Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Agroecosystem Sciences Master Information
Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
Major in Plant Sciences
Disciplinary Competences
Agronomy and Plant Breeding
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-4104-00LAlternative CropsW+2 credits2VA. Walter, B. Büter, E. A. Pérez Torres
AbstractFew crops dominate the crop rotations worldwide. Following the goal of an increased agricultural biodiversity, species such as buckwheat but also medicinal plants might become more important in future. The biology, physiology, stress tolerance and central aspects of the value-added chain of the above-mentioned and of other alternative crops will be depicted.
ObjectiveDuring this course, students learn to assess the potential of different minor or alternative crops compared to the dominant major crops based on their biological and agronomical features. Each student will assess and present a specific alternative crop of his or her choice based on information from scientific articles and Wikipedia. Wikipedia-entries will be generated.
751-4203-00LHorticultural Science: Case Studies (HS) Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 24.
W+2 credits2GL. Bertschinger, J. Rösti, V. J. U. Zufferey
AbstractLectures address 2 horticultural cropping systems and value chains, each one in 4 2h-lecture blocks. Afterwards, the students split in 2 groups for addressing a case study focusing on one of the cropping systems treated before. An excursion to a research site might be included. In a final colloquium, each group presents a report on their case study and their conclusions.
ObjectiveAchieve a deepened understanding of horticultural value chain challenges relating to ecological intensification, resource efficiency, climate change and healthy and safe food, and the problem solution strategies and scientific principles behind.
Deliver in a team effort a report and a presentation providing a comprehensive insight into a problem of the horticultural value chain and its science-based solution strategy.
ContentIn the autumn semester, the two addressed cropping systems and value chains are fruit-production and viticulture.
In the spring semester, the two addressed cropping systems and value chains are vegetable-production- and berry-production or glasshouse-horticulture.
The selected topics address challenges with regard to ecological intensification, resource efficiency or climate change and branch into on-going research and development projects.
Lecture notesDocuments handed out during the case studies.
LiteratureAs provided by the case study leaders.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course builds on basic knowledge delivered in 'Horticultural Crops I' and 'Horticultural Crops II'. If these courses have not been followed by interested participants, equivalent knowledge and experience will greatly support a successful and productive participation of the participating student.
Language: spoken E, G or F, Documents: Preferably English, G/F possible.
751-3603-00LCurrent Challenges in Plant Breeding Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.
W+2 credits2GB. Studer, A. Hund, University lecturers
AbstractThe seminar 'Current challenges in plant breeding' aims to bring together national and international experts in plant breeding to discuss current activities, latest achievements and future prospective of a selected topic/area in plant breeding.
The topic this year will be: 'Genome editing: potential and challenges for plant breeding'.
ObjectiveThe educational objectives cover both thematic competences and soft skills:
Thematic competences:
- Deepening of scientific knowledge in plant breeding
- Critical evaluation of current challenges and new concepts in plant breeding
- Promotion of collaboration and Master thesis projects with practical plant breeders
Soft skills:
- Independent literature research to get familiar with the selected topic
- Critical evaluation and consolidation of the acquired knowledge in an interdisciplinary team
- Establishment of a scientific presentation in an interdisciplinary team
- Presentation and discussion of the teamwork outcome
- Establishing contacts and strengthening the network to national and international plant breeders and scientist
ContentInteresting topics related to plant breeding will be selected in close collaboration with the working group for plant breeding of the Swiss Society of Agronomy (SSA). For this year, the topic 'Genome editing: potential and challenges for plant breeding' was selected.

In the fall semester (November 29, 2016), the enrolled students will meet with the lecturers as well as four to six tutors, selected according to their expertise in the selected topic (one afternoon, for about three hours). After an input talk by the lecturers, four to six specific questions/aspects will be identified and phrased. The tutors and the enrolled students will be assigned to four to six different groups, to critically evaluate one question/aspect of the selected topic. The students, guided by tutors, will prepare a presentation of 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes discussion) covering their specific question/aspect. Participation on that afternoon will be mandatory.

