with theoretical approaches from psychology and political sciences. Theories are explained through examples of their application in different contexts of environmental behaviour, management and planning. The course focuses environmental behaviour and decision-making on ascending levels of human regulatory systems: 1) Individual behaviour and decision-making 2) Decision-making in small groups 3) Decision-making in Institutions, and organizations Psychological theories are frequently applied to individual behaviour and decision making and various social psychological theories focus on small group decision making. The course shall provide a framework for the students, which enables them to identify and apply theories that are helpful for answering certain research questions. Exercises and examples of application shall enable the students to get in depth knowledge of certain theories, which shall enable them to apply the models and theories themselves in own research activities.
Content	Decision-making is considered from different disciplinary perspectives (psychology, game theory, political sciences) and in different contexts. The course is structured by focusing decision making on ascending levels of human regulatory systems in contexts of focusing forest & landscape management and other environmentally relevant areas: 1. Individual-level models (psychological theories and modeling, communication and public campaigns, leisure activities, green spaces and health and well-being, waste disposal and recycling behavior) 2. Group level models (psychological theories and modeling, group think phenomena, group techniques, decision process analyses) 3. Organization-level models (institutions, political science, green space and urban planning) - Psychological theory shall be taught in connection with economic/political approaches and with an orientation towards modeling of individual behavior and group decision-making. (Approaches covered include e.g. Theory of planned behavior, Norm activation Theory, Neutralization Theory, Rational Choice and Expected Utility models, Social Decision Schemes, DISCUSS model, Probabilistic model of Opinion Change including Distance). - Solution oriented approaches towards influencing environmental behavior (environmental education, communication, campaigns) and improving group processes (Groupthink phenomena, Group Techniques) shall be covered by the course. - Political and economic approaches on individuals, organizations and Management of Human-Environment Systems complement the psychological view (e.g. Collective Action Theory by E. Ostrom).
Lecture notes	Will be provided in the lecture.
Literature	Will be provided/announced during the lecture.
752-2123-00L	Risk Awareness, Risk Acceptance and Trust	W	3 credits	2V	M. Siegrist
Abstract	The course provides an overview about risk perception and acceptance of new technologies. In addition, the most important findings of the research related to decisions under uncertainty are presented.
Learning objective	Students know the most important theoretical approaches in the domains of risk perception and acceptance of new technologies. Furthermore, students understand the paradigms and the research results in the domain of decision making under uncertainty.

Economics
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1653-00L	Policy and Economics of Ecosystem Services	W	3 credits	2G	A. Müller
Abstract	The course introduces the concept of ecosystem services (ES), their value for society, the causes of their degradation and potential policies to reduce degradation, from an environmental economics perspective. The main focus is thus on policy options for addressing ecosystems' degradation. The strengths and weaknesses of alternative policies are analyzed and illustrated with examples.
Learning objective	The objective is to draw on insights from environmental economics for explaining human-induced ecosystem change and for assessing the potential of policies and economic incentives as strategies to reduce ecosystem services degradation. Students understand the relevance of environmental economics in application to the sustainable provision of ecosystem services (ES). They can define different categories of ecosystem services and understand underlying sources of market failure that lead to suboptimal human decisions regarding ES provision. They understand the importance of policy choice and policy design. This incorporates both established and newer policy approaches that can be used to address market failure and move towards better outcomes from a societal point of view. They can assess strengths and weaknesses of alternative policy approaches and instruments and understand the basis for selecting among alternative instruments to address ecosystems' degradation. Students have an improved understanding of the political economy underlying the making of environmental policy. They know a variety of real-world applications of different policy approaches related to land use choices and ES in developing and developed countries. Finally, they understand approaches for assessing policy impacts.
Content	The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found that 60% of the world's ecosystem services (ES) are being degraded or used unsustainably. The UN report on 'The Economics of Ecosystems Services and Biodiversity' highlighted the impacts on human well-being and the role of policy in addressing ecosystems' degradation. Evaluating changes in ES from a societal perspective first requires an assessment of the societal value of different ES and the tradeoffs between them. Second, we need to understand the drivers of human decision-making affecting ES. Examples will be provided on resource use choices in developed and developing countries. Third, an assessment of the causes of excessive ES degradation is needed. Potential causes include the presence of externalities, improperly designed property rights systems, divergence of private and social discount rates, and lack of information and knowledge. Understanding the causes helps to design policies for more sustainable outcomes. Policies include command-and-control, economic incentives (for example, eco-taxes, tradable permits, government payments for ecosystem services), and decentralized approaches (for example, voluntary agreements, eco-labeling, participatory management). Choosing an appropriate policy instrument (or a combination thereof) requires an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of alternative instruments, their preconditions for success and the political economy of their implementation. Finally, assessing the actual impacts of policy once implemented requires a careful assessment of appropriate baselines.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes, homework exercises and readings for each class will be made available on OLAT.
