Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2017

Biology Bachelor Information
3. Year, 5. Semester
Block Courses
Registration for Block courses is mandatory. Please register under Link . Registration period: from 24.7.2017 to 6.8.2017.
Block Courses in 1st Quarter of the Semester
From 19.9.2017 13:00 hr to 11.10.2017 17:00 hr
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0333-00LBiodiversity and Ecological Significance of Fungi Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 8.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7PA. Leuchtmann, R. Berndt, B. Senn-Irlet
AbstractIntroduction to the biology, systematics and ecology of the important fungal groups. The participants will study primarily fungal materials that they collect during field excursions or that they isolate in the laboratory.
ObjectiveKnowledge of characteristics, life style and ecological significance of major fungal and fungal-like groups. Become acquainted with methods for collecting, microscopic examination and identificaton of fungi.
ContentDie Studierenden lernen die Merkmale und Besonderheiten der Pilze und pilzartigen Organismen kennen und erhalten einen Überblick über die Systematik der Ascomycota und Basidiomycota, und eventuell weiterer ausgewählter Gruppen. Die Ökologie der Pilze wird anhand von ausgewählten Pilzgemeinschaften (z.B. Holz- und Streueabbauer, Dungbewohner, Endophyten) vorgestellt. Im Rahmen eines kleinen Projekts befassen sich die Teilnehmer/innen mit pflanzenparasitischen Pilzen (vor allem Rost- und Mehltaupilzen) und lernen, wie man diese Pilze findet, mikroskopiert und bestimmt.

Auf mehreren Exkursionenen werden wir die Vielfalt und Ökologie der Pilze am natürlichen Standort studieren. Die Exkursionen dienen auch dem Sammeln von Material, an dem wir im Kurs die Mikroskopie und Präparation der Pilze üben werden.
Lecture notesÜbersichten und Skriptunterlagen zum Kursstoff werden abgegeben.
LiteratureWebster, J., and Weber, R. W. S. 2007. Introduction to Fungi. Cambridge University Press, Oxford, 3rd edition, 841 S.

Alexopoulos, C. J., Mims, C. W., and Blackwell, M. 1996. Introductory Mycology. John Wiley & Sons, 4th ed., 868 S.

Dix, N. J., Webster, J. 1995. Fungal Ecology. Chapman & Hall, London, 549 S.
551-0347-00LMolecular Mechanisms of Cell Growth and Polarity Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GR. Kroschewski, Y. Barral, S. Jessberger, M. Peter
AbstractIntroduction to the principles and molecular mechanisms of cell polarity, using animal cells and fungi as model systems.
ObjectiveThe students learn to describe the principles and molecular mechanisms of cell polarity, using different model systems as examples:
- Animal cells during epithelial and neuronal differentiation
- Fungi during morphogenesis and aging.
Based on lectures, literature reading, discussions, presentations and practical lab work the students will be able to compare experimental strategies in different model systems, and to develop open questions in the field of cell polarity. Students will also know about the mechanisms and consequences of asymmetric cell division such as those performed by stem cells and asymmetric protein functions during morphogenesis and aging.
ContentDuring this Block-Course, the students will learn to
(1) describe and compare the principles and molecular mechanisms of cell polarity in fungi and animal cells,
(2) apply, evaluate and compare experimental strategies in the different model systems, and
(3) select the best model system to answer a particular question.

Students - in groups of 2 or max 3- will be integrated into a research project connected to the subject of the course, within one of the participating research groups.