End of January (January 31, 2017), a one-day seminar on the selected topic will be organized. After one to two keynote speakers (international experts), four invited talks will link the selected topic to practical plant breeding. In the afternoon, the four to six students groups will present and discuss with the experts their specific questions on the selected topic/area. These presentations will be evaluated by the lecturers. The seminar will be public and serve as annual meeting of the SSA working group for plant breeding, bringing together the experts in plant breeding.

The course is designed for a maximum of 15 Master students and 10 PhD students (advertised and recruited via the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center). For full and active participation, a total of 2 credit/ECTS points will be provided.
Lecture notesSeminar abstracts
LiteraturePeer-reviewed research articles, selected according to the selected topic/area.
Prerequisites / NoticeParticipation in the BSc course 'Pflanzenzüchtung' is strongly recommended, a completed course in 'Molecular Plant Breeding' is highly advantageous.
Crop Health
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-5121-00LInsect EcologyW+2 credits2VR. R. Kariyat Ramachandran, C. De Moraes, M. Mescher
AbstractThis is an introductory course in insect ecology. Students will learn about the ways in which insects interact with and adapt to their abiotic & biotic environments and their roles in diverse ecosystems. The course will entail lectures, outside readings, and critical analysis of contemporary literature.
ObjectiveStudents completing this course should become familiar with the application of ecological principles to the study of insects, as well as major areas of inquiry in this field. Highlighted topics will include insect behavior, chemical and sensory ecology, physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stressors, plant-insect interactions, community and food-web dynamics, and disease ecology. The course will emphasize insect evolution and adaptation in the context of specific interactions with other organisms and the abiotic environment. Examples from the literature incorporated into lectures will highlight the methods used to study insect ecology.
Lecture notesProvided to students through ILIAS
LiteratureSelected required readings (peer reviewed literature, selected book chapters). Optional recommended readings with additional information.
751-4811-00LAlien Organisms in AgricultureW+2 credits2GJ. Collatz, M. Meissle
AbstractThe course focuses on alien organisms in agriculture as well as the scientific assessment and regulatory management of their effects on the environment and agricultural production.
ObjectiveStudents will understand the consequences arising from the unintentional or deliberate introduction of alien organisms into agricultural systems. They will be able to understand the concept of environmental risk assessment and be able to evaluate risk management options.
ContentAlien organisms in agriculture is a topic that receives an increasing awareness among farmers, agricultural scientists, regulators and the general public. Students of this course will learn about the nature of alien organisms such as invasive species, biocontrol organisms and genetically modified organisms. With a particular focus on arthropods, plants and their interactions we will look at the potential threats the novel organisms pose, the benefits they provide and how both of these effects can be scientifically assessed. Students will learn how the topic of alien organisms in agriculture is intrinsically tied to policy making and regulation and get to know current examples and future challenges in research. In the last part of the course students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in a practical exercise (case study).
Lecture notesMaterial will be distributed during the course
701-0263-01LSeminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious DiseasesW+3 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.
751-4506-00LPlant Pathology IIIW+2 credits2GU. Merz, M. Maurhofer Bringolf
AbstractIdentification based on host, symptoms and micro-morphology, completed with life cycles and related control measures of the most important fungal diseases and their causal pathogens of annual and perennial crops with agricultural significance.
ObjectiveThe students will learn and train preparation skills for microscopy, aquire knowledge of selected diseases (identification, biology of pathogen, epidemiology) and understand the corresponding integrated control measures practiced in Swiss agriculture.
ContentThe course will partly be an e-learning excercise (with computers).
Lecture notesA script will be used on annual and perennial crops and their most important diseases. It will be updated stepwise
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be in German (spec. nomenclature)
Agriculture and Environment
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-5101-00LBiogeochemistry and Sustainable Management Information W+2 credits2GN. Buchmann, L. Hörtnagl
AbstractThis course focuses on the interactions between ecology, biogeochemistry and management of agro- and forest ecosystems, thus, coupled human-environmental systems. Students learn how human impacts on ecosystems via management or global change are mainly driven by effects on biogeochemical cycles and thus ecosystem functioning, but also about feedback mechanisms of terrestrial ecosystems.
ObjectiveStudents will know and understand the complex and interacting processes of ecology, biogeochemistry and management of agro- and forest ecosystems, be able to analyze and evaluate the various impacts of different management practices under different environmental conditions, search literature, write and evaluate scientific reports, and be able to coordinate and work successfully in small (interdisciplinary) teams.
ContentAgroecosystems and forest ecosystems play a major role in all landscapes, either for production purposes, ecological areas or for recreation. The human impact of any management on the environment is mainly driven by effects on biogeochemical cycles. Effects of global change impacts will also act via biogeochemistry at the soil-biosphere-atmosphere-interface. Thus, ecosystem functioning, i.e., the interactions between ecology, biogeochemistry and management of terrestrial systems, is the science topic for this course.

