701-1638-00L  Mountain Forest Ecology (Field Course)

SemesterSpring Semester 2019
LecturersP. Bebi, A. Rigling
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


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 supervise the group works. On the last day the participants will present their results.
Lecture notesYou can retrieve current information and course material from the Moodle server 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 17 June 2019 (Monday) to 22 June 2019 (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 nearby Davos (Switzerland). We in the Shima (Davos, beginning of Dischmavalley). The overall costs for each student are expected to be 225.- Fr (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 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 Chair of Forest Growth and Dendroecology at the University Freiburg, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), the WSL-Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) and the ENGREF (École nationale du génie rural, des eaux et des forêts) at the AgroParisTech.

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

Recommended requirements: Attendance of the course "Forest Ecology" (701-0561-00) and/or "Practical Forests and Landscapes" (701-0560-00), or a comparable course at a different university.