Mathieu Lévesque: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019 |
Name | Dr. Mathieu Lévesque |
Address | Gruppe Waldbau ETH Zürich, CHN G 77 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 44 632 52 08 |
mathieu.levesque@usys.ethz.ch | |
Department | Environmental Systems Science |
Relationship | Lecturer |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
701-0034-08L | Integrated Practical: Forest Ecosystems | 1.5 credits | 3P | H. Bugmann, M. Lévesque, T. N. Sieber | |
Abstract | Introductory course on field methods in forest ecosystem research and ecosystem management, with an emphasis on regeneration ecology, forest growth and management as well as mortality processes. The course is set up as a comparative study between a low-elevation beech forest and a mixed spruce-fir forest in the northern pre-Alps. | ||||
Objective | Students •- get to know the diversity of forest ecosystems based on case studies •- understand important processes of forest dynamics (regeneration, growth, mortality) and their significance in an ecosystem context •- acquire pracitcal skills regarding field methods of forest ecosystem research •- get to know selected forest management systems | ||||
Lecture notes | will be distributed | ||||
701-0560-00L | Practical "Forests and Landscapes" The lecture "701-0303-00 Waldvegetation und Waldstandorte" is an important background for the excursions "Standortkunde". Participation is strongely recommended. | 7 credits | 14P | H. Bugmann, H.‑U. Frey, F. Kienast, M. Lévesque, S. Niedermann-Meier, T. N. Sieber, S. Zimmermann | |
Abstract | In this practical, students get to know important field and laboratory methods of forest and landscape research as well as landscape management. They apply these methods in the context of small projects. The practical consists of three parts: Ecology (both forest and landscape), Site Classification (soil science & phytosociology), and Land Management. | ||||
Objective | Students - know the most important methods of field research in selected branches of forest and landscape science - can apply these methods independently on the context of a project - are in the position to interpret data from field sampling correctly, and can use them to answer applied research questions | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | For this practical, it is recommended that students have some knowledge in the following subjects (besides the core courses of the specialization "Wald und Landschaft"): - Geographic Information Systems (elective course, 5th semester) - Site classification (elective course "Site classification and plant communities", 6th semester) - Knowledge of forest soils (elective course "Ökologie von Waldböden", 6th semester) - Dendrology and Woody Plants of Central Europe (elective courses) - Systematic botany (e.g. biodiversity excursions, plant part, 2th semester) | ||||
701-0582-00L | Concepts of Forest Management | 3 credits | 2G | M. Lévesque | |
Abstract | Concepts of forest managment | ||||
Objective | Forests and landscape are influenced by the numerous needs of society. Current conditions are largely the result of historical and modern forms of forest management. For a good understanding of these systems and for the development of future, adaptive management concepts, basic knowledge of the former and current concepts of forest management is essential. Objectives of the course: Students get an overview over historical and modern forms of forest management. They know the important products and services of forests and landscapes. They are capable to validate the different forms of management, especially regarding their economic efficiencies, their influence on ecosystem functions, processes and structures, habitat quality, biodiversity and negative ecological effects | ||||
Content | - Historical concepts of forest management, experiences and "lessons learned" - Goods and services of forests (former and today) basic concepts of forest management (even aged and uneven aged systems, historical forms, multifunctional concepts) - Advantages and disadvantages of the various concepts (economy, ecology, forest and landscape goods and services, environment, habitat quality, biodiversity). | ||||
Lecture notes | no handout power point slides are available for download | ||||
Literature | none | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Knowledge of German and English language required | ||||
701-1640-00L | Selected Topics of Multifunctional Forest Management | 3 credits | 6U | M. Lévesque, E. Hussendörfer | |
Abstract | This optional course builds on the course "Multifunctional Forest Management". It explains and illustrates the 3 most important management systems, i.e. "Swiss Femelschlag", single-tree selection ("Plenterwald") and continuous-cover-forestry ("Dauerwald") systems. In 9 full-day excursions, basic knowledge is presented, illustrated on concrete objects in the forest and put into practice. | ||||
Objective | Illustrate and consolidate acquired knowledge of multifunctional forest management, especially regarding "Swiss Femelschlag system", "Unevenaged management system (Plenterwald)" and continuous-cover-forestry ("Dauerwald") management system in typical broadleaved forests. | ||||
Content | Swiss Femelschlag system Planning of multifunctional management in Swiss Femelschlag system Unevenaged management in spruce, fir and beech forests Transformation of even-aged into unevenaged systems in spruce, fir, beech forests Dauerwald system in broadleaved forets - opportunities and limits | ||||
Lecture notes | None Lecture notes may be downloaded | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Knowledge of English and German language required | ||||
701-1692-00L | Interdisciplinary Project | 5 credits | 8P | F. Knaus, S. Dötterl, M. Lévesque, L. Pellissier, S. Tobias | |
Abstract | Capstone course in which students solve complex real-world land-use problems, for which there is no single correct solution. Students work in project teams and take the role of consultants. They integrate the knowledge acquired during their previous studies and deepen their analysis, judgment and writing skills. | ||||
Objective | The project-based learning context aims at developing and sharpening the following skills: - to autonomously solve a real-world problem from the project assignment to the presentation of results, - to autonomously develop a suitable approach to solve the questions of the project - to apply, integrate and adapt knowledge and skills from different disciplines, - to adequately use methods and tools to manage spatial and scalar data, - to work in a project team and to solve possible team-conflicts. | ||||
Content | Each student group is working on a case-study, which is based on a specific problem, defined by cantonal authorities. Students are searching information from literature, developing appropriate approaches, gathering own data, analyzing (geo)data and write a coherent report. Original plans and source documents are available in their original language. Students follow and adapt a systematic problem solving cycle, consisting of: - capturing and formulation of the problem, goal and scope definition - capturing of the actual system state - developing a methodological approach that delivers the results required to solve the problems or questions - evaluating possible solutions and/or scenarios - solution proposal and recommendation to decision-makers |