Literature	There is no single textbook for this class. Instead, a number of articles and book chapters will be suggested for each of the topics addressed during the lecture.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course consists of a combination of lectures, homework assignments on real world case studies, a computer exercise, and an exam. A prerequisite for this course is a bachelor-level course in Environmental Economics (e.g. 751-1551-00). In particular, students are expected to be familiar with basic environmental economics' concepts such as externality, public good, market failure, opportunity cost, social optimum and market equilibrium, among others. Students with no background in environmental economics can be provided with readings but will be expected to come up to the required standards on their own, prior to starting the class. Please contact Marie Ferré (marie.ferre@usys.ethz.ch) for these.
363-0514-00L	Energy Economics and Policy It is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example,"Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.	W	3 credits	2G	M. Filippini
Abstract	An introduction to principles of energy economics and applications using energy policies: demand analysis, economic analysis of energy investments and cost analysis, economics of fossil fuels, economics of electricity, economics of renewable energy, market and behavioral failures and energy policy, market-based and non-market based instruments and regulation of energy industries.
Learning objective	The students will develop the understanding of economic principles and tools necessary to analyze energy issues and to formulate energy policy instruments. Emphasis will be put on empirical analysis of energy demand and supply, market failures, behavioral economics, energy policy instruments, investments in power plants and in energy efficiency technologies and the reform of the electric power sector.
Content	The course provides an introduction to energy economics principles and policy applications. The core topics are -Demand analysis -Behavioral analysis of the energy sector -Economic analysis of energy investments and cost analysis -Economics of fossil fuels -Economics of electricity -Economics of renewable energies -Market failures and energy policy -Market oriented and non-market oriented instruments -Regulation of energy industries
Literature	-Bhattacharyya, S. C. (2011). Energy Economics: Concepts, Issues, Markets and Governance. Springer -Thomas J. and Callan S. (2010), Environmental Economics: Applications, Policy and Theory. 5th Edition, South-Western, Cengage Learning -Hackett, Steven C. (2010) Environmental and natural resources economics: Theory, policy, and the sustainable society. ME Sharpe
Prerequisites / Notice	It is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example, "Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.
364-0576-00L	Advanced Sustainability Economics PhD course, open for MSc students	W	3 credits	2G	L. Bretschger
Abstract	The course covers current resource and sustainability economics, including ethical foundations of sustainability, intertemporal optimisation in capital-resource economies, sustainable use of non-renewable and renewable resources, pollution dynamics, population growth, and sectoral heterogeneity. A final part is on empirical contributions, e.g. the resource curse, energy prices, and the EKC.
Learning objective	Understanding of the current issues and economic methods in sustainability research; ability to solve typical problems like the calculation of the growth rate under environmental restriction with the help of appropriate model equations.

Political Sciences, Policy and Sociology
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0735-11L	Environmental Regulation: Law and Policy Number of participants limited to 15. 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.
Learning 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 three 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); c. Presentation of the policy brief: presentations can use a maximum of 5 slides and can last 7 minutes.
Lecture notes	The course is taught as a small interactive seminar and significant participation is expected from the students. Participation will be capped at 15 in order to maintain the interactive nature of the classes. All classes, readings, and assignments, are in English. Teaching will take place over two weeks in September and October. The exam date will be in December. During the second week of the teaching period, students will have individual 30-minute meetings with the lecturer to discuss their project.
Literature	An electronic copy of relevant 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).

Integrative Approaches and Applications
Applicatioin
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1502-00L	Transdisciplinary Case Study The number of participants is limited. Students have to apply for this course by sending a two-page motivation letter (why are you interested? what do you want to learn? what can you contribute?) to michael.stauffacher@usys.ethz.ch and pius.kruetli@usys.ethz.ch (latest by 15 January 2018). Additionally please enroll via mystudies. Please note that all students are put on the waiting list and that your current position on the waiting list is irrelevant, as places will be assigned on the basis of your motivation letter. Important: for students in Agricultural Sciences, the case study can replace the compulsory course 751-1000-00L Interdisciplinary Project Work!	W	7 credits	15P	M. Stauffacher, P. Krütli
Abstract	This course is project-based and organized in a real-world context. Students deal with complex, societally relevant problems where environmental issues are key and that demand mutual learning among science and society.
Learning objective	Students learn how to plan and organize their work in groups, how to structure complex problems, how to use empirical methods and how to organise transdisciplinary collaboration between research and people from outside academia. Every second year the case study is organized in a small Island Developing States (SIDS), namely the Seychelles. In addition to the general teaching goals, here students are getting trained for research and/or practical work in the global South (Working in intercultural teams, adapting to foreign social, economic, cultural and political settings).