Students will gain profound knowledge about nutrient cycles and population dynamics in managed and unmanaged grassland, cropland and forest ecosystems in the field and in the lab. Responses of agro- and forest ecosystems to the environment, e.g., to climate, anthropogenic deposition, major disturbances, soil nutrients or competition of plants (including invasives) and microorganisms, but also feedback mechanisms of ecosystems on (micro)climate, soils or vegetation patterns will be studied. Different management practices will be investigated and assessed in terms of production and quality of yield (ecosystem goods and services), but also in regard to environmental regulations (including subsidies) and their effect on the environment, e.g., greenhouse gas budgets. Thus, students will learn about the complex interactions of a coupled human-environmental system.
Lecture notesHandouts will be available on the webpage of the course.
LiteratureWill be discussed in class.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Attendance of introductory courses in plant ecophysiology, ecology, and grassland or forest sciences. Course will be taught in English.
751-3405-00LRadio-Isotopes in Plant NutritionW+3 credits2GE. Frossard
AbstractThe course will present the principles underlying the use of radioisotopes in soil/plant systems. It will present how the introduction of an isotope into a system can be done to get some information on the structure of the system. Case studies will be presented to determine element availability. Finally, published studies from other groups will be analyzed and presented by the students.
ObjectiveAt the end of this course the students are familiar with the principles on which radioisotope works are based and they have learned from case studies how radioisotopes can be used to obtain meaningful data. They are aware of the advantages of using radioisotopes in element cycling studies, but also of the risks and open questions related to isotope work.
ContentRadio-isotopes are extensively used at the soil/plant or ecosystem level to quantify the fluxes of elements (phosphorus (P), heavy metals, radionuclides) within a given system and to assess the importance of processes controlling these fluxes (e.g. exchange reactions between the soil solution and the soil solid phase, element turnover through the microbial biomass, organic matter mineralization etc.).
The course will first present the principles, the basic assumptions and the theoretical framework that underlay the work with radioisotopes. It will present how the introduction of an isotope into a system can be done so as to get information on the structure of the system (e.g. number and size of compartments). Secondly, case studies on isotopic dilution and tracer work will be presented for instance on the isotopic exchange kinetics method to determine nutrients or pollutants availability. The case studies will be adapted to the ongoing research of the group of plant nutrition and will thus give an insight into our current research. In addition, published studies will be analyzed and presented by the students. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of work with radioisotopes will be analyzed and discussed critically.
Lecture notesDocuments will be distributed during the lecture
LiteratureWill be given during the lecture
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture will take place at the ETH experimental station in Eschikon Lindau. See the location of the station at: Link
751-5123-00LRhizosphere Ecology Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 18.

