Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

Agricultural Sciences Bachelor Information
Electives
The electives listed are recommended.
However, electives can be chosen from the complete course offer of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-7800-00LQuality of Products of Animal Origin Information W+2 credits2GM. Kreuzer, K. Giller, M. Terranova
AbstractRelevant quality traits of meat, milk and eggs a well as the influencing factors and the evaluation methods are taught in the form of lectures and laboratory training. Effects throughout the whole chain from production on farm via processing to the products ready for sale are covered with special emphasis on economically relevant issues.
ObjectiveAfter attending the course, the students are able to name, describe and interpret the important properties describing the quality of meat, milk and eggs. They know about the possibilities to modify the quality in the areas genetics, feeding, husbandry and processing. They have learned in a laboratory exercise how to operate the corresponding devices for measuring quality.
Content- Kapitel 1. Einführung (Qualitätsbegriff, Literatur) - Modul A: Einführung
- Kapitel 2. Produkte der Schlachtung (Schlachtkörper, Häute und Haare einschl. Wolle: Gewinnung, Qualitätsermittlung, Hygiene, Qualitätsbeeinflussung - Modul B: Schlachtkörpergewinnung, Modul C: Schlachtkörperqualität, Modul D: Leder und Wolle
- Kapitel 3. Diätetische Qualität tierischer Lebensmittel (Fleisch und Fettgewebe, Milch, Ei: Nähr- und Wirkstoffe, unerwünschte Stoffe, Schadstoffe, Keimbelastung, Qualitätsbeeinflussung) - Modul E: Diätetische Qualität
- Kapitel 4. Beschaffenheit tierischer Lebensmittel (Fleisch und Fettgewebe, Milch, Ei: Übersicht über Kriterien der Beschaffenheit, Sensorische Qualität, Fette und ihre Eigenschaften, Proteine und ihre Eigenschaften, produktespezifische Beschaffenheitskriterien und ihre Beeinflussung, Prozesse der Weiterverarbeitung der Rohwaren) - Modul F: Sensorische Qualität, Modul G: Fettbedingte Qualitätseigenschaften, Modul H: Proteinbedingte Qualitätseigenschaften, Modul I: Safthaltevermögen von Fleisch, Modul K: Zartheit von Fleisch, Modul L: Verarbeitung von Fleisch, Modul M: Milch und Verarbeitung von Milch, Modul N: Ei und Verarbeitung von Eiern
- Kapitel 5. Produktpalette aus der Weiterverarbeitung (Fleisch und Fettgewebe, Milch, Ei: Fleischwaren, Fleischerzeugnisse, Milchprodukte, Eiprodukte) - Modul L: Verarbeitung von Fleisch, Modul M: Milch und Verarbeitung von Milch, Modul N: Ei und Verarbeitung von Eiern
- Kapitel 6. Vermarktung qualitativ hochwertiger Produkte (Fleisch und Fettgewebe, Milch, Ei: Qualitätsbezahlungssysteme, Labelproduktion, ISO-Zertifizierung) - Modul O: Vermarktung
Lecture notesScript is available in German and English language and can be downloaded via Moodle in "Kurs Nutztierwissenschaften". The access code will be communicated by e-mail.
LiteratureEine ausführliche Literaturliste ist im Skript enthalten.
Prerequisites / NoticeMit Übungen im Labor. Fach mit benoteter Semesterleistung durch eine schriftliche Prüfung nach Ende der Lehrveranstaltung (Hinweis: keine Open Books-Prüfung).
751-1560-00LProduction, Investment and Risk Management in AgricultureW+3 credits2VR. Finger
AbstractVertiefung und Anwendung von betriebswirtschaftlichem Konzepten, Analyse- und Planungsinstrumenten sowie Aspekten des Risikomanagements in Unternehmen der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft
ObjectiveStudenten sollen am Ende der Vorlesung i) grundlegende Unternehmensentscheide selbstständig strukturieren können, ii) verschiedene Methoden und Instrumente auf Fragestellungen der Produktionsplanung, Investition und Finanzierung sowie der Risikoanalyse und des Risikomanagements anwenden können, iii) über verschieden Werkzeuge zur unternehmerischen Entscheidungsunterstützung verfügen und dabei insbesondere die Umsetzung mit relevanter Software (z.B. Tabellenkalkulationsprogrammen) beherrschen.
ContentDie Vorlesung geht auf folgende Inhalte, mit spezifischen Anwendungen im Agrar- und Ernährungssektors ein:

Produktionstheorie & Produktionsprogrammplanung
Integrierte Planung von Investition & Finanzierung
Risikoanalyse & Risikomanagement im Unternehmen

Die Veranstaltung kombiniert Vorlesungen, die eigenständige Aufarbeitung von Inhalten, Übungsblöcke und Anwendungen in relevanter Software
Lecture notesVorlesungsunterlagen werden im Laufe des Semesters zur Verfügung gestellt
LiteratureMusshoff, O. und Hirschauer, N. (2016). Modernes Agrarmanagement: Betriebswirtschaftliche Analyse- und Planungsverfahren. 4. Auflage. Vahlen Link

Debertin, D. L. (2012). Agricultural production economics. University of Kentucky. Link
751-1500-00LDevelopment EconomicsW+3 credits2VI. Günther, K. Harttgen
AbstractIntroduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction.
ObjectiveThe goal of this lecture is to introduce students to basic development economics and related economic and developmental contexts.
ContentThe 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 notesNone.
LiteratureGünther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2020): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik.
Prerequisites / NoticeVoraussetzungen:
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.
751-1304-00LManagement for Enterprises in the Agri-Food-Chain Information W+2 credits2VM. Weber
AbstractIntroduction of basics for the management of institutions, particularly companies, with regard to institutional and personal aspects.
ObjectiveAm Ende der Vorlesung sollen die Studierenden

- über einen Orientierungsrahmen (Landkarte zur Orientierung) verfügen, der ihnen erlaubt,
die wichtigen Fragestellungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Management von Institutionen einzuordnen, ihr Denken und Vorgehen zu strukturieren sowie sich mit anderen in einer „gemeinsamen Sprache“ darüber auszutauschen.

- die wichtigsten Management-Ansätze aus der Geschichte kennen.

- die wichtigsten Grundsätze, Aufgaben und Werkzeuge der personalen Führungstätigkeit in Institutionen kennen.
ContentDie Vorlesung geht auf folgende Inhalte ein:

Im Zentrum steht der institutionelle Aspekt des Managements von Institutionen, insbesondere Unternehmen. Dabei wird ein Management-Modell behandelt, welches die Analyse- und Handlungsfähigkeit der Anwender im Kontext von unternehmerischen Fragestellungen erweitern hilft (Orientierungshilfe). Dabei geht es immer um die Unterstützung von Entscheidungen bei der Gestaltung, Lenkung und Entwicklung von komplexen Systemen, z.B. Unternehmen.

Im weiteren werden die wichtigsten Management-Ansätze in kurzer Form behandelt. Zudem wird im Sinne eines kurzen Überblicks auch auf die personalen Aspekte des Managements eingegangen (Grundsätze, Aufgaben, Werkzeuge).
Lecture notesDie in der Vorlesung behandelten Darstellungen und Fallbeispiele werden den Studierenden in elektronischer Form zu Verfügung gestellt.

Zusätzlich zu den Unterlagen werden die Inhalte des Buches "Das neue St. Galler Management-Modell" von J. Rüegg-Stürm behandelt.
LiteratureJohannes Rüegg-Stürm (2003): "Das neue St. Galler Management-Modell. Grundkategorien einer integrierten Managementlehre. Der HSG-Ansatz." Haupt, Bern.
751-1552-00LAgrarian Resource and Environmental Economics Information W+2 credits2VW. Hediger
AbstractTheoretical, formal and methodological foundations for the economic analysis of actual problems of environmental and natural resource use in agriculture and the evaluation of related policy measures (issues of optimal land and water allocation, optimal forest management, methods of environmental valuation, economics of nature conservation, treatment of uncertainty and irreversibility).
ObjectiveAt the end of the course, the students are able to use economic principles (theory and methods) to critically analyze and discuss actual issues and problems of agricultural resource and environmental and policy appraisal – in particular in the domain of land and water use – and to provide a problem adequate and economically sound argumentation.
ContentPrinciples of economic efficiency and optimal resource allocation; Valuation and use of land and water; Multifunctionality; Economics of forestry; Environmental valuation; economics of nature conservation; Irreversibility, risk and uncertainty.
Lecture notesno script
(Handouts to the course will be made available on Moodle, timely in advance).
Literature- Textbook: Perman, Ma, Common, Maddison, McGilvray: Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, 4th edition. Pearson, Harlow, 2011 (selected chapters).
- Distribution of complementary literature during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeKnowledge of the basics of resource and environmental economics (LV 751-1551-00L or equivalent) is a prerequisite; principles of microeconomics (LV 751-0901-00 or equivalent) are recommended); willingness to investigate in formal analyses is expected.
363-0570-00LPrinciples of Econometrics
Prerequisites: previous knowledge in economics.
W+3 credits2GJ.‑E. Sturm, A. Beerli
AbstractThis course introduces the fundamentals of econometrics. We cover simple and multiple regression analysis using different data formats. An emphasis is on hypothesis testing, interpretation of regression results, and understanding threats to the causal interpretation of relationships in the data.
ObjectiveThe course targets both the theoretical understanding as well as the application of basic econometric methods to real world problems.

