Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Environmental Sciences Master Information
Major in Ecology and Evolution
A. Fundamentals
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1708-00LInfectious Disease DynamicsW4 credits2VS. Bonhoeffer, R. D. Kouyos, R. R. Regös, T. Stadler
AbstractThis course introduces into current research on the population biology of infectious diseases. The course discusses the most important mathematical tools and their application to relevant diseases of human, natural or managed populations.
ObjectiveAttendees will learn about:
* the impact of important infectious pathogens and their evolution on human, natural and managed populations
* the population biological impact of interventions such as treatment or vaccination
* the impact of population structure on disease transmission

Attendees will learn how:
* the emergence spread of infectious diseases is described mathematically
* the impact of interventions can be predicted and optimized with mathematical models
* population biological models are parameterized from empirical data
* genetic information can be used to infer the population biology of the infectious disease

The course will focus on how the formal methods ("how") can be used to derive biological insights about the host-pathogen system ("about").
ContentAfter an introduction into the history of infectious diseases and epidemiology the course will discuss basic epidemiological models and the mathematical methods of their analysis. We will then discuss the population dynamical effects of intervention strategies such as vaccination and treatment. In the second part of the course we will introduce into more advanced topics such as the effect of spatial population structure, explicit contact structure, host heterogeneity, and stochasticity. In the final part of the course we will introduce basic concepts of phylogenetic analysis in the context of infectious diseases.
Lecture notesSlides and script of the lecture will be available online.
LiteratureThe course is not based on any of the textbooks below, but they are excellent choices as accompanying material:
* Keeling & Rohani, Modeling Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals, Princeton Univ Press 2008
* Anderson & May, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Oxford Univ Press 1990
* Murray, Mathematical Biology, Springer 2002/3
* Nowak & May, Virus Dynamics, Oxford Univ Press 2000
* Holmes, The Evolution and Emergence of RNA Viruses, Oxford Univ Press 2009
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of population dynamics and population genetics as well as linear algebra and analysis will be an advantage.
B. Advanced Concepts
Advanced Concepts
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1424-00LGuarda-Workshop in Evolutionary Biology Information
This course has limited spaces. To register for this course you have to sign in via mystudies and via the website of the University of Basel Link.
W3 credits4PS. Bonhoeffer
AbstractThis one week course is intended for students with a keen interest in evolutionary biology. The aim of the course is to develop a research project in small teams of 4-5 students. The students receive guidance by the "faculty" consisting of Prof. D. Ebert (U Basel) and Prof. S Bonhoeffer (ETHZ). Additionally two internationally reknown experts are invited every year.
Objectivesee link Link
Contentsee link Link
Lecture notesnone
Literaturenone
Prerequisites / NoticeAs the number of participants is limited, application for the course is necessary. Please apply for the course using the course website (see link Link).
.
701-1426-00LAdvanced Evolutionary Genetics
Does not take place this semester.
W3 credits4GT. Städler
AbstractThe field of evolutionary genetics rests on genetic and evolutionary principles, (often) mathematical models, and molecular data. The explosion in the availability of genome-wide data makes competencies in "making sense" of such data more and more relevant. This course will cover selected topics that are both fundamental and/or currently very active research fields.
ObjectiveThis course deals with (some of) the conceptual foundations of evolutionary genetics in the age of genomics, going well beyond the introductory material that is part of the BSc curriculum. The principal aim is for students to gain a thorough appreciation for the underlying ideas and models of key evolutionary processes, and to witness how these are being tested and refined vis-à-vis the recent deluge of genome-wide sequence data. The course focuses on theoretical concepts and ways to infer the action of evolutionary processes from molecular data; as such it is also designed to facilitate understanding of the burgeoning scientific literature in molecular ecology and evolution. These aims require students to be actively engaged in reading original papers, discussing ideas and data among themselves, and presenting their interpretations in group talks.
ContentThere are 4 hours of lectures, student presentations, and/or group work per week. Students are expected to spend 4 additional hours per week on preparatory study for the following week. Every week, one subject will be presented and overseen by one of the two lecturers.

Each weekly topic will be introduced by a lecture (max. 2 x 45 minutes), highlighting key concepts and historically important papers. The (slight) majority of the time will be spent with group presentations based on recent important papers, and discussions of the relevant concepts.