Prerequisites / Notice	The number of participants is limited. Students have to apply for this course by sending a two-page motivation letter (why are you interested? what do you want to learn? what can you contribute?) to michael.stauffacher@usys.ethz.ch and pius.kruetli@usys.ethz.ch (latest by 15 January 2018). Additionally please enroll via mystudies. Please note that all students are put on the waiting list and that your current position on the waiting list is irrelevant, as places will be assigned on the basis of your motivation letter. Important: for students in Agricultural Sciences, the case study can replace the compulsory course 751-1000-00L Interdisciplinary Project Work!

Policy, Decision Analysis and Modeling
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1522-00L	Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis	W	3 credits	2G	J. Lienert
Abstract	This introduction to "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis" (MCDA) combines prescriptive Decision Theory (MAVT, MAUT) with practical application and computer-based decision support systems. Aspects of descriptive Decision Theory (psychology) are introduced. Participants apply the theory to an environmental decision problem (group work).
Learning objective	The main objective is to learn the theory of "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT) and apply it step-by-step using an environmental decision problem. The participants learn how to structure complex decision problems and break them down into manageable parts. An important aim is to integrate the goals and preferences of different decision makers. The participants will practice how to elicit subjective (personal) preferences from decision makers with structured interviews. They should have an understanding of people's limitations to decision-making, based on insights from descriptive Decision Theory. They will use formal computer-based tools to integrate "objective / scientific" data with "subjective / personal" preferences to find consensus solutions that are acceptable to different decision makers.
Content	GENERAL DESCRIPTION Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is an umbrella term for a set of methods to structure, formalize, and analyze complex decision problems involving multiple objectives (aims, criteria), many different alternatives (options, choices), and different actors which may have conflicting preferences. Uncertainty (e.g., of the future or of environmental data) adds to the complexity of environmental decisions. MCDA helps to make decision problems more transparent and guides decision makers into making rational choices. Today, MCDA-methods are being applied in many complex decision situations. This class is designed for participants interested in transdisciplinary approaches that help to better understand real-world decision problems and that contribute to finding sustainable solutions. The course focuses on "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT). It also gives a short introduction to behavioral Decision Theory, the psychological field of decision-making. STRUCTURE The course consists of a combination of lectures, exercises in the class, exercises in small groups, reading, and one mandatory exam. Some exercises are computer assisted, applying MCDA software. The participants will choose an environmental case study to work on in small groups throughout the semester. Additional reading from the textbook Eisenführ et al. (2010) is required. GRADING There will be one written examination at the end of the course that covers the important theory (50 % of final grade). The group work consists of two to three written reports (50 %).
Lecture notes	No script (see below)
Literature	The course is based on: Eisenführ, Franz; Weber, Martin; and Langer, Thomas (2010) Rational Decision Making. 1st edition, 447 p., Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-02850-2. Additional reading material will be recommended during the course. Lecture slides will be made available for download.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course requires some understanding of (basic) mathematics. The "formal" parts are not too complicated and we will guide students through the mathematical applications and use of software.
701-1562-00L	Cases in Environmental Policy and Decision Making Number of participants limited to 40. The waiting list will be deleted on Febraury 23rd, 2018. Enrollment is possible until March 2nd, 2018.	W	6 credits	4P	A. Patt, E. Lieberherr, F. Metz, M. Morosini
Abstract	The course will proceed through a series of case studies, modeled after those often used in business and policy teaching curricula. Students will engage in individual and group work to practice the art of effective decision-making, recommending a course of action for the individual and organization that is the subject of each case, gaining valuable insights into environmental policy-making.
Learning objective	- Identify the facts, assumptions, theories, and social constructions guiding the decisions of different stakeholders to a range of environmental and natural resource policy problems. - Recognize key institutional and interpersonal challenges in decision-making situations. - Design communication and decision-making processes that can work effectively in the context of stakeholder worldviews and perspectives. - Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of value to decision-makers, and communicate that in a manner that is clear and effective. - Consider broader policy issues applicable across the cases, such as the appropriate roles of public, non-profit, and private sector organizations, the decentralization of authority, and possible societal pathways towards sustainability.
Content	The course will cover a range of environmental problem areas, include land conversion, water quality, air quality, climate change, and energy. Across these issues, cases will force students to confront particular decisions needing to be made by individuals and organizations, primarily in the public and non-profit sectors, but also in provate sector firms.
Prerequisites / Notice	It would be desirable, but not essential, that students had already taken a course on policy analysis and modeling.