The educational objective of this course is that, after completion, students should be able to:
1. understand different forms of data (cross-sectional, panel, time-series) and their strengths and weaknesses for answering different research questions.
2. understand how to translate questions about economic policy issues and human behaviour into research hypotheses that can be tested with data.
3. apply their theoretical knowledge about econometrics to concrete examples based on the knowledge they acquired in tutorial sessions using the statistical software package STATA and interpret estimation results.
4. name and identify potential threats for causal interpretations of relationships in the data and explain whether (and how) they can be addressed.
ContentThe term “econometrics” stands for the application of specific statistical methods to the field of economics. Econometrics aims at providing empirical evidence using observational data that can be used to learn about the real-world existence of specific relationships postulated in economic theories. Typical research questions that economists analyse by using econometric methods include for instance: Do minimum wages reduce employment? Does a gender wage gap exist and how large is it? Does foreign aid affect economic growth? How do interest rate changes influence exports? Is there an effect of economic outcomes on politicians’ chances to get re-elected?

Starting from simple regression analysis, the course introduces the statistical framework that is used in econometrics to answer such empirical research questions. A major focus is on understanding and mastering methods of hypothesis testing using multiple regressions.
The lecture discusses different issues regarding assumptions, interpretation, and inference in multiple linear regression models. Among others, the course addresses the following questions: How well or badly does the applied model fit the observed facts? How large is the estimate of the effects of one variable on another and how reliable is the estimate? Can the model be used to predict the specific variable of interest and how precise is that prediction? What are the crucial assumptions of the estimation strategy used, (how) can they be tested, and does the estimated relationship represent a causal effect?

The course lectures introduce the methods and computer tutorials give the students the opportunity to apply and deepen their knowledge using the software package STATA.
LiteratureWooldridge, Jeffrey M. (2018) Introductory Econometrics : A Modern Approach. Seventh ed. ISBN: 978-1-337-55886-0 [access to relevant chapters will be provided]
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is intended for students interested in econometrics who have already taken an introductory course in economics (e.g., the course "Principles of Macroeconomics"). Knowledge of the statistical software STATA is no prerequisite and will be acquired during the course.
752-2121-00LConsumer Behaviour IIW+2 credits2GM. Siegrist, J. Ammann
AbstractThis course examines important concepts and theories in order to describe and to explain consumer behavior. The focus is on decision making processes, influencing consumer behavior, consumer research, and market segmentation. Selected topics are explained in some depth.
ObjectiveThis course examines important concepts and theories in order to describe and to explain consumer behavior. The course Consumer Behavior I provides an overview, whereas in this course selected topics are explained and discussed in some depth. The focus is on decision making processes, influencing consumer behavior, consumer research, and market segmentation.
103-0427-00LRegional EconomicsW4 credits2GB. Buser, C. Abegg
AbstractThe lecture on Regional Economics focusses on the theoretical aspects of spatial factor allocation and of growth determinants. The course takes a top down stance and looks at regional development from a macroeconomic perspective. Implications of theoretical models on regional and growth policy will be discussed in and connections to the course Site Management will be made.
ObjectiveStudents shall know the theoretical basics of spatial economy and growth theories an a regional scale; they shall gain the competence to apply concepts and theories of spatial science as well as regional economics to concrete problems of their area of study.
ContentOrigin of "Spatial Economics"
Indices of regional economics and growth analysis
Regional advantages in competition and growth theories
Regional innovation theory (innovation processes, cluster theory and innovation policy)
Theory and political implications with examples (New Regional Policy NRP, Regional Innovation Systems RIS)
External Speaker and discussion of topicality by press
Lecture notesDownload two days before lecture: Link

Link
LiteratureLiterature is optional, there will be given hints to:

Bathelt, H., Glückler J. (2012): Wirtschaftsgeographie.
Ökonomische Beziehungen in räumlicher Perspektive. 3. Auflage. ISBN: 978-3-8252-8492-3