Prerequisites: Only students who have passed the courses 751-3401-00L Pflanzenernährung I and 751-3402-00L Pflanzenernährung II - Integriertes Nährstoffmanagement can be admitted to this course.
W+4 credits4GH. A. Gamper, T. I. McLaren
AbstractThis course is about the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the rhizosphere and their effect on plant growth. Effects of fertilisers, companion plants, and microbial symbionts, and other microbes on nutrient cycling and plant uptake are discussed. An "intercropping" experiment in the glasshouse is used as a model to check for rhizosphere effects on plant growth and mineral nutrition.
ObjectiveTo gain a holistic understanding of resource-driven and regulatory processes in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Develop skills on the critical analysis of scientific papers.
Define explanatory hypotheses, identify knowledge gaps for further investigations.
Carry out a multi-disciplinary experiment that involves aspects of soil, (micro-)biology, plant physiology, pathology, and ecology.
Develop manual skills in the set up of a glasshouse experiment, in soil and plant analyses, and in isolation and DNA-based characterisation of rhizobia.
Gain insights on basic methods to analyse (bio-)chemical, molecular genetic, and graphical data.
Discuss and interpret data in the context of the literature.
Prepare a research report in the format of a scientific paper and a poster in the format of a conference paper, partially alone and partially in small groups, using data obtained from the glasshouse experiment.
ContentThis course is designed to stimulate thinking and promote critical analysis of important processes that occur in the rhizosphere. As part of this course, the knowledge acquired will be used for analysing and interpreting experimental data, as well as, preparing a scientific report and conference-type poster.

The course will cover the relative importance of spatial scales and various physicochemical and microbiological dynamics as influenced by roots. We will discuss root traits and activities that influence the immediately root-surrounding soil and thereby contribute to mineral nutrient mobilization and immobilization. An overview of the most relevant root-microbe symbioses for agroecosystems will be provided and root and microbial traits discussed, which could be of use in efforts towards utilization of intercropping and bioinoculants as a possible means of reducing energetically expensive inputs to farming systems. A special emphasis will be given to the importance of physicochemical features of soils and the chemical forms (= species) of elements important for plant uptake.

Practical experience will be gained with setting up a glasshouse experiment, soil and root sampling, basic soil and plant analyses, isolation of rhizobia, determination of the number of colony forming units (CFU), assays to screen for phosphorus and zinc solubilizing bacteria, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) of host range determining symbiosis-specific genes.

In short, the processes dealt with in this course occur on a small-scale and are generally (bio)chemical and microbiological in nature. Furthermore, they are generally not taken into account using current methods of agronomic management for plant production. However, they are increasingly being recognized as a potentially useful means of obtaining a resource-efficient and hence, economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural system, including for ecosystem restoration. Therefore, the course will invite for critical reflections and exemplify challenges in translating knowledge from scientific studies and ecology into application for plant production.
Lecture notesFor documentation, lecture slides and laboratory protocols will continuously be uploaded to the directory '751-5123-00L Rhizosphere Ecology' on the electronic document exchange platform ILIAS, LDA-ELBA:
Link
LiteratureYork LM, Carminati A, Mooney SJ, Ritz K, Bennett MJ (2016) The holistic rhizosphere: integrating zones, processes, and semantics in the soil influenced by roots. Journal of Experimental Botany, doi: 10.1093/jxb/erw108.

Lynch, James M; and de Leij, Frans (May 2012) Rhizosphere. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd: Chichester.
DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0000403.pub2 Link

Kuzyakov Y, Blagodatskaya E. (2015) Microbial hotspots and hot moments in soil: Concept and review. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 83: 184-199.

Cardon, CG, Whitbeck, JL (Eds) (2007) The rhizospere: An ecological perspective, Academic Press, pp. 232, ISBN: 978-0-12-088775-0 Link

White PJ, George TS, Dupuy LX, Karley AJ, Valentine TA, Wiesel L, Wishart J. (2013) Root traits for infertile soils. Frontiers in Plant Science 4, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00193.

Neumann G, George TS, Plassard C (2009) Strategies and methods for studying the rhizosphere - the plant science toolbox. Plant and Soil 321: 431-456.