Specific proposed topics (subject to change):
(1) The coalescent in structured populations (e.g. spatial sampling and its genealogical consequences, demographic inference from sequence data, spurious bottlenecks).
(2) Population subdivision: evolutionary processes and measures (e.g. spatial models, absolute and relative measures of divergence, Jost's (2008) fundamental insights and their reception).
(3) Speciation genetics and modes of species divergence (e.g. intrinsic postzygotic barriers, Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities, snowball effect, genomic islands of divergence).
(4) The interplay of linkage, recombination, and selection (e.g. selective sweeps, background selection, Hill-Robertson interference, adaptation).
(5) Evolutionary consequences of mating systems (e.g. clonal vs. sexual reproduction, bottlenecks, colonizing potential, efficacy of natural selection).
(6) Genomics of virulence evolution (e.g. pathogenicity islands, mobile genetic elements, chromosomal rearrangements).
Lecture notesNo script; handouts and material for downloading will be provided.
LiteratureThere is no textbook for this course. Relevant literature will be provided for each weekly session, selected mostly from the primary research literature.
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements:
Students must have a good background in genetics, basic population genetics, as well as evolutionary biology. At a minimum, either the course "Population and Quantitative Genetics" or the course "Ecological Genetics" should have been attended, and ideally, both of these ("Evolutionary Genetics" in the D-BIOL curriculum).

Teaching Forms:
The course consists of lectures, readings, group work, student presentations, and discussions. Active participation and preparation of students is critical for a successful learning experience and outcome.
701-1450-00LConservation GeneticsW3 credits4GR. Holderegger, M. Fischer, F. Gugerli
AbstractThe course deals with conservation genetics and its practical applications. It introduces the genetic theories of conservation genetics, such as inbreeding depression, adaptive genetic diversity or fragmentation. The course also shows how genetic methods such as eDNA and metabarcoding are used in conservation management, and it critically discusses the benefits and limits of conservation genetics.
ObjectiveGenetic and evolutionary argumentation is an important feature of conservation biology. The course equips students with knowledge on conservation genetics and its applications in conservation management. The course introduces the main theories of conservation genetics and shows how genetic methods are used in conservation management. In addition, it critically discusses the benefits and limits of conservation genetics. Practical examples dealing with animals and plants are presented.
ContentThere are 4 hours of lectures, presentations and group work per week. Students also have to spend about 3 hours per week on preparatory work for the following week. Every week, one subject will be presented by one of three lecturers.

Overview of themes:
Barcoding, eDNA metabarcoding and genetic monitoring; effects of small population size, genetic drift and inbreeding; neutral and adaptive genetic diversity; hybridization; gene flow, fragmentation and connectivity.

Specific topics:
(1) Species and individual identification: barcoding; metabarcoding; eDNA; estimation of census population size; habitat use and genetic monitoring.
(2) Inbreeding and inbreeding depression: small population size; bottlenecks; genetic drift; inbreeding and inbreeding depression; effective population size.
(3) Adaptive genetic diversity: neutral and adaptive genetic variation; importance of adaptive genetic diversity; methods to measure adaptive genetic variation.
(4) Hybridization and monitoring of genetic diversity: gene introgression; gene flow across species boundaries; demographic swamping; monitoring of genetic diversity.
(5) Half day excursion: practical example of conservation genetics on fragmentation.
(6) Discussion and evaluation of excursion; gene flow: historical and contemporary gene flow and dispersal; fragmentation and connectivity.
(7) Oral examination.
Lecture notesNo script; handouts and material for downloading will be provided.
LiteratureThere is no textbook for this course, but the following books are recommended:
Allendorf F.W., Luikart G.; Aitken S.N. 2013. Conservation and the Genetics of Populations, 2nd edition. Wiley, Oxford.
Frankham R., Ballou J.D., Briscoe D.A. 2010. Introduction to Conservation Genetics, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

The following book and booklets in German are targeted to conservation professionals:
Holderegger R., Segelbacher G. (eds.). 2016. Naturschutzgenetik. Ein Handbuch für die Praxis. Haupt, Bern.
Csencsics D., Gugerli F. 2017. Naturschutzgenetik. WSl Berichte 60: 1-82 (free download: Link)
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements:
Students must have a good background in genetics as well as in ecology and evolution. The courses "Population and Quantitative Genetics" or "Evolutionary Genetics" should have been attended.

Examination:
A final oral examination on the content of the course and the excursion are integral parts of the course.