Eisenhut, P. (2014): Aktuelle Volkswirtschaftslehre 2018/2019.
Rüegger Verlag, Zürich. ISBN: 978-3-7253-1066-1

Eckey, H.-F. (2008): Regionalökonomie. GWV Fachverlag GmbH, Wiesbaden. ISBN: 978-3-8349-0999-2
252-0840-02LApplication-Oriented Programming Information W2 credits2GL. E. Fässler, M. Dahinden
AbstractThis course provides important basic concepts for interdisciplinary programming projects. The programming language is Python and Matlab.
ObjectiveStudents learn

- how to encode a problem into a program, test the program, and correct errors.
- to understand and improve existing code.
- to implement models from the natural sciences as a simulation.
ContentThe following programming concepts are introduced in the lecture:

1. Variables, data types
2. Condition check, Loops, logics
3. Arrays
4. Functions
5. Matrices
6. Random

In the practical part of the course, students work on small programming projects with a context from natural sciences. Electronic tutorials are available as preparation.
LiteratureL. Fässler, M. Dahinden, D. Komm, and D. Sichau: Einführung in die Programmierung mit Python und Matlab. Begleitunterlagen zum Onlinekurs und zur Vorlesung, 2016. ISBN: 978-3741250842.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo prior knowledge is required for this course.It is based on application-oriented learning. The students spend most of their time working through programming projects with data from natural science and discussing their results with teaching assistants. To learn the programming basics there are electronic tutorials available.
701-0972-00LIntroduction into Organic Farming SystemsW3 credits2VP. J. Mäder, D. M. Dubois, B.  Oehen
AbstractThe lecture provides an overview over the principles and practices of organic agriculture. Lessons in the disciplines soil sciences, plant and animal production, and socio-economics are held by different experts. The students deepen their knowledge with an exercise on the topic of resilience. The course closes with an excursion on organic farms, and gives the opportunity for critical reflections.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with the principles and practices of organic farming and can identify its strengths and weaknesses. They are familiar with the specific challenges in plant and animal production in organic farming and have the capability for critically assessing potential solutions in organic farming to resolve the challenges society is facing.

More detailed Information about the objectives are published on moodle:
Link
ContentPART I: Lecture: Introduction in Organic Farming Systems

INTRODUCTION
1. Roots of organic farming, historical development of farming systems, share of organic farming in Switzerland and Europe
Basic principles and requirements organic farming, standards

PLANT PRODUCTION
2. Soil fertility - Results from long-term experiments

3. Reduced soil tillage
Non-chemical weed control

4. Sustainable crop rotations
Organic fertilisation concepts

5. Plant protection: Regulation of diseases and pests

6. Increasing biodiversity
Organic breeding strategies and variety selection

ANIMAL PRODUCTION
7. Animal health and complementary veterinary Medicine

8. Sustainability, ethics and product quality in animal husbandry


FOOD
9. Food quality of organic produces, latest meta-analyses on food quality in organic farming


10. Multifunctionality of organic farming
Agricultural Policy

EXCURSION
11. Farm visit Goetsch, Zurich and optional "Meh als Gmües"

SUSTAINABILITY
11. Sustainability assessment of organic farms
SMART, LCA

RESILIENCE
13. Presentation/discussion of student papers

14. Examination (written test)
Lecture notesPower Point presentations on Moodle for registred students.

Scripts on Moodle for registred students

Link
LiteratureRecommended:
Otto Schmid and Robert Obrist Robert (2001): Biologischer Landbau. Landwirtschaftliche Lehrmittelzentrale, Zollikofen, 267 pp (in German)

Nic Lampkin Nic, Measures Mark and Padel Susanne (2006): Organic Farm Management Handbook. University of Wales, Aberystwyth. 240pp
Prerequisites / NoticeThis lecture (701-0972-00L FS 2020) is recomended for the participation in the second part en bloc "Comparison of ecological farming systems" 701-0974-00L FS 2020.

The lecture can be taken alone without the second part.

Conditions for the credit points is a written test.

Structure:
Lecture (Part I): 14 times 2h weekly lectures plus exercice (3 CRPT)

Second part en bloc (Part II): One study week with excursions, exercices and workshops (end of spring Semester: 8. - 12. June 2020) (3 CRPT)
701-0974-00LComparison of Different Swiss Farming Systems Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits3GB.  Oehen, P. J. Mäder
AbstractThe students are able to make comparisons between farming systems (organic, integrated, conventional) and to assess their contribution to a sustainable development.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with the different methods of agriculture (organic, integrated, conventional) in Switzerland and are able to assess their performance on an ecological, economic and social level.
ContentCourse content Block II: Comparison of agricultural systems (IP and Bio)

We will visit the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and get to know research projects for the further development of sustainable agriculture.

