Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Agricultural Sciences Bachelor Information
1. Semester
First Year Examinations
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
529-2001-02LChemistry I Restricted registration - show details O4 credits2V + 2UJ. Cvengros, J. E. E. Buschmann, P. Funck, S. Hug, E. C. Meister, R. Verel
AbstractGeneral Chemistry I: Chemical bond and molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium.
ObjectiveIntroduction to general and inorganic chemistry. Basics of the composition and the change of the material world. Introduction to the thermodynamically controlled physico-chemical processes. Macroscopic phenomena and their explanation through atomic and molecular properties. Using the theories to solve qualitatively and quantitatively chemical and ecologically relevant problems.
Content1. Stoichiometry
Amount of substance and mass. Composition of chemical compounds. Reaction equation. Ideal gas law.
2. Atoms
Elementary particles and atoms. Electron configuration of the elements. Periodic system.
3. Chemical bonding and its representation. Spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. Molecular orbitals.
4. Basics of chemical thermodynamics
System and surroundings. Description of state and change of state of chemical systems.
5. First law of thermodynamics
Internal energy. Heat and Work. Enthalpy and reaction enthalpy.
6. Second law of thermodynamics
Entropy. Change of entropy in chemical systems and universe. Reaction entropy.
7. Gibbs energy and chemical potential.
Combination of laws of thermodynamics. Gibbs energy and chemical reactions. Activities of gases, condensed substances and species in solution. Equilibrium constant.
8. Chemical equilibrium
Law of mass action. Reaction quotient and equilibrium constant. Phase transition equilibrium.
9. Acids and bases
Properties of acids and bases. Dissociation of acids and bases. pH and the calculation of pH-values in acid-base systems. Acid-base diagrams. Buffers. Polyprotic acids and bases.
10. Dissolution and precipitation.
Heterogeneous equilibrium. Dissolution and solubility product. Carbon dioxide-carbonic acid-carbonate equilibrium.
Lecture notesOnline-Skript mit durchgerechneten Beispielen.
LiteratureCharles E. Mortimer, CHEMIE - DAS BASISWISSEN DER CHEMIE. 12. Auflage, Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, 2015.

Weiterführende Literatur:
Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay, Bruce E. Bursten, CHEMIE. 10. Auflage, Pearson Studium, 2011. (deutsch)

Catherine Housecroft, Edwin Constable, CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC, INORGANIC AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, 3. Auflage, Prentice Hall, 2005.(englisch)
401-0251-00LMathematics I Restricted registration - show details O6 credits4V + 2UL. Halbeisen
AbstractThis course covers mathematical concepts and techniques necessary to model, solve and discuss scientific problems - notably through ordinary differential equations.
ObjectiveMathematics is of ever increasing importance to the Natural Sciences and Engineering. The key is the so-called mathematical modelling cycle, i.e. the translation of problems from outside of mathematics into mathematics, the study of the mathematical problems (often with the help of high level mathematical software packages) and the interpretation of the results in the original environment.

The goal of Mathematics I and II is to provide the mathematical foundations relevant for this paradigm. Differential equations are by far the most important tool for modelling and are therefore a main focus of both of these courses.
Content1. Single-Variable Calculus:
review of differentiation, linearisation, Taylor polynomials, maxima and minima, antiderivative, fundamental theorem of calculus, integration methods, improper integrals.

2. Linear Algebra and Complex Numbers:
systems of linear equations, Gauss-Jordan elimination, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, cartesian and polar forms for complex numbers, complex powers, complex roots, fundamental theorem of algebra.

3. Ordinary Differential Equations:
separable ordinary differential equations (ODEs), integration by substitution, 1st and 2nd order linear ODEs, homogeneous systems of linear ODEs with constant coefficients, introduction to 2-dimensional dynamical systems.
Literature- Thomas, G. B.: Thomas' Calculus, Part 1 (Pearson Addison-Wesley).
- Bretscher, O.: Linear Algebra with Applications (Pearson Prentice Hall).
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: familiarity with the basic notions from Calculus, in particular those of function and derivative.