Electives
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0016-00L	Philosophical Issues in Understanding Global Change Number of participants limited to 9. Priority is given to D-ERDW Master in Atmospheric and Climate Science or doctoral students and D-USYS Master's and doctoral students.	W	2 credits	1S	C. J. Baumberger, R. Knutti
Abstract	This course investigates the potentials and limitations of models and computer simulations that aim at understanding global change. We also discuss the limitations of observations and the role that results from models and computer simulations may take in decision making on policies for sustainable development.
Learning objective	Students learn to reflect on concepts, methods, arguments and knowledge claims based upon computer simulations by critically analysing and assessing topical and recent research papers from philosophy and the sciences.
Content	Global change is not just a major real-world problem, but also a challenge for the natural and social sciences. The challenge is due to the spatial and temporal scales considered, the diversity, complexity and variability of aspects involved, and, last but not least, the pragmatic and normative questions raised by global change. This course investigates the potentials and limits of research methods such as modelling for understanding global change with a focus on climate change. We also discuss the role of results from modelling and computer simulations in decision making on policies for sustainable development. In the seminar, topics such as the following are discussed: (1) What is a model? What are purposes and potential pitfalls of models? What are the basic steps of modelling? (2) What are computer simulations and what is their relation to models? How do we learn about the real world by running computer simulations? How do computer simulations differ from classical experiments? (3) What do data tell us about the problem we are investigating? What are the difficulties in assessing and interpreting data? (4) What is the role of results from modelling and computer simulation in decision making on policies for sustainable development? What are the consequences of model uncertainties for policy making?
Lecture notes	A set of papers from philosophy and from science to be discussed and a guide to analyzing texts are provided.
Literature	The papers to be discussed in the seminar sessions and guidelines about the analysis of texts are provided.
Prerequisites / Notice	This seminar is offered at the ETH and the University of Bern. There are four seminar sessions, each lasting 4 hours. The sessions take place from 13:45 to 17:15. The places alternate between Zurich and Berne in the following way 09.03. Berne, BHF Soz. Arbeit, Raum 310, Hallerstrasse 10 13.04. Zurich, CHN P12 Universitätstrasse 16 04.05. Berne, BHF Soz. Arbeit, Raum 310, Hallerstrasse 10 25.05. Zurich, CHN P12 Universitätstrasse 16 In the first meeting, participants are introduced to methods on how to read a philosophical paper. For each meeting, every participant answers a couple of questions about one of the papers scheduled for discussion. The preparation for each session will take about 5 hours. Answers have to be sent to the lecturers before the seminar takes place and provide a basis for the discussion. All students that have subscribed will get the questions and texts for the first meeting by email. Seminar discussions are chaired jointly by lecturers from philosophy and from science. Interest in interdisciplinary reading and discussion is a prerequisite. The number of participants is limited to 18, viz. 9 from the University of Bern and 9 from ETH Zurich. Requirements for 2 CP: (1) Answer the questions about one paper before the meetings and read another paper (4 times), (2) Write a short essay of about 2-3 pages about a topic discussed in our meetings. This essay should be delivered until 3 weeks after the end of the spring semester. Master or PhD students of D-USYS or students of Atmosph. + Climate Science MSc have priority.
860-0012-00L	Cooperation and Conflict Over International Water Resources Number of participants limited to 30. STP students have priority. This is a research seminar at the Master level. PhD students are also welcome.	W	3 credits	2S + 2A	B. Wehrli, T. Bernauer, J. Mertens
Abstract	This course focuses on the technical, economic, and political challenges of dealing with water allocation and pollution problems in large international river basins. It examines ways and means through which such challenges are addressed, and when and why international efforts in this respect succeed or fail.
Learning objective	The students get an overview of (1) causes and consequences of water scarcity and water pollution problems in large international river basins; (2) they understand concepts and policies to assess and mitigate such water challenges, and (3) they analyze when and why international efforts in this respect succeed or fail.
Content	Based on lectures and discussion of scientific papers students acquire basic knowledge on contentious issues in managing international water resources, on the determinants of cooperation and conflict over international water issues, and on ways and means of mitigating conflict and promoting cooperation. Students will then, in small teams coached by the instructors do research on a case of their choice (i.e. an international river basin where riparian countries are trying to find solutions to water allocation and/or water quality problems). They will write a brief paper and present their findings during a final meeting at the end of the semester. The first 5 and the last 2 dates are reserved for lectures and seminars, during which presence of students is obligatory.
Lecture notes	slides and papers will be distributed electronically.
Literature	The UN World Water Development Report 2015 provides a broad overview of the topic http://www.unwater.org/publications/publications-detail/en/c/281166/
Prerequisites / Notice	The course is open to Master and PhD students from any area of ETH. Replaces 701-0462-01L "The Science and Politics of International Water Management". Students who got credits for this course in the past, cannot register here. ISTP students who take this course should also register for the course 860-0012-01L - Cooperation and conflict over international water resources; In-depth case study.

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