We will deepen the implementation of the concept of sustainable agriculture in practice by visiting 6 different farms. The farm managers describe their farm strategy, their goals, the difficulties and opportunities they see for their farm.

On the last day, the various elements are reflected upon and feedback for the farms is compiled.


The course will take place all day from Tuesday, 12 June 2020 - Friday, 09 June 2020. From 09 June 2019 to 10 June 2019 we will be staying overnight at a company.

Students pay a maximum of CHF 100 per person for accommodation, meals and transport.
Lecture notesScripts are distributed in the course

Scripts can be downloaded from the web with an access code from MOODLE System: Link
Prerequisites / NoticePrecondition for this course is the participation in the introductionary course "Organic Farming Systems" in the former courses.

The course cannot only be taken when the Part I has been followed or with good documented knowledge of organic farming

Condition for credit points is the active participation in the course.

Structure:
one study week with excursions, exercices and workshops.
Field Trips
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-0300-00LAgricultural Excursions I Restricted registration - show details
Only for students from Agricultural Science BSc, 4. Semester.
O1 credit2PB. Dorn
AbstractAuf den Exkursionen stellen die Studierenden den Bezug zwischen dem in den Vorlesungen und im Selbststudium erworbenen Wissen zur Praxis und zur Forschung her. Sie analysieren verschiedene Fragestellungen, erweitern und vertiefen Themen aus den Fachvorlesungen der ersten vier Studiensemester und diskutieren die Ergebnisse und Erkenntnisse mit Mitstudierenden, Lehrpersonen und Exkursionspartnern.
ObjectiveDie Studierenden
- erweitern und vertiefen Themen aus den Fachvorlesungen;
- können das erlernte Wissen mit den Themen der Exkursion verknüpfen und anwenden;
- können die Zusammenhänge zwischen den verschiedenen Disziplinen der Agrarwissenschaften aufzuzeigen;
- formulieren Fragen an die Exkursionsleitung und Exkursionsbeteiligten und diskutieren diese mit ihnen und untereinander.
- geben Feedback zu den besuchten Exkursionen.
Lecture notesInhaltliche und organisatorische Exkursionsbeschreibungen finden sich auf der Moodle Lehr-Plattform. Zu jeder Exkursion wird ein Exkursionsprogramm mit fachlichen und administrativen Informationen zur Verfügung gestellt.
Prerequisites / NoticeDie Anmeldung zu den Exkursionen erfolgt gemäss separater Ausschreibung im Dezember 2019.
751-0302-00LAgricultural Excursions II Restricted registration - show details
Only for students in BSc Agricultural Sciences, 6. Semester.
O1 credit2PB. Dorn
AbstractAuf den Exkursionen stellen die Studierenden den Bezug zwischen dem in den Vorlesungen und im Selbststudium erworbenen Wissen zur Praxis und zur Forschung her. Sie analysieren verschiedene Fragestellungen, erweitern und vertiefen Themen aus den Fachvorlesungen des gesamten Bachelor-Studiums und diskutieren die Ergebnisse und Erkenntnisse mit Mitstudierenden, Lehrpersonen und Exkursionspartnern.
ObjectiveDie Studierenden
- erweitern und vertiefen Themen aus den Fachvorlesungen;
- können das erlernte Wissen mit den Themen der Exkursion verknüpfen und anwenden;
- können die Zusammenhänge zwischen den verschiedenen Disziplinen der Agrarwissenschaften aufzuzeigen;
- formulieren Fragen an die Exkursionsleitung und Exkursionsbeteiligten und diskutieren diese mit ihnen und untereinander.
- geben Feedback zu den besuchten Exkursionen.
Lecture notesInhaltliche und organisatorische Exkursionsbeschreibungen finden sich auf der Moodle Lehr-Plattform. Zu jeder Exkursion wird ein Exkursionsprogramm mit fachlichen und administrativen Informationen zur Verfügung gestellt.
Prerequisites / NoticeDie Anmeldung zu den Exkursionen erfolgt gemäss separater Ausschreibung im Dezember 2019.
Agricultural Practical
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-0208-00LFarming InternshipO10 creditsB. Dorn
AbstractDas Agrar-Praktikum umfasst eine Praktikumsvorbereitung, einen Praktikumsaufenthalt von zehn Wochen Dauer in der vorlesungsfreien Zeit nach dem 4. Semester sowie eine Praktikumsnachbereitung im 5. Semester.
ObjectiveDie Studierenden
- verknüpfen erworbenes Fachwissen mit der landwirtschaftlichen Praxis in der Schweiz
- bearbeiten Fragestellungen auf den Landwirtschaftsbetrieb
- reflektieren ihr Handeln
- präsentieren ihr Praktikumsaufenthalt anhand einer Poster-Präsentation
ContentIm Agrar-Praktikum verknüpfen die Studierenden die im Studium erworbenen Fachkenntnisse mit der landwirtschaftlichen Praxis in der Schweiz. Durch das Mitarbeiten auf einem gemischtwirtschaftlichen Haupterwerbsbetrieb stellen die Studierenden den Bezug zwischen Theorie und Praxis her. Dadurch fördert das Agrar-Praktikum das systemorientierte kritische Denken und Handeln. Die Studierenden bearbeiten Aufgaben, die mit dem Landwirtschaftsbetrieb zusammenhängen. Zudem reflektieren und präsentieren sie den Praktikumsaufenthalt und die Praktikumsaufgaben.
Bachelor's Thesis
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-1020-10LBachelor's ThesisO14 credits30DLecturers
AbstractThe thesis completes the Bachelor program and consists of a scientific project carried out independently under the tutorship of a lecturer of the study program in Agricultural Science.
ObjectiveThe independent writing of a scientific thesis
ContentA scientific project carried out independently under the tutorship of a lecturer at the study program in Agricultural Science.
Complementary Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0972-00LIntroduction into Organic Farming SystemsZ3 credits2VP. J. Mäder, D. M. Dubois, B.  Oehen
AbstractThe lecture provides an overview over the principles and practices of organic agriculture. Lessons in the disciplines soil sciences, plant and animal production, and socio-economics are held by different experts. The students deepen their knowledge with an exercise on the topic of resilience. The course closes with an excursion on organic farms, and gives the opportunity for critical reflections.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with the principles and practices of organic farming and can identify its strengths and weaknesses. They are familiar with the specific challenges in plant and animal production in organic farming and have the capability for critically assessing potential solutions in organic farming to resolve the challenges society is facing.