Mathe-Lab (Assistance):
Mondays 18-20, Tuesdays 18-20, Wednesdays 18-20, in Room HG E 41.
551-0001-00LGeneral Biology I Restricted registration - show details O3 credits3VU. Sauer, O. Y. Martin, A. Widmer
AbstractOrganismic biology to teach the basic principles of classical and molecular genetics, evolutionary biology and phylogeny.
First in a series of two lectures given over two semesters for students of agricultural and food sciences, as well as of environmental sciences.
ObjectiveThe understanding of some basic principles of biology (inheritance, evolution and phylogeny) and an overview of the diversity of life.
ContentThe first semester focuses on the organismal biology aspects of genetics, evolution and diversity of life in the Campbell chapters 12-34.

Week 1-7 by Alex Widmer, Chapters 12-25
12 Cell biology Mitosis
13 Genetics Sexual life cycles and meiosis
14 Genetics Mendelian genetics
15 Genetics Linkage and chromosomes
20 Genetics Evolution of genomes
21 Evolution How evolution works
22 Evolution Phylogentic reconstructions
23 Evolution Microevolution
24 Evolution Species and speciation
25 Evolution Macroevolution

Week 8-14 by Oliver Martin, Chapters 26-34
26 Diversity of Life Introdution to viruses
27 Diversity of Life Prokaryotes
28 Diversity of Life Origin & evolution of eukaryotes
29 Diversity of Life Nonvascular&seedless vascular plants
30 Diversity of Life Seed plants
31 Diversity of Life Introduction to fungi
32 Diversity of Life Overview of animal diversity
33 Diversity of Life Introduction to invertebrates
34 Diversity of Life Origin & evolution of vertebrates
Lecture notesno script
LiteratureCampbell et al. (2017) Biology - A Global Approach. 11th Edition (Global Edition
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture is the first in a series of two lectures given over two semesters for students with biology as as a basic subject.
701-0243-01LBiology III: Essentials of EcologyO3 credits2VC. Buser Moser
AbstractThis lecture presents an introduction to ecology. It includes basic ecological concepts and the most important levels of complexity in ecological research. Ecological concepts are exemplified by using aquatic and terrestrial systems; corresponding methodological approaches are demonstrated. In a more applied part of the lecture threats to biodiversity and the appropriate management are discussed.
ObjectiveThe objective of this lecture is to teach basic ecological concepts and the different levels of complexity in ecological research: the individual, the population, the community and the ecosystem level.
The students should learn ecological concepts at these different levels in the context of concrete examples from terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Corresponding methods for studying the systems will be presented.
A further aim of the lecture is that students achieve an understanding of biodiversity, why it is threatened and how it can be managed.
Content- Übersicht der aquatischen und terrestrischen Lebensräume mit ihren Bewohnern
- Einfluss von Umweltfaktoren (Temperatur, Strahlung, Wasser, Nährstoffe etc.) auf Organismen; Anpassung an bestimmte Umweltbedingungen
- Populationsdynamik: Ursachen, Beschreibung, Vorhersage und Regulation
- Interaktionen zwischen Arten (Konkurrenz, Koexistenz, Prädation, Parasitismus, Nahrungsnetze)
- Lebensgemeinschaften: Struktur, Stabilität, Sukzession
- Ökosysteme: Kompartimente, Stoff- und Energieflusse
- Biodiversität: Variation, Ursachen, Gefährdung und Erhaltung
- Aktuelle Naturschutzprobleme und -massnahmen
- Evolutionäre Ökologie: Methodik, Spezialisierung, Koevolution
Lecture notesUnterlagen, Vorlesungsfolien und relevante Literatur sind in der Lehrdokumentenablage abrufbar. Die Unterlagen für die nächste Vorlesung stehen jeweils spätestens am Freitagmorgen zur Verfügung.
LiteratureGenerelle Ökologie:
Townsend, Harper, Begon 2009. Ökologie. Springer, ca. Fr. 70.-

Aquatische Ökologie:
Lampert & Sommer 1999. Limnoökologie. Thieme, 2. Aufl., ca. Fr. 55.-;
Bohle 1995. Limnische Systeme. Springer, ca. Fr. 50.-