Teaching forms:
The course needs the active participation of students. It consists of lectures, group work, presentations, discussions, reading and a half-day excursion.
701-1462-00LEvolution of Social Behavior and Biological Communication Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 24.
W3 credits2VM. Mescher
AbstractThis course addresses presents core concepts in the study of behavior and biological communication from a Darwinian perspective, with a focus on the evolution of sociality and the emergence of higher-level biological organization. It will entail lectures and discussion of selected readings from relevant primary and secondary literature.
ObjectiveStudents will become familiar with the application of Darwinian evolutionary theory to the study of behavior, communication, and social organization. They will also gain insight into the relevance of these topics for broader intellectual questions in biology, as well as for the organization of human societies.
ContentThis course will begin with an exploration of key concepts, including the central role of information in biology and Darwinian explanations for the emergence of adaptation and functional complexity in biological systems. We will then discuss the application of these concepts to the study of behavior and communication, with a focus on the evolution of social interactions. Significant attention will also be given to the evolution of cooperation among individual organisms and the emergence and maintenance of complex social organization. Finally, we will discuss the implications of the material covered for understanding human behavior and for the organization of human societies, including implications for implementing collective action to address global environmental challenges. These topics will be covered by lectures and discussion of relevant readings selected by the instructor. Evaluations will be based on in-class or take-home examinations, as well as participation in classroom discussions.
262-0200-00LBayesian Phylodynamics – Taming the BEASTW4 credits2G + 2AT. Stadler, T. Vaughan
AbstractHow fast is COVID-19 spreading at the moment? How fast was Ebola spreading in West Africa? Where and when did these epidemic outbreak start? How can we construct the phylogenetic tree of great apes, and did gene flow occur between different apes? At the end of the course, students will have designed, performed, presented, and discussed their own phylodynamic data analysis to answer such questions.
ObjectiveAttendees will extend their knowledge of Bayesian phylodynamics obtained in the “Computational Biology” class (636-0017-00L) and will learn how to apply this theory to real world data. The main theoretical concepts introduced are:
* Bayesian statistics
* Phylogenetic and phylodynamic models
* Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods
Attendees will apply these concepts to a number of applications yielding biological insight into:
* Epidemiology
* Pathogen evolution
* Macroevolution of species
ContentDuring the first part of the block course, the theoretical concepts of Bayesian phylodynamics will be presented by us as well as leading international researchers in that area. The presentations will be followed by attendees using the software package BEAST v2 to apply these theoretical concepts to empirical data. We will use previously published datasets on e.g. COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, Yellow Fever, Apes, and Penguins for analysis. Examples of these practical tutorials are available on Link.
In the second part of the block course, students choose an empirical dataset of genetic sequencing data and possibly some non-genetic metadata. They then design and conduct a research project in which they perform Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of their dataset. A final written report on the research project has to be submitted after the block course for grading.
Lecture notesAll material will be available on Link.
LiteratureThe following books provide excellent background material:
• Drummond, A. & Bouckaert, R. 2015. Bayesian evolutionary analysis with BEAST.
• Yang, Z. 2014. Molecular Evolution: A Statistical Approach.
• Felsenstein, J. 2003. Inferring Phylogenies.
More detailed information is available on Link.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis class builds upon the content which we teach in the Computational Biology class (636-0017-00L). Attendees must have either taken the Computational Biology class or acquired the content elsewhere.
751-4805-00LRecent Advances in Biocommunication Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.
W3 credits2SC. De Moraes
AbstractStudents will gain insight into the role of sensory cues and signals in mediating interactions within and between species. There will be a primary, but not exclusive, focus on chemical signaling in interactions among plants, insects and microbes. The course will focus on the discussion of current literature addressing key conceptual questions and state-of-the-art research techniques and methods.
ObjectiveStudents will gain insight into the role of sensory cues and signals in mediating interactions within and between species. There will be a primary, but not exclusive, focus on chemical signaling in interactions among plants, insects and microbes. The course will focus on the discussion of current literature addressing key conceptual questions and state-of-the-art research techniques and methods. Students will engage in discussion and critical analyses of relevant papers and present their evaluations in a seminar setting.
Applications
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1434-00LEssentials of Restoration EcologyW2 credits2GD. Ramseier, C. T. Robinson
AbstractRestoration ecology has become an important field of ecology. The original trial and error approach is now more and more replaced by a more systematic and scientific approach.
The course covers general principles of restoration ecology and practical applications mainly for wet and dry meadow restoration and restoration of rivers/streams. Forested habitats will only be touched marginally.
ObjectiveThe students gain insight in methods of ecological restoration. They will be able to evaluate various approaches and to design restoration projects. They will learn the ecological basis of river/stream restoration and restoration of wet and dry meadows.
ContentTwo hours lectures and one-hour seminar per week in the first four weeks of the semester

21.5.2021 14:15 – 17:00 excursion river/stream restoration Dübendorf
28.5.2021 10:15 – 18:00 excursion to the wetland restoration project Seebachtalseen (Link). In case of an overlap with another course, it is possible to join later
that day.