More detailed Information about the objectives are published on moodle:
Link
ContentPART I: Lecture: Introduction in Organic Farming Systems

INTRODUCTION
1. Roots of organic farming, historical development of farming systems, share of organic farming in Switzerland and Europe
Basic principles and requirements organic farming, standards

PLANT PRODUCTION
2. Soil fertility - Results from long-term experiments

3. Reduced soil tillage
Non-chemical weed control

4. Sustainable crop rotations
Organic fertilisation concepts

5. Plant protection: Regulation of diseases and pests

6. Increasing biodiversity
Organic breeding strategies and variety selection

ANIMAL PRODUCTION
7. Animal health and complementary veterinary Medicine

8. Sustainability, ethics and product quality in animal husbandry


FOOD
9. Food quality of organic produces, latest meta-analyses on food quality in organic farming


10. Multifunctionality of organic farming
Agricultural Policy

EXCURSION
11. Farm visit Goetsch, Zurich and optional "Meh als Gmües"

SUSTAINABILITY
11. Sustainability assessment of organic farms
SMART, LCA

RESILIENCE
13. Presentation/discussion of student papers

14. Examination (written test)
Lecture notesPower Point presentations on Moodle for registred students.

Scripts on Moodle for registred students

Link
LiteratureRecommended:
Otto Schmid and Robert Obrist Robert (2001): Biologischer Landbau. Landwirtschaftliche Lehrmittelzentrale, Zollikofen, 267 pp (in German)

Nic Lampkin Nic, Measures Mark and Padel Susanne (2006): Organic Farm Management Handbook. University of Wales, Aberystwyth. 240pp
Prerequisites / NoticeThis lecture (701-0972-00L FS 2020) is recomended for the participation in the second part en bloc "Comparison of ecological farming systems" 701-0974-00L FS 2020.

The lecture can be taken alone without the second part.

Conditions for the credit points is a written test.

Structure:
Lecture (Part I): 14 times 2h weekly lectures plus exercice (3 CRPT)

Second part en bloc (Part II): One study week with excursions, exercices and workshops (end of spring Semester: 8. - 12. June 2020) (3 CRPT)
  • First page Previous page Page  3  of  3     All