Naturschutzbiologie:
Baur B. et al. 2004. Biodiversität in der Schweiz. Haupt, Bern, 237 S.
Primack R.B. 2004. A primer of conservation biology. 3rd ed. Sinauer, Mass. USA, 320 pp.
701-0027-00LEnvironmental Systems IO2 credits2VS. Bonhoeffer, N. Dubois, C. Schär
AbstractThe lecture provides a science-based exploration of environmental aspects from three research fields: earth, climate, and health sciences.
ObjectiveThe students are able to explain important properties of environmental aspects in the areas of earth, climate and health sciences, to discuss critical drivers, trends and conflicts of their use, and to compare potential solutions.
ContentThe lecture discusses the role of the environmental systems based on selected environmental problems, among these the exploration of raw materials and fossil fuels, climate change and its impacts on man and environment, and the spread and control of infectious diseases in the human population and agricultural systems.
Lecture notesSlides are provided by instructors and are accessible via moodle.
751-0013-00LWorld Food System Information O4 credits4VN. Buchmann, J. Baumgartner, A. Bearth, R. Finger, M. Kreuzer, M. Loessner, E. J. Windhab
AbstractKnowledge about the World Food System will be provided, based on case studies along food value chains in countries with various development stages and dependent on multiple boundary conditions. This shall generate profound understanding of the associated global challenges especially food scarcity, suboptimal diet and nutrition, food quality and safety as well as effects on the environment.
ObjectiveAttending this course, the students will recognize the elements of the World Food System (WFS) approach and the problems it this supposed to treat. They will especially comprehend the four pillars of global food security, namely (I) food availability (including sustainable production and processing), (I) access to food (physical and monetary), (III) food use (including quality and safety as well as the impact on human health and well being) and (IV) resilience to the boundary conditions (environmental, economic and political). This insight will make them aware of the global driving forces behind our ETH research on food security and is expected to alleviate motivation and understanding for the association of subsequent specific courses within a general context. The course equivalently implements agricultural and food sciences, thus supporting the interdisciplinary view on the WFS scope.
ContentCase studies on certain foods of plant and animal origin serve to demonstrate the entire food value chain from the production of raw material to processed food and its consumer relevant property functions. In doing so, important corresponding aspects for developed, emerging and developing countries are demonstrated, by use of engineering as well as natural and social science approaches.
Lecture notesHandouts and links are provided online.
LiteratureInformation on books and other literature references is communicated during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course shall particularly elucidate the cross section of Agro- and Food Sciences in the context of important global problems to be solved. Furthermore the students in the first year of studies shall be given some insight and outlook supporting the development of their views and interests in agricultural and food sciences further.
The course is part of the block exam after the first study year. Paper copies can be used ("Open Book") during the on-line exam, but no other means are not allowed. The course is taught in German.
701-0757-00LPrinciples of EconomicsO3 credits2GR. Schubert
AbstractThis course covers the bases for understanding micro- and macroeconomic issues and theories. Participants are given the tools to argue in economic and political terms and to evaluate the corresponding measures. Group and individual exercises deepen the knowledge gained.
ObjectiveStudents are able to
- describe fundamental micro- and macroeconomic issues and theories.
- apply suitable economic arguments to a given theme.
- evaluate economic measures.
ContentSupply and demand behaviour of firm and households; market equilibrium and taxation; national income and indicators; inflation ; unemployment; growth; macroeconomics policies
Lecture notesavailable on electronic platform
LiteratureMankiw, N.G.: “Principles of Economics”, fourth edition, South-Western College/West, Mason 2006.