Morgan, J. B. & Connolly, E. L. (2013) Plant-soil interactions: Nutrient uptake. Nature Education Knowledge 4(8):2 Link

Pinton, R., Varanini, Z., Nannipieri, P. (2007) The rhizosphere: Biochemistry and organic substances at the soil-plant interface, Taylor & Francis, London, UK, pp. 472 Link

Hinsinger, P., Bengough, A. G., Vetterlein, D., Young, I. M. (2009): Rhizosphere: biophysics, biogeochemistry and ecological relevance. Plant and Soil 321, 117-152.

Beeckman, T. (Ed) (2013) Plant roots: The hidden half, 4th ed., CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, London, UK, pp. 848 Link

van der Heijden, Sanders (Eds) (2002) Mycorrhizal ecology, Ecological Studies 157, Springer, Berlin, pp. 469, ISCBN 978-3-540-00204-8 Link

Kuzyakov Y, Xu X. (2013) Competition between roots and microorganisms for nitrogen: mechanisms and ecological relevance. New Phytologist 198: 656-669.

Hinsinger, P., Betencourt, E., Bernard, L., Brauman, A., Plassard, C., Shen, J. B., Tang, X. Y., Zhang, F. S. (2011) P for two, sharing a scarce resource: Soil phosphorus acquisition in the rhizosphere of intercropped species. Plant Physiology 156, 1078-1086.

Bender SF, Wagg C, van der Heijden MGA (2016) An underground revolution: biodiversity and soil ecological engineering for agricultural sustainability. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.02.016.

Withers PJA, Sylvester-Bradley R, Jones DL, Healey JR, Talboys PJ. (2014) Feed the crop not the soil: rethinking phosphorus management in the food chain. Environmental Science & Technology 8: 6523-6530.

How microbes can feed the world (American Academy of Microbiology) Link

Can microbes feed the world? (Society for general microbiology) Link

Popular science entries to the significance of processes in the rhizosphere:
Link
Link
Link
Link

Ecological understanding (Second Edition)
The nature of theory and the theory of nature Link
Prerequisites / NoticeWe ask all course attendees of the agricultural sciences to have passed the exams at the end of the lectures Plant Nutrition I and II (Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems) by Prof. E. Frossard. All others, have to have successfully worked through the e-learning module Plant Nutrition I by Prof. E. Frossard:
Link
Remark: The course is designed to be complementary to those on Radioisotopes in Plant Nutrition (751-3405-00L), and Nutrient Fluxes in Soil-Plant Systems (751-3404-00L), although some thematic overlaps cannot be avoided. Special emphasis is given to plant-microbe-soil interactions and an appreciation of whole plant functioning in the ecological context. You will familiarize yourself with bacterial isolation, cultivation, enumeration, as well as, molecular detection, discrimination and identification techniques for rhizosphere and root-associated microbes.
Marking will consider the efforts and outcome of work by the individual participant as well as results of work in small groups. Activities for the course will result in posters and reports in the format of a conference and scientific paper. Reports will be due on Friday January 6, 2017.
Maximum number of participants: 18 (Attention: Admission will be on a first come first served basis - inscribe early!).
Students of D-USYS will be reimbursed via bank transfer for train and bus tickets of the zones 121 and 122 (Please send all tickets with the bank details to Christiane Gujan (Link).
751-5125-00LStable Isotope Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems Information Restricted registration - show details W+2 credits2GR. A. Werner, N. Buchmann, A. Gessler
AbstractThis course provides an overview about the applicability of stable isotopes (carbon 13C, nitrogen 15N, oxygen 18O and water 2H) to process-oriented ecological research. Topics focus on stable isotopes as indicators for the origin of pools and fluxes, partitioning of composite fluxes as well as to trace and integrate processes. In addition, students carry out a small project during lab sessions.
ObjectiveStudents will be familiar with basic and advanced applications of stable isotopes in studies on plants, soils, water and trace gases, know the relevant approaches, concepts and recent results in stable isotope ecology, know how to combine classical and modern techniques to solve ecophysiological or ecological problems, learn to design, carry out and interpret a small IsoProject, practice to search and analyze literature as well as to give an oral presentation.
ContentThe analyses of stable isotopes often provide insights into ecophysiological and ecological processes that otherwise would not be available with classical methods only. Stable isotopes proved useful to determine origin of pools and fluxes in ecosystems, to partition composite fluxes and to integrate processes spatially and temporally.

