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.
Electives
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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