Topics of lectures:
- Historical background of restoration ecology
- Reasons for ecological restorations
- Ecological principles relevant for restorations
- Approaches for ecological restorations
- Evaluation of restorations

Seminar: presentation of a given paper by students with self-searched additional information
701-1456-00LApplied Ecosystem Management (Field Course in Serbia) Information Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
W3 credits4P
AbstractThis course introduces students to a socio-ecological system that combines high depopulation rates and corruption with extraordinary cultural and biological diversity that are at risk of loss. This system is explored with local stakeholders and in the field, analysed by a conceptual model and measures are identified that support both conservation and development goals for the region.
ObjectiveBy visiting this course, the students are able to:
a) Use a conceptual model to analyse an unfamiliar socio-ecological system with regards to its main drivers and their interrelatedness.
b) Establish basic strategic elements of a development plan.
c) Identify realistic measures towards sustainability respecting system-inherent limitations.
d) Apply, contextualize and integrate subject-specific knowledge on an interdisciplinary real world problem.
ContentEastern Serbia offers economic, ecological and social characteristics that are greatly distinct to the ones predominant in Central European socio-ecological systems: Following epochs of communism and war, Eastern Serbia faces some of the highest rural depopulation rates in Europe and consequently suffers from land abandonment. The still rich rural culture and many traditional agricultural practices are expected to be lost if no measures are taken. At the same time, the region still holds a high biodiversity with a high number of endemic species and many species which have long been extinct in other parts of Central Europe. These ecological values are under high threat of being lost as a consequence of the depopulation processes.

In the course, the multiple facets of this unfamiliar socio-ecological system are investigated based on interviews with local stakeholders and experts. In short excursions, land-use activities, biodiversity as well as cultural and touristic assets are explored. The gathered information is used to identify the most prevalent drivers of the socio-ecological system with the help of a simple conceptual model. Based on this model and on additional strategic analyses, goals and measures can be deduced that span the competing fields of conservation and development and aim at developing the region towards sustainability. These measures are evaluated, elaborated and discussed with local people. Finally, the results are summarized in a report for the local stakeholders.
Lecture notesIvanov S. & F. Knaus 2012: Stara Planina. A brief introduction. Unpublished. 24p.
LiteratureAdams W.M. et al. 2004: Biodiversity Conservation and the Eradication of Poverty. Science 306: 1146-1149.

Chan K.M.A. et al. 2007: When agendas collide: Human welfare and biological conservation. Conservation Biology 21(1): 59-68.

FOS 2009: Using Conceptual Models to Document a Situation Analysis: An FOS How-To Guide. Foundations of Success, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 21p.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is limited to 14 students. Preference is given to Master students and students fulfilling the prerequisites. A mixture of students from different Majors is sought to contribute to the integration of skills and approaches. Travels to Serbia and Bulgaria require a valid passport.

Prerequisites for attending this course are skills and knowledge equivalent to those taught in the following ETH courses:
- Foundations of Ecosystem Management
- Naturschutz und Naturschutzbiologie
- Land Use History and Historical Ecology
701-1646-00LCarbon and Nutrient Cycling in a Changing Climate and Land-Use Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.
Waiting list will be deleted after 01.03.2021
Registratioin possible until 09.03.2021
W5 credits3GF. Hagedorn, T. Crowther, S. Dötterl
AbstractThe course covers the pools and fluxes of carbon and nutrients in forests and dynamic landscapes and how they are affected by a changing climate and land-use. Specifically, the course explores carbon and nutrient cycling: (i) in vegetation and soils at the plot to global scale; (ii) the role of abiotic soil properties as controls; and (iii) the effects of climate changes and land management.
ObjectiveThe students learn to identify, analyze and propose solutions for problems associated with land management and climate change on carbon and nutrient cycling in forests and dynamic landscapes.
ContentAfter short thematic introductions, the students will work in small groups on the following topics:

Part 1 Carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems of Switzerland
o Carbon and nutrient cycles from the plot to national scale
o Impacts of land use changes on biomass and soil carbon
o Effects of soil warming and drought

Part 2: Rock, soil, sediment: Geomorphic cascades and soil weathering
o Weathering and geochemistry as controls on carbon and nutrient cycles
o Feedbacks between soil development, soil transport and soil loss for carbon cycling
o Global patterns and consequences of disturbance for soil landscapes

Part 3: Global biogeochemical cycles and climate change
o Global biogeochemical cycles and impacts on climate
o Carbon cycle feedbacks to climate change
o Changes in global nutrient balance

The students will work on specific projects which includes the evaluation and interpretation of data as well as the preparation of a presentation either as a poster, report or a talk.
Prerequisites / NoticeApart from a background in terrestrial ecosystems, the students must have basic knowledge in soil sciences, plant nutrition, and biogeochemical cycles. Given that the background of the students will be very heterogeneous, the course will build on individual learning and interactive teaching.

The format of the course is that the students work in small groups of 2 or 3 members on a small project in each of the three parts of the course. Introductory information will be given on the first day of the course and at the beginning of each part. For structuring the project, homework will be given from week to week. Each group will do a poster presentation (end of part 1), a short report (end of part 2) and an oral presentation (end of part 3) on their respective subjects. Active participation at all contact hours is compulsory for all students.
C. Scientific Skills
Quantitative and Computational Expertise
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1410-01LQuantitative Approaches to Plant Population and Community EcologyW2 credits2VJ. Alexander, T. Walker
AbstractThis course presents leading problems in plant population, community and ecosystem ecology and modern tools to address them. Topics include parameterising models of plant population dynamics, using biological networks to investigate species coexistence, exploring the physiological and functional basis of plant life history strategies and quantifying how plants influence ecosystem functioning.
ObjectiveStudents will attain deep insight into topics at the cutting edge of plant ecological research, whilst developing specific skills that can later be applied to basic and applied ecological problems.
701-1418-00LModelling Course in Population and Evolutionary Biology Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.

Priority is given to MSc Biology and Environmental Sciences students.
W4 credits6PS. Bonhoeffer, V. Müller
AbstractThis course provides a "hands-on" introduction into mathematical/computational modelling of biological processes with particular emphasis on evolutionary and population-biological questions. The models are developed using the Open Source software R.
ObjectiveThe aim of this course is to provide a practical introduction into the modelling of fundamental biological questions. The participants will receive guidance to develop mathematical/computational models in small teams. The participants chose two modules with different levels of difficulty from a list of projects.

The participant shall get a sense of the utility of modelling as a tool to investigate biological problems. The simpler modules are based mostly on examples from the earlier lecture "Ecology and evolution: populations" (script accessible at the course webpage). The advanced modules address topical research questions. Although being based on evolutionary and population biological methods and concepts, these modules also address topics from other areas of biology.
Contentsee Link
Lecture notesDetailed handouts describing both the modelling and the biological background are available to each module at the course website. In addition, the script of the earlier lecture "Ecology and evolution: populations" can also be downloaded, and contains further background information.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is based on the open source software R. Experience with R is useful but not required for the course. Similarly, the course 701-1708-00L Infectious Disease Dynamics is useful but not required.
Laboratory and Field Expertise
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0362-00LSoils and Vegetation of the Alps (Excursion) Restricted registration - show details
Diese Exkursion (max. 24 Plätze) gehört zur Vorlesung «Flora und Vegetation der Alpen» (701-0364-00; A. Widmer). Sie kann nur gleichzeitig mit der Vorlesung oder nach bestandener Prüfung belegt werden. Alternativ ist eine Teilnahme möglich mit bestandenen Prüfungen in «Boden- und Wasserchemie» (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl, L. Winkel) und «Pedosphäre» (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar).
W2 credits2PA. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar
AbstractThe excursion in the area of Davos illustrates how climatic and edaphic factors shape the distribution of alpine plants. Visits of multiple sites on different bedrocks in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts reveal connections between climatic conditions, soil formation and vegetation development.
ObjectiveThe students
- understand how parent rock, topography, climate, and vegetation influence soil forming processes and resulting soil properties (e.g. nutrients, water) in the Alps.
- understand, how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants.
- are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic bedrock in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
- know characteristic plant species and plant communities of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps.
Content4-day excursion in the area of Davos with visits of sites on different bedrock (dolomite, gneiss/mica schist, amphibolite, serpentinite) in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
Structure, development and characteristics of the soils and of their effects on the vegetation; characteristic plant species and communities on different soil types.
Lecture notesA guide to the excursion will be made available.
LiteratureLandolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / NoticePlease note that this course will be taught in German.
701-0364-00LFlora and Vegetation of the Alps Restricted registration - show details
Zur dieser Vorlesung gehört eine 4-tägige Exkursion (max. 24 Plätze) nach Davos. Für eine Teilnahme an der Exkursion muss die Lehrveranstaltung «Böden und Vegetation der Alpen» (Nr. 701-0362-00) separat belegt werden.
W1 credit1VA. Widmer
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the Alps. This includes the climatic conditions at different elevations, the origin of Alpine plants, centers of diversity, ecological requirements and adaptations to prevailing environmental conditions, as well as characteristic plant communities at different altitudes and soil types.
ObjectiveThe students
- understand how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants
- know characteristic plant species of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps
- are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic soils in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
ContentClimatic conditions at different elevations in the Alps; origin and distribution patterns; centers of diversity; ecological requirements and adaptations to prevailing environmental conditions; altitudinal belts; characteristic plant communities on different bedrock (dolomite, acidic and basic silicates, serpentine).
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided.
LiteratureLandolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / NoticeSolid background in systematic botany and successful participation in the course "Systematic Biology: Plants" (Nr. 701-0360-00). It is further recommended that students have also participated in the block course "Plant Diversity" (Nr. 701-2314-00L), or alternatively the two courses "Plant Diversity: Colline/Montane" (701-0314-00L) and "Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine" (701-0314-01L).