Lectures and technical notes will be given and informal discussions held to provide you with the theoretical background.
Lecture notesThere will be optional papers to be read before the course start. They serve as framework orientation for the practical parts of this block course and will be made accessible to you shortly before the course starts on the relevant Moodle site.
LiteratureDocumentation and recommended literature (review articles) will be provided during the course.
551-1129-00LUnderstanding and Engineering Microbial Metabolism Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 6.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7PJ. Vorholt-Zambelli
AbstractThis laboratory course has a focus on current research topics in our laboratory related to metabolic engineering, the general understanding of metabolism, and is focused particularly on C1-metabolism. Projects will be conducted in small groups.
ObjectiveThe course aims at introducing key principles of metabolic engineering and techniques applied in metabolism related research. The main focus of this block course is on practical work and will familiarize participants with complementary approaches, in particular genetic, biochemical and analytical techniques. Results will be presented by students in scientific presentations.
ContentThe course and will include topics such as pathway elucidation & engineering and related ongoing research projects in the lab. Experimental work applied during the course will comprise methods such as cloning work & transformation, growth determination, enzyme activity assays, liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry and dynamic labeling experiments.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureWill be provided at the beginning of the course.
551-1711-00LTranslational Medicine and Bio-Entrepreneurship Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30
The block course will only take place with a minimum of 10 participants.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GU. K. Genick, E. Hafen, M. Jenni
AbstractThe course gives students a look at the entire drug development process from bench to bedside. ETH and UZH alumni from the pharma, biotech, medtech, digital health and venture capital industry will discuss how intellectual property, regulatory and financial aspects shape this process. Student teams will develop their own business idea and pitch it to a group of entrepreneurs and investors.
ObjectiveStudents know the basis of the drug development process, the basis of patenting and what is required to the start a life science company. The can develop a business idea and a rough financial plan and they can it to a panel of experts.
551-1119-00LMicrobial Community Genomics and Transcriptomics Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 5.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GS. Sunagawa
AbstractIntroduction to current research methods in the analysis of microbial communities using Next Generation Sequencing approaches - metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Practical experience of work in a computational laboratory and an introduction to scientific programming.
ObjectiveGain skills in data analysis and presentation for oral and written reports. Lectures introducing state-of-the-art in respective research areas and community microbiology, which is the target of ongoing research. Start to assess current literature.
Block Courses in 2nd Quarter of the Semester
From 12.10.2017 08:00 Uhr to 3.11.2017 17:00 hr
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0345-00LMechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 9.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7PW.‑D. Hardt, M. Diard, B. Nguyen
AbstractResearch laboratory class in small groups. Research projects on current topics in cellular microbiology and bacterial pathogenesis are assigned to each student.
ObjectiveIntroduction to a current topic in cellular microbiology and/or molecular genetics of a bacterial pathogen. Experimental work in the research lab and introduction to the current lab techniques. Work with the current research literature in bacterial pathogenesis. Writing of a research protocol.
Requirement for obtaining the credit points: oral presentation of the research project and evaluation of the research protocol.
ContentResearch projects on the model pathogen Salmonella.
Lecture notesnone.
LiteratureLiterature will be selected with reference to the assigned research project.
551-0421-00LBiology and Ecology of Fungi in Forests Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 10.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GI. L. Brunner, S. H. Egli, D. H. Rigling
AbstractIntroduction of the biological and ecological basics of fungi in forests. Focusing on mycorrhizal, saprobic, and pathogenic fungi and their functional relevance in the forest ecosystems. To get to know current methodological research approaches on the basis of selected examples with practical works in forest and lab as well as excursions and lectures.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the fungi of forest and its ecological significance. Knowing of current methodological research approaches. Self-reliant and deepened activities of selected topics of fungi from forests.
ContentIntroduction of the biological and ecological basics of fungi in forests. Focusing on mycorrhizal, saprobic, and pathogenic fungi and their functional relevance in the forest ecosystems. To get to know current methodological research approaches on the basis of selected examples with practical works in forest and lab as well as excursions and lectures.
Lecture notesUnterlagen zum Kurs werden abgegeben.
LiteratureBreitenbach J, Kränzlin F. 1980-2005. Pilze der Schweiz, Bände 1-6.
Flammer R, Horak E. 2003. Giftpilze-Pilzgifte. Schwabe, Basel.
Flück M. 2006. Pilzführer Schweiz. Haupt, Bern.
Smith S.E, Read D.J. 1997. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Academic Press, 2nd ed.
Prerequisites / NoticeDer Blockkurs findet an der Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL in Birmensdorf statt. Der Wald vor der Haustüre des Institutes macht diesen Kurs besonders praxisnah.