German translation: Mankiw, N.G. : Grundzüge der Volkswirtschaftslehre, 3rd. edition, Stuttgart 2004.
Prerequisites / Noticeelectronic plattform
Additional First Year Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-0801-00LBiology I: Laboratory Exercises Restricted registration - show details O1 credit2UE. B. Truernit
AbstractPrinciples and methods of light microscopy. Preparation of specimen for microscopy; documentation. Anatomy of seed plants: From cells to organs. Special features of plant cells. Anatomy and function of plant organs. Anatomical adaptations to different environments.
ObjectiveCapability of preparing biological specimen, microscopy and documentation. Understanding the correlation between plant structure and function at the level of organs, tissues and cells.
Awareness of the link between plant anatomy, systematics, physiology, ecology, and development.
ContentBasics of optics. Principles of light microscopy. Microscope parts and their function. Köhler illumination. Optical contrasting methods. Measuring object sizes with the microscope. Preparation of specimen for light microscopy. Plant tissue staining techniques.
Special features of plant cells: Plastids, vacuole, cell wall. Anatomy of seed plants: From cells to organs. Anatomy and function of various plant tissues (epidermis, vascular tissue, wood, etc.). Anatomy and function of different plant organs (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed). Anatomical adaptations to different environments.
Lecture notesHandouts
LiteratureFor further reading (not obligatory):
Gerhard Wanner: Mikroskopisch-Botanisches Praktikum, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart.
Prerequisites / NoticeGroups of a maximum of 30 students.
529-0030-00LLaboratory Course: Elementary Chemical Techniques Restricted registration - show details O3 credits6PN. Kobert, A. de Mello, M. H. Schroth
AbstractThis practical course provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques.
The experiments cover a wide range of techniques, including analytical and synthetic techniques (e. g. investigation of soil and water samples or the preparation of simple compunds). Furthermore, the handling of gaseous substances is practised.
ObjectiveThis course is intended to provide an overview of experimental chemical methods.
The handling of chemicals and proper laboratory techniques represent the main
learning targets. Furthermore, the description and recording of laboratory processes is an essential part of this course.
ContentThe classification and analysis of natural and artificial compounds is a key subject of this
course. It provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques, and the experiments cover a wide range of analytic and synthetic tasks:
Selected samples (e.g. soil and water) will be analysed with various methods, such as titrations,
spectroscopy or ion chromatography. The chemistry of aqeous solutions (acid-base equilibria and solvatation or precipitation processes) is studied.
The synthesis of simple inorganic complexes or organic molecules is practised.
Furthermore, the preparation and handling of environmentally relevant gaseous species like carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides is a central subject of the Praktikum.
Lecture notesThe script will be published on the web.
Details will be provided on the first day of the semester.
LiteratureA thorough study of all script materials is requested before the course starts.
Prerequisites / NoticeSafety concept: Link
252-0839-00LInformatics Information Restricted registration - show details O2 credits2GL. E. Fässler, M. Dahinden
AbstractStudents learn to apply selected concepts and tools from computer science for working on interdisciplinary projects. The following topics are covered: modeling and simulations, managing data with lists and tables and with relational databases, introduction to programming.
ObjectiveThe students learn to

- choose and apply appropriate tools from computer science,
- process and analyze real-world data from their subject of study,
- handle the complexity of real-world data.
Content1. Modeling and simulations
2. Data management with lists and tables
3. Data management with a relational database
4. Introduction to macro programming
5. Introduction to programming with Python
Lecture notesAll materials for the lecture are available at Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is based on application-oriented learning. The students spend most of their time working through projects with data from natural science and discussing their results with teaching assistants. To learn the computer science basics there are electronic tutorials available.
Repetition Fist Year Agricultural Sciences BSc
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
900-9022-00LRepetition Fist Year Agricultural Sciences BSc Restricted registration - show details 0 creditsnot available
Abstract
Objective
Basic Courses (Second Year)
Examination Block
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0063-00LPhysics IIO5 credits3V + 1UA. Vaterlaus
AbstractIntroduction to the concepts and tools in Physics, with the help of demonstration experiments. The Chapters treated are Electromagnetism, Refraction and Diffraction of Waves, Elements of Quantum Mechanics with applications to Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Phase Transitions, Transport Phenomena. Whenever possible, examples relevant to the students' main field of study are given.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the scientific methodology. The student should develop his/her capability to turn physical observations into mathematical models, and to solve them.
Lecture notesA script will be distributed
LiteratureFriedhelm Kuypers
Physik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler
Band 2 Elektrizität, Optik, Wellen
Wiley-VCH, 2012
ISBN 3527411445, 9783527411443

Douglas C. Giancoli
Physik
3. erweiterte Auflage
Pearson Studium

Hans J. Paus
Physik in Experimenten und Beispielen
Carl Hanser Verlag, München, 2002, 1068 S.

Paul A. Tipler
Physik
Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1998, 1522 S., ca Fr. 120.-

David Halliday Robert Resnick Jearl Walker
Physik
Wiley-VCH, 2003, 1388 S., Fr. 87.- (bis 31.12.03)

dazu gratis Online Ressourcen (z.B. Simulationen): Link
701-0071-00LMathematics III: Systems AnalysisO4 credits2V + 1UR. Knutti, I. Medhaug, L. Brunner, S. Schemm, H. Wernli
AbstractThe objective of the systems analysis course is to deepen and illustrate the mathematical concepts on the basis of a series of very concrete examples. Topics covered include: linear box models with one or several variables, non-linear box models with one or several variables, time-discrete models, and continuous models in time and space.
ObjectiveLearning and applying of concepts (models) and quantitative methods to address concrete problems of environmental relevance. Understanding and applying the systems-analytic approach, i.e., Recognizing the core of the problem - simplification - quantitative approach - prediction.
ContentLink
Lecture notesOverhead slides will be made available through the course website.
LiteratureImboden, D.S. and S. Pfenninger (2013) Introduction to Systems Analysis: Mathematically Modeling Natural Systems. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer Verlag.