Notice:
To this lecture belongs the course "Soils and Vegetation of the Alps" (No. 701-0362-00) which currently includes three excursion days in the Davos region. The course is expected to take place between July 12 and 17, 2021. More detailed information will follow at the beginning of the spring semester 2021. Program changes and adjustments due to the corona situation are possible and will be communicated promptly.

Please note that this course will be taught in German.
701-1425-00LGenetic Diversity: Analysis Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.

Selection of the students: order of registration.
W2 credits2GJ.‑C. Walser, N. Zemp
AbstractThe course will provide hands-on training for advanced students (e.g. master, doctoral or post-doctoral level) in genomic data analysis. The focus is on high-throughput sequencing applications and data analysis with a strong emphasis on reproducibility and report writing.
ObjectiveThe learning target is to understand the analysis of high-throughput molecular sequence data. We cover the fundamentals of bio-computing, and reproducibility is an integral part of the course. Exercises will help to better understand the theory. It is, however, not a copy-paste course, but a more applied data analysis with discussion.
ContentFor more details and news visit the course website at Link
Lecture notesLecture notes and exercise will be made available during the course. For more details and news visit the course website at Link
LiteratureWe provide links to scientific literature and textbooks.
Prerequisites / NoticeParticipants need their own computer and be able to install scientific software. We proved a list of requirements and links weeks before the course starts. Course Website: Link
701-1428-00LAnimal Migration and Research in Field Ornithology Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.

Target groups are: MSc Biology and MSc Environmental Sciences.
W2 credits3PF. B. Korner-Nievergelt, S. Bauer
AbstractThis course introduces students to ornithological field methods with a focus on bird migration. Participants experience bird migration by visiting a ringing station in the Alps and participating in ongoing research activities. They learn about the morphology, physiology, energetics, behavior and evolution of bird migration through short lectures, small field research projects and data analysis.
ObjectiveStudents will be able to:
- explain the functions of bird migration and its implications for population dynamics and ecological communities
- appreciate the biological and evolutionary determinants of bird migration
- identify the more common European migrating bird species
- choose the appropriate ornithological field and theoretical methods for a given scientific question
- interpret information from different data sources (e.g. observations, mark-recapture, data loggers, tracking methods, blood samples, genetics) and evaluate their representativeness and accuracy
ContentThe course consists of lectures, project work and excursions.
Lectures:
- Ecology and evolution of bird migration
- Migration strategies and orientation
- Life cycle of birds (breeding, post-fledging, molting, migration, staging)
- Morphological and physiological adaptation to flight
- Energetics of flight
- Current challenges and conservation of migrants

