701-1638-00L  Mountain Forest Ecology: Practical Training

SemesterSpring Semester 2014
LecturersC. Bigler, P. Bebi
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
701-1638-00 PMountain Forest Ecology: Practical Training
Blockkurs von Montag 16.6. bis Samstag 21.6.2014 auf der Clavadeleralp in Davos
60s hrsC. Bigler, P. Bebi

Catalogue data

AbstractThe field course offers an introduction to the field of mountain forest ecology and management of mountain forests. The students learn in a group to carry out a project based on a self-defined research question.
ObjectiveThe participants get an overview of important processes and patterns related to forest dynamics in mountain forests. They get insight into research on the topics of mountain forest ecology and management of mountain forests. They learn to define research objectives, formulate research hypotheses and work out a research proposal. In a team the students learn to prepare and carry out a small research project and to present the research results.
ContentDuring a visit of the SLF (Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research) we get insight into the importance of snow for the Davos landscape. In a short excursion with the forester, we learn different aspects of the management of mountain forests. During a further, full-day excursion in the Dischma - Stillberg area (Davos) and on the basis of presentations, the participants will get an overview of important processes and patterns related to forest dynamics in mountain forests as well as of disturbances (avalanches, insect outbreaks, blowdown, fire). The participants get insight into ongoing research projects in mountain forest ecology. Gaps in current knowledge will be highlighted, research hypotheses will be formulated and topics for research questions will be defined. In small groups the participants will prepare a proposal for a research project they will carry out during the week. Lecturers will assist the groups and supervise the group work. On the last day the participants will present their results.
Lecture notesYou can retrieve current information and course material from the BSCW server (Link) in due time.

Prior to the course, an introduction on climate, soil and vegetation of the Alps from Landolt and Urbanska (2003) and an excursion guide will be handed out.
LiteratureSee "Lecture notes".
Prerequisites / NoticeThe field course takes place from 16 June 2014 (Monday) to 21 June 2014 (Saturday).

In addition to the students from ETH Zurich there will be students of the University Freiburg (Germany) as well as of the AgroParisTech in Nancy (France). From each of the three institutions, a maximum of 7 students may be accepted ("first come first serve"), free places will be filled up with students from the other institutions. The application is binding.

The course will be given in English and takes place on the Clavadeleralp in Davos Sertig (Switzerland). The costs for each student will be ca. sFr. 170.- (including accommodation, breakfast and dinner), which will have to be paid during the field week. The remaining expenses will be paid by ETH.

Control of success: For 60 hours of total work (2 credit points), each student has to
- attend the information event (1 hour; date to be announced);
- read an introduction on climate, soils and vegetation of the Alps as well as the excursion guide prior to the course (5 hours of work);
- actively participate in the course, including poster presentation at the last day (46 hours);
- write a short report on the research following the course (8 hours).

Coordination: The course is coordinated by the Institute for Forest Growth at the University Freiburg, the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), the ENGREF (École nationale du génie rural, des eaux et des forêts) at the AgroParisTech and the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich.

Focus group: The course is open to interested Bachelor students in the 3rd study year, on request also to Master students.

Mandatory requirements: Attendance of the courses "Forest Ecology" (701-0561-00) and "Practical Forests and Landscapes" (701-0560-00).

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits2 credits
ExaminersC. Bigler, P. Bebi
Typeungraded semester performance
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionRepetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examinationLernkontrolle (Bericht) kann auch auf Deutsch verfasst werden.

Learning materials

 
Main linkInformation
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Environmental Sciences BachelorIndividual SubjectsWInformation