Link
401-0624-00LMathematics IV: Statistics Restricted registration - show details O4 credits2V + 1UJ. Ernest
AbstractIntroduction to basic methods and fundamental concepts of statistics and probability theory for practicioners in natural sciences. The concepts will be illustrated with some real data examples. The lecture will be held in German.
ObjectiveCapacity to learn from data; good practice when dealing with data and recognizing possible fraud in statistics; basic knowledge about the laws of randomness and stochastic thinking (thinking in probabilities); apply simple methods in inferential statistics (e.g., several hypothesis tests will be introduced). The lecture will be held in German.
ContentBeschreibende Statistik (einschliesslich graphischer Methoden).
Einführung in die Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung (Grundregeln, Zufallsvariable, diskrete und stetige Verteilungen, Ausblick auf Grenzwertsätze). Methoden der Analytischen Statistik: Schätzungen, Tests (einschliesslich Binomialtest, t-Test, Vorzeichentest, F-Test, Wilcoxon-Test), Vertrauensintervalle, Prognoseintervalle, Korrelation, einfache und multiple lineare Regression.
Lecture notesSkript zur Vorlesung ist erhältlich.
LiteratureStahel, W.: Statistische Datenanalyse. Vieweg 1995, 3. Auflage 2000 (als ergänzende Lektüre)
Prerequisites / NoticeDie Übungen (ca. die Hälfte der Kontaktstunden; einschliesslich Computerübungen) sind ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Lehrveranstaltung.

Voraussetzungen: Mathematik I, II
752-4001-00LMicrobiologyO2 credits2VM. Ackermann, M. Schuppler, J. Vorholt-Zambelli
AbstractTeaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, Prokaryotic Diversity, Human-Microbe Interactions, Biotechnology.
ObjectiveTeaching of basic knowledge in microbiology.
ContentDer Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Themen: Bakterielle Zellbiologie, Molekulare Genetik, Wachstumsphysiologie, Biochemische Diversität, Phylogenie und Taxonomie, Prokaryotische Vielfalt, Interaktion zwischen Menschen und Mikroorganismen sowie Biotechnologie.
Lecture notesWird von den jeweiligen Dozenten ausgegeben.
LiteratureDie Behandlung der Themen erfolgt auf der Basis des Lehrbuchs Brock, Biology of Microorganisms
701-0501-00LPedosphereO3 credits2VR. Kretzschmar
AbstractIntroduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.
ObjectiveUnderstanding of soils as integral parts of ecosystems, development and distribution of soils as a function of environmental factors, and processes leading to soil degradation.
ContentDefinition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation.
Lecture notesPolybook
Literature- Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016.

- Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology.
751-1311-00LIntroduction to Agricultural ManagementO2 credits2VR. Finger
AbstractVermittlung von betriebswirtschaftlichen Grundlagenwissen und Analyse- und Planungsinstrumenten mit Anwendung auf Unternehmen der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft
ObjectiveTeilnehmer des Kurses sollen am Ende der Vorlesung i) grundlegende Unternehmensentscheide strukturieren und analysieren können, ii) verschiedene Analyse- und Planungsinstrumente auf Fragestellungen der Produktionsplanung, Investition und Finanzierung an Beispielen anwenden zu können, iii) verschiedene Werkzeuge zur unternehmerischen Entscheidungsunterstützung anwenden können und iv) die Spezifika von Unternehmen in der Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft kennen.
ContentDie Vorlesung geht auf folgende Inhalte, mit spezifischen Anwendungen im Agrar- und Ernährungssektors ein:

Grundlagen und Ziele unternehmerischen Entscheidens
Kosten und Leistungsrechnung
Produktionstheorie
Produktionsprogrammplanung
Investitionsplanung und Finanzierung
Entscheidungen unter Unsicherheit und Risikomanagement
Lecture notesVorlesungsunterlagen werden im Laufe des Semesters zur Verfügung gestellt
LiteratureOliver Musshoff und Norbert Hirschauer (2013). Modernes Agrarmanagement: Betriebswirtschaftliche Analyse- und Planungsverfahren. 3. Auflage. Vahlen, ISBN-10: 3800647435
752-6003-00LIntroduction to Nutritional Science Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Agricultural Science BSc.
O2 credits1.5VM. B. Zimmermann, C. Wolfrum
AbstractThis course introduces basic concepts of micro- and macronutrient nutrition. Micronutrients studied include fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Macronutrients include proteins, fat and carbohydrates.
ObjectiveTo introduce the students to the both the macro- and the micronutrients.
ContentThe lectutres on micronutrients are given by Prof. Zimmermann and the lectures on macronutrients are given by Prof. Wolfrum. Prof. Zimmermann discusses the micronutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Prof. Wolfrum introduces basic nutritional aspects of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and energy metabolism.
Lecture notesThere is no script. Powerpoint presentations will be made available.
LiteratureElmadfa I & Leitzmann C: Ernährung des Menschen
UTB Ulmer, Stuttgart, 4. überarb. Ausgabe 2004
ISBN-10: 3825280365; ISBN-13: 978-3825280369

Garrow JS and James WPT: Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 11th rev. ed. 2005
ISBN-10: 0443056277; ISBN-13: 978-0443056277
Agricultural Sciences Basic Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-8003-00LGenetics in Agricultural Sciences Restricted registration - show details
Only for Agricultural Sciences BSc.
O2 credits2GH. Pausch, B. Studer
AbstractImportant concepts from population, quantitative and molecular genetics are introduced and applied to plant and animal populations.
ObjectiveAfter the course, the students will be able to
- work with genetic polymorphisms and explain mechanisms underlying allele frequency changes in natural and experimental populations;
- determine factors affecting the selection intensity
- explain the difference between genotypic and phenotypic values
- quantify the expected genetic gain per time unit
- explain important molecular methods to determine genetic polymorphisms;
- map traits in plant and animal populations using molecular marker information;
- integrate different concepts from population, molecular and quantitative genetics and explain their importance for applications in genetics in agricultural sciences.
ContentMolecular genetics (15%)
- DNA sequence variation
- Marker & genotyping techologies (SSRs, AFLPs, SNPs, KASP, GBS, RADseq, AmpSeq, Chip Technologies)

Population genetics (30%)
- Allele- and genotype frequencies in populations
- Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
- Genetic drift, differentiation of populations
- Fitness, selection
- Inbreeding, relationship, effective population size

Quantitative genetics (40%)
- Recombination, crossing over, linkage analysis, genetic mapping
- QTL mapping
- Forms of selection and selection differential
- Heritability
- Quantification of expected genetic gain
- genotypic value, allele substitution effect, breeding value

Integrative genetics (15%)
- Genome-wide association mapping
- Estimation of genomic breeding values
Lecture notesSlides and exercises will be provided in advance of each class via Moodle
LiteratureFurther reading:
Falconer & Mackay: Introduction to Quantitative Genetics
Lübberstedt & Varshney: Diagnostics in Plant Breeding
Agricultural Sciences Disciplines
Agricultural Economics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
363-1109-00LIntroduction to Microeconomics
GESS (Science in Perspective):
This course is only for students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme.

Students enrolled in a Master’s degree programme may attend “Principles of Microeconomics” (LE 363-0503-00L) instead.

Note for D-MAVT students: If you have already successfully completed “Principles of Microeconomics” (LE 363-0503-00L), then you will not be permitted to attend it again.
O3 credits2GM. Wörter, M. Beck
AbstractThe course introduces basic principles, problems and approaches of microeconomics. It describes economic decisions of households and firms, and their coordination through perfectly competitive markets.
ObjectiveStudents acquire a deeper understanding of basic microeconomic models.

They acquire the ability to apply these models in the interpretation of real world economic contexts.

Students acquire a reflective and contextual knowledge on how societies use scarce resources to produce goods and services and distribute them among themselves.
ContentMarket, budget constraint, preferences, utility function, utility maximisation, demand, technology, profit function, cost minimisation, cost functions, perfect competition, information and communication technologies
Lecture notesCourse material in e-learning environment Link
LiteratureVarian, Hal R. (2014), Intermediate Microeconomics, W.W. Norton
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course "Einführung in die Mikroökonomie“ (363-1109-00L) is intended for Bachelor students and LE 363-0503-00 "Principles of Microeconomics" for Master students.
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