Practicals (Excursions and project work):
- Introduction of field methods: counting and identifying migrating birds, bird catching and marking, morphological measurements in live birds.
- Short research projects in small groups. Students analyse data sets provided by the Swiss Ornithological Institute, or they can formulate their own questions and collect new data. Data is analyzed, interpreted, and results are presented orally.
Lecture notesLink
LiteratureSee script
Prerequisites / NoticeGeneral ecological concepts
Basics in statistical data analyses and working with R

Specific preparations for the course will be communicated to the participants. Examples of earlier courses, see Link


The course will take place at Col de Bretolet and in an accommodation nearby. Basic accommodation (dormitories); no shopping opportunity, lunch must be taken for the whole week; 2 h hikes per day. Costs per participant are around 250 CHF, plus the travel to Champéry (partly reimbursed by the ETH).

Information accommodation:
Link
701-1432-00LVegetation Ecology LabW2 credits3GA. C. Risch, M. Schütz
AbstractCourse during five consecutive days in the Engiadina valley, Switzerland: Introduction to the ecology of the Swiss National Park. Discussion of current field studies in the Park and the surroundings. 2.5 days for field assessments and measurements in groups, analyses and presentation of results.
ObjectiveGet to know basics in experimental and sampling design in respect to the assessment of population and vegetation data. In the workshop, students learn about the data assessment, the adequate data processing and analysis, as well as about the scientific reporting.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course fee of approximately CHF 150 has to be paid by the participants. The fee has to be transferred by April 10, 2020 - information about the account will be sent to the persons registered after the registration period is over. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 14.

Accomodation: Hotel Bär & Post, Zernez.
Laboratory and Field Expertise
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0216-00LField Course in Mycology Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 8.
W3 credits3.5PR. Berndt, M. A. Garcia Otalora
AbstractThis mycology class combines field excursions and a practical training in the lab. The participants will be introduced to the species diversity and morphology of basidio- and ascomycetes, learn how fungi are collected for scientific purposes and how they are determined by macroscopic and microscopic characters using specialist literature. This year’s course will focus on lichenized fungi.
ObjectiveRecognizing fungal species diversity and learning to determine basidio- and ascomycete species.
Collecting, documenting and preparing herbarium specimens of fungi for scientific purposes.
Introduction to the light microscopy of fungi.
Learning how to use specialist mycology literature and understanding the technical terminology.
Knowledge of the relevant macroscopic und microscopic characters of fungi.
ContentIntroduction to the taxonomy of basidio- and ascomycetes. Field excursions to study fungi in their habitats. Study and determination of the collections in the lab. Micromorphology of basidio- and ascomycetes (incl. lichenized fungi). Introduction to major groups of plant-pathogenic fungi, especially rust fungi.
Lecture notesScripts will be handed out.
LiteratureTechnical literature will be provided in the lecture room.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is restricted to eight persons who are requested to enroll by a written application to the lecturers.
Requirements: The participants need to read in advance selected chapters from mycology textbooks (to be announced) to gather the basic mycology knowledge necessary for the course.
Term Paper and Seminar
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1461-00LEcology and Evolution: Seminar Restricted registration - show details
Direct continuation of course unit 701-1460-00L "Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper" of the previous semester (HS).
W3 credits6ST. Städler, J. Alexander, S. Bonhoeffer, T. Crowther, A. Hall, J. Jokela, J. Payne, G. Velicer, A. Widmer
AbstractThe organization and functioning of academic research as well as academic publishing are introduced and applied: students critically review two term papers written by their student colleagues. Based on the reviews, the authors of the papers write reply letters and revise their own term papers. They finally present their topic during an in-house "mini-conference" with a talk.
Objective• Students become familiar with the academic peer-review and publishing process
• They learn to evaluate the quality of a manuscript and formulate constructive criticism
• They learn to deal with criticism of their own work (by their student peers)
• They practise oral presentations and discussions in English
ContentThe organization and functioning of academic research as well as academic publishing are introduced and applied: students critically review two term papers written by their student colleagues. Based on the reviews, the authors of the papers write reply letters and revise their own term papers. They finally present their topic during an in-house "mini-conference" with a talk.
Lecture notesnone
Prerequisites / NoticeDirect continuation of "Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper" of the previous semester
Electives
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0290-01LSeminar in Microbial Evolution and Ecology (FS)Z0 credits2SG. Velicer
AbstractSeminar of the Institute of Integrative Biology.
ObjectiveSeminar of the Institute of Integrative Biology
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