Peter Rotach: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Name Dr. Peter Rotach
E-mailrotach@retired.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
701-0559-00LSeminar for Bachelor Students: Forest and Landscape2 credits2SH. Bugmann, E. Lieberherr, P. Rotach
AbstractInterdisciplinary seminar on forest and landscape issues with particular emphasis on the key processes shaping the development of forest ecosystems and landscapes.
Objective- To analyze scientific original articles and other complex materials critically and to present the results in an understandable way.
- To understand selected processes, cases and methods related to forest and landscape issues.
- To be able to analyze problems related to forest ecosystems and landscape from the viewpoint of various disciplines.
ContentBiological, ecological, physical and technical processes with impacts on the community, ecosystem and landscape scale. Social processes and institutions with relation to land use. Products and services of forest ecosystems and landscapes. Forest management systems. The contributions will be organized around topical clusters.
Lecture notesNo script available. The seminar papers will be made available to all particpants in electronic form.
LiteratureLiterature references will be provided by the lecturers.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe credits are given if the following requirements are met
a) oral presentation (15-20 Min + discussion)
b) seminar paper (up to approx. 5 pages, with references, no powerpoint printout).
The contributions can be presented in German or English. We expect a regular and active participation.
701-1635-00LMultifunctional Forest Management Information 5 credits2GP. Rotach
AbstractMultifunctional forest management needs to controle natural processes such that they efficiently provide the diverse services and goods for society in a sustainable and close to nature way. This course provides the the basic knowledge, the principles and the management tools for succesfull multifunctional forest management
ObjectiveForests in heavily populated areas need to provide diverse ecosystem services and goods for the benefits of society. Multifunctional forest management thus needs to control natural processes such that they efficiently provide these services and goods in a sustainable and close to nature way. This course provides the knowledge, the principles and the management tools for multifunctional forest management. Different strategies and mangsement options are presented and discussed
ContentIdentification of social needs for the multi-dimensional ecosystem goods and services and their transformation into detailed objectives (profiles) regarding ecosystem functions, stuctures and processes
Understanding of the important natural processes and their spatial and temporal dynamics in the most important forest ecosystems of Europe
Identification of critical, relevant processes and ecosystem conditions for the different objectives (profiles)
Development of management options and strategies and assessement of their effects on ecosystem goods and services
Requirements for modern, multifunctional forest management from a Swiss and European perspective - strategies and possible solutions
Lecture notesNo class notes or text books
Lecure presentations are available for download
LiteratureReading assignments are given in class
A bibliography of cited literature will be available
Prerequisites / NoticeCourse language is German. Prerequisites: Sufficient German language skills

In addition to the lectures students need to attend 4 all day field excursions. Topic: Near natural and efficient tending concepts. Participating on all 4 field trips is a prerequisite for credits

Additional field excursions focusing on the Swiss femelschlag system, the Plenter- and other irregular systems will be offered during spring term in an optional course named "AK des multifunktionalen Waldmanagements". 9 days of field trips will provide the possibility to consolidate theoretical knowledge, to apply it to real examples in the field, to discuss and further consolidate what has been taught in this class. The additional course is an important part of the overall formation on forest management and is highly recommended.