This course will provide an introduction to the applicability of stable isotopes to ecological research questions. Topics will focus on carbon (13C), nitrogen (15N), oxygen (18O) and hydrogen (2H) at natural isotope abundance and tracer levels. Lectures will be supplemented by intensive laboratory sessions, short presentations by students and computer exercises.
Lecture notesHandouts will be available on the webpage of the course.
LiteratureWill be discussed in class.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is based on fundamental knowledge about plant ecophysiology, soil science, and ecology in general. Course will be taught in English.
751-5201-00LTropical Soils and Land UseW2 credits2GJ. Six, A. Hofmann
AbstractThis course guides students in analyzing and comprehending tropical agroecosystems. Students gain practical knowledge of field methods, diagnostic tools and survey methods for tropical soils and agroecosystems. An integral part of the course is the two-week field project in Western Kenya, which is co-organized with University of Eldoret (Kenya) and KU Leuven (Belgium).
ObjectiveLectures and exercises:
(1) Introduction to international soil classification with focus on tropical soils
(2) Soil suitability (chemical, physical and biological fertility) for tropical crops
(3) Soil conservation practices and stakeholder involvement
(4) Approaches to analyzing tropical agroecosystems

Field project:
(5) Overview of the major land use systems in Western Kenya
(6) Analysis of agricultural production systems
(7) Hands-on training on the use of field methods, diagnostic tools and survey methods
(8) Collaboration in international student teams (MSc students from Switzerland, Belgium and Kenya)
LiteratureBlume, H.-P. et al. (2016) Scheffer/Schachtschabel Soil Science. Springer. PDF for download (within ETH network): Link

FAO (2015) World reference base for soil resources 2014: International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. Update 2015. PDF for download: Link

FAO (2006) Guidelines for soil description. PDF for Download: Link

Jones, A. et al. (2013) Soil Atlas of Africa. European Commission, 176 pp. PDF for Download: Link

