Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Doctoral Department of Environmental Sciences Information
More Information at: Link
Environmental Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0263-01LSeminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious DiseasesW3 credits2GD. Croll, S. Bonhoeffer, R. R. Regös
AbstractStudents of this course will discuss current topics from the field of infectious disease biology. From a list of publications, each student chooses some themes that he/she is going to explain and discuss with all other participants and under supervision. The actual topics will change from year to year corresponding to the progress and new results occuring in the field.
ObjectiveThis is an advanced course that will require significant student participation.  Students will learn how to evaluate and present scientific literature and trace the development of ideas related to understanding the ecology and evolutionary biology of infectious diseases.
ContentA core set of ~10 classic publications encompassing unifying themes in infectious disease ecology and evolution, such as virulence, resistance, metapopulations, networks, and competition will be presented and discussed.  Pathogens will include bacteria, viruses and fungi.  Hosts will include animals, plants and humans.
Lecture notesPublications and class notes can be downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture.
LiteraturePapers will be assigned and downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture.
701-1453-00LEcological Assessment and Evaluation Information W3 credits3GF. Knaus, U. Bollens Hunziker
AbstractThe course provides methods and tools for ecological evaluations dealing with nature conservation or landscape planning. It covers census methods, ecological criteria, indicators, indices and critically appraises objectivity and accuracy of the available methods, tools and procedures. Birds and plants are used as main example guiding through different case studies.
ObjectiveStudents will be able to:
1) critically consider biological data books and local, regional, and national inventories;
2) evaluate the validity of ecological criteria used in decision making processes;
3) critically appraise the handling of ecological data and criteria used in the process of evaluation
4) perform an ecological evaluation project from the field survey up to the descision making and planning.
Lecture notesPowerpoint slides are available on the webpage. Additional documents are handed out as copies.
LiteratureBasic literature and references are listed on the webpage.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course structure changes between lecture parts, seminars and discussions. The didactic atmosphere is intended as working group.

Prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses:
- Pflanzen- und Vegetationsökologie
- Systematische Botanik
- Raum- und Regionalentwicklung
- Naturschutz und Stadtbioökologie
701-1409-00LResearch Seminar: Ecological Genetics Information
Minimum number of participants is 4.
W2 credits1SA. Widmer, S. Fior
AbstractIn this research seminar we will critically discuss current topics in Ecological Genetics using publications from the leading scientific journals in this field.
ObjectiveIt is our aim that participants gain insight into the current research topics and knowledge available in Ecological Genetics and learn to critically assess and appreciate scientific publications in this field.
Lecture notesnone
Literaturewill be distributed
Prerequisites / NoticeActive participation in the discussions is a prerequisite for this course.
701-1425-01LGenetic Diversity: Techniques Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 8.
Selection of the students: order of registration

Registration until 17.10.2016.
W2 credits2PA. M. Minder Pfyl
AbstractThis course provides training for advanced students (master, doctoral or post-doctoral level) in how to measure and collect genetic diversity data from populations, experiments, field and laboratory. Different DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping and gene expression techniques will be addressed. Choice of topic by demand and/or availability of data.
ObjectiveTo learn and improve on standard and modern methods of genetic data collection. Examples are: use of pyrosequencing, expression analysis, SNP-typing, next-generation sequencing, etc.
A course for practicioners.
ContentAfter an introduction (one afternoon), students will have 3 weeks to work independently or in groups through different protocols. At the end the whole group meets for another afternoon to present the techniques/results and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques.
Techniques adressed are: RNA/DNA extractions and quality control, SNP genotyping, pyrosequencing, real-time qPCR.
Lecture notesMaterial will be handed out in the course.
LiteratureMaterial will be handed out in the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeTwo afternoons are hold in the class. The lab work will be done from the students according to their timetable, but has to be finished after 3 weeks. Effort is roughly 1-2 days per week, depending on the skills of the student.
701-1676-01LLandscape Genetics Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 14.

Prerequisites: good knowledge in population genetics and experience in using GIS is required.
W2 credits3GR. Holderegger, J. Bolliger, F. Gugerli
AbstractThis six-day winter school aims at teaching advanced Master students, PhD students and postdocs on landscape genetics. It provides both theoretical background as well as hands-on exercises on major topics of contemporary landscape genetics and landscape genomics such as landscape effects on gene flow and adpative genetic variation in a landscape context.
ObjectiveLandscape genetics is an evolving scientific field of both basic and applied interest. Researchers as well as conservation managers make increasing use of landscape genetic thinking and methods. Landscape genetics builds on concepts and methods from landscape ecology and population genetics. This winter school introduces advanced students to major concepts and methods of landscape genetics and genomics, i.e. (i) the study of landscape effects on dispersal and gene flow and (ii) the study of the interactions between the environment and adaptive genetic variation. The winter school focuses on currently used methods and hands-on exercises. It is specifically aimed at the needs of advanced students (Master, PhD and postdocs).
ContentThemes:
(1) Genetic data: estimates of gene flow; genetic distances; assignment tests and parentage analysis.
(2) Landscape data: landscape resistance and least cost paths; transects
(3) Landscape genetic analysis of gene flow: partial Mantel tests and causal modeling; multiple regression on distance matrices and mixed effects models.
(4) Networks and graph theory.
(5) Landscape genomics: adaptive genetic variation; outlier detection; environmental association.
(6) Overlays: Bayesian clustering; barrier detection; kriging.
Lecture notesHand-outs will be distributed.
LiteratureThe course requires 4 hours of preparatory reading of selected papers on landscape genetics. These papers will be distributed by e-mail.
Prerequisites / NoticeGrading will be according to a short written report (4 pages) on one of the themes of the course (workload: about 8 hours) and according to student contributions during the course.

Prerequisites: students should have basic knowledge in population genetics, GIS and R.
551-0737-00LExperimental Ecology: Evolution and Ecology Information Restricted registration - show details W2 credits2SS. Bonhoeffer
AbstractInteraction seminar. Student-mediated presentations, guests and discussions on current themes in ecology, evolutionary and population biology.
ObjectiveGetting familiar with scientific arguments and discussions. Overview of current research topics. Making contacts with fellow students in other groups.
ContentScientific talks and discussions on changing subjects.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureNone
Prerequisites / NoticeFor information and details: Link
or contact: Link
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