Zech, W., Hintermaier-Erhard, G. (2016) Soils of the World. Springer. German version PDF for download (within ETH network): Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of participants is limited to 12 students due to capacity limitations for the field project in Kenya. Selection of participants will be based on (1) the student's motivation statement, (2) successful participation in the BSc lectures "Sustainable Agroecosystems I + II" and (3) related topic for BSc thesis/ tentative topic for MSc thesis. The motivation statement is due in the first week of the semester.
Methodology Competences
Seminar in Plant Sciences
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-4805-00LRecent Advances in Biocommunication
Number of participants limited to 25
W+2 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.
751-5001-00LAgroecologists without Borders Information W+2 credits2SC. Decock, A. Hofmann, J. Six
AbstractIn this seminar students apply their knowledge on sustainable agriculture, tropical soils and land use to a case study related to a current research project from the Sustainable Agroecosystems group. The seminar offers interactions with researchers and extension specialists working in the context of agricultural development.
Objective(1) Students analyze concrete examples of agricultural development projects in tropical agroecosystems.
(2) Students broaden their understanding of environmental and socio-economic challenges of smallholder farmers.
(3) Students articulate complexity and challenges in agricultural development interventions.
(4) Students develop their science communication skills by producing science communication materials in the context of the given case study.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents signing up for this class should have a strong interest in tropical agriculture and science communication.
751-5115-00LCurrent Aspects of Nutrient Cycle in Agro-EcosystemsW+2 credits1SE. Frossard, A. Oberson Dräyer
AbstractThe seminar concerns current aspects and research related to nutrient cycles in agro-ecosystems. It offers to deepen the knowledge on a specific theme related to nutrients. It is composed by presentations of national and international speakers and by an excursion. The students write a report where they compile the obtained information, relate it to their own knowledge and include literature.
ObjectiveListen and understand expert's presentations. Ask questions and contribute to the discussion during the talk sessions and the excursion. Link the information obtained during the seminar with knowledge from previous lessons and with literature searched to complement the matter. Expand the knowledge on nutrient cycles and nutrient management in the agro-ecosystem.
751-4003-01LCurrent Topics in Grassland Sciences (HS) Information W+2 credits2SN. Buchmann
AbstractResearch results in agro- and forest ecosystem sciences will be presented by experienced researchers as well as Ph.D. and graduate students. Citation classics as well as recent research results will be discussed. Topics will range from plant ecophysiology, biodiversity and biogeochemistry to management aspects in agro- and forest ecosystems.
ObjectiveStudents will be able to understand and evaluate experimental design and data interpretation of on-going studies, be able to critically analyze published research results, practice to present and discuss results in the public, and gain a broad knowledge of recent research and current topics in agro- and forest ecosystem sciences.
ContentResearch results in agro- and forest ecosystem sciences will be presented by experienced researchers as well as Ph.D. and graduate students. Citation classics as well as recent research results will be discussed. Topics will range from plant ecophysiology, biodiversity and biogeochemistry to management aspects in agro- and forest ecosystems.
Lecture notesnone
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Basic knowledge of plant ecophysiology, terrestrial ecology and management of agro- and forest ecosystems. Course will be taught in English.
Design, Analysis and Communication of Science
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-3801-00LExperimental Design and Applied Statistics in Agroecosystem ScienceO3 credits2GA. Hund, W. Eugster, C. Grieder, R. Kölliker
AbstractIn this course, different experimental designs will be discussed and various statistical tools will be applied to research questions in agroecosystem sciences. Both manipulative (field and laboratory) experiments and surveys are addressed and students work with a selection of basic techniques and methods to analyse data using a hands-on approach. Methods range from simple t-tests to multi-factoria
ObjectiveStudents will know various statistical analyses and their application to science problems in their study area as well as a wide range of experimental design options used in environmental and agricultural sciences. They will practice to use statistical software packages (R), understand pros and cons of various designs and statistics, and be able to statistically evaluate their own results as well as those of published studies.
ContentThe course program uses a learning-by-doing approach ("hands-on minds-on"). New topics are introduced in the lecture hall, but most of the work is done in the computer lab to allow for the different speeds of progress of the student while working with data and analyzing results. In addition to contact hours exercises must be finalized and handed in for grading. The credit points will be given based on successful assessments of selected exercises.

The tentative schedule containst the following topics:

Introduction To Experimental Design and Applied Statistics
Introduction to 'R' / Revival of 'R' Skills
Designs of Field and Growth Chamber Experiments
Nonlinear Regression Fits
Multivariate Techniques: Principle Component Analysis, Canonical Correpondence Analysis (CCA), Cluster Analysis
ANOVA using linear and mixed effect models
Error Analysis, Error Propagation and Error Estimation
Introduction to autoregression and autocorrelations in temporal and spatial data and how to consider them in ANOVA-type analysis

This course does not provide the mathematical background that students are expected to bring along when signing up to this course. Alternatively, students can consider some aspects of this course as a first exposure to solutions in experimental design and applied statistics and then deepen their understanding in follow-up statistical courses.
Lecture notesHandouts will be available (in English)
LiteratureA selection of suggested additional literature, especially for German speaking students will be presented in the introductory lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is based on the course Mathematik IV: Statistik, passed in the 2nd year and the Bachelor's course "Wissenschaftliche Datenauswertung und Datenpräsentation" (751-0441-00L)
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