Erreichbarkeit mit Tram 14 bis Triemli, danach PTT-Bus 220 oder 350 bis Birmensdorf Sternen/WSL, oder mit S9 bis Birmensdorf SBB und mit PTT-Bus eine Station in Richtung Zürich bis Birmensdorf Sternen/WSL.
551-0359-00LPlant Biochemistry Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GS. C. Zeeman, B. Pfister
AbstractIn this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects on plant metabolism and are tutored individually by doctoral students and postdocs. In a lecture series, the theoretical background of the projects and their interrelationship is provided. Finally, students discuss their projects and results during a poster session.
ObjectiveIn this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects on plant metabolism and are tutored individually by doctoral students and postdocs.
ContentParticipation in the following research projects will be possible: Photosynthetic metabolism; how is photo-assimilated carbon allocated to sustain plant growth? Chloroplast biology; how is chloroplast function integrated with that to the whole cell? Starch biosynthesis and degradation; how are complex, semi-crystalline starch granules made from simple sugars, and once made, how are they degraded again to release the stored carbohydrate? Regulation of metabolism through protein-protein interaction; how and why do proteins involved in starch metabolism interact with each other to form multi-subunit enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes? Sugar sensing; How does a plant know how much sugar it has, and how does this influence development.
Lecture notesNo script
LiteratureDescriptions of the possible projects including individual reading assignments will be handed out beforehand.
551-1513-00LCancer Cell Signaling: Mechanisms, Targets and Therapeutic Approaches Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 10.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GW. Krek, W. Kovacs
AbstractThis course will consider the pathogenetic landscape of cancer, explore how abnormalities of cellular informationmanagement cause cancer and demonstrate how the integrated application of modern omics technologies, mouse cancer models and human pathology provides a foundation for developing individualized cancer therapeutics. The course combines practical work with discussions and presentations.
ObjectiveInsights into and overview about the genetic alterations that underlie different cancer types, the complex cancer cell circuitries governing tumor development, modern approaches used in contemporary basic and translational cancer research and sophisticated strategies to control individual cancers and combat drug resistance.
551-1147-00LBioactive Natural Products from Bacteria Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 8.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GJ. Piel
AbstractLab course. In small groups projects of relevance to current research questions in the field of bacterial natural product biosynthesis are addressed.
ObjectiveIntroduction to relevant subjects of the secondary metabolism of bacteria. Training in practical work in a research laboratory. Scientific writing in form of a research report.
ContentResearch project on bacteria that produce bioactive natural products (e.g., Streptomycetes, Cyanobacteria, uncultivated bacteria). The techniques used will depend on the project, e.g. PCR, cloning, natural product analysis, precursor feeding studies, enzyme expression and analysis.
Lecture notesnone.
LiteratureWill be provided for each of the projects at the beginning of the course.
551-0351-00LMembrane Biology Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 21.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GV. Korkhov, Y. Barral, B. Kornmann, U. Kutay, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, G. Schertler
AbstractThe course will introduce the students to the key concepts in membrane biology and will allow them to be involved in laboratory projects related to that broad field. The course will consist of lectures, literature discussions, and practical laboratory work in small groups. Results of the practical projects will be presented during the poster session at the end of the course.
ObjectiveThe aim of the course is to expose the students to a wide range of modern research areas encompassed by the field of membrane biology.
ContentStudents will be engaged in research projects aimed at understanding the biological membranes at the molecular, organellar and cellular levels. Students will design and perform experiments, evaluate experimental results, analyze the current scientific literature and understand the relevance of their work in the context of the current state of the membrane biology field.
Lecture notesNo script
LiteratureThe recommended literature, including reviews and primary research articles, will be provided during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be taught in English. All general lectures will be held at ETH Hoenggerberg; special lectures will be organized by individual participating groups. Students will be divided into small groups to carry out experiments at ETH or at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Travel to the Paul Scherrer Insitute will be organized by car rental or public transportation.
551-1201-00LComputational Methods in Genome and Sequence Analysis Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 5.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GA. Wutz
AbstractThis course aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of computational methods for sequence analysis and assist with developing skills for application of computational approaches by experimental scientists in the life sciences.
ObjectiveMethods for analyzing animal genomes are increasingly becoming important for applications in human health and biotechnology suggesting that the experience will be useful to develop relevant expertise for a broad range of functions. Students will have the opportunity to advance their knowledge in programming by focusing on algorithms for genome and gene sequence analysis. A major goal of the course will be to lead the student to an independent and empowered attitude towards computational problems. For reaching this goal the students will work on an implementation of a solution for a set real-world problem in genome and sequence analysis under guided supervision.
Content•Understanding the information in biological sequences and quantifying similarity
•Introduction to algorithms for sequence comparison and searches
•Implementation of sequence comparisons and searches in Python
•Accessing data formats associated with genome sequence analysis tasks
•Understanding the anatomy of a real world sequence analysis project
•Applying tools for sequence alignment and estimating error rates
•Ability to implement a solution to a problem in sequence analysis using Python
•Accessing genome annotation and retrieving relevant information in Pandas
•Application of Genomic intervals and arrays for sequence analysis with HTSeq

The course will consist of a series of lectures, assignments for implementing elementary tasks in Python, project development and discussion workshops, and 3 and a half week of practical work implementing a Pythons script as a solution to a real world problem associated with sequence analysis. At the end of the course students will explain their solutions and demonstrate the functionality of their implementations, which will then be discussed and commented on by the group. It is expected that students will be able to apply the knowledge to improve on concrete problems.
Prerequisites / Notice- It is recommended to bring your own computer with a Python installation to the course
- simple computers can be provided
- Programming basics with Python
Block Courses in 3rd Quarter of the Semester
From 7.11.2017 13:00 hr to 29.11.2017 17:00 hr
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0355-00LPhytopathology Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GM. Maurhofer Bringolf, B. McDonald
AbstractFundamentals (theoretical and practical) in phytopathology, eg. interaction between plants and plant-pathogenic microorganisms, morphology and lifecycles of plant-pathogenic fungi, evolution of plant-pathogenic fungi, biological control of plant diseases
ObjectiveFundamentals (theoretical and practical) in phytopathology, eg. interaction between plants and plant-pathogenic microorganisms, morphology and lifecycles of plant-pathogenic fungi, evolution of plant-pathogenic fungi, biological control of plant diseases

Insight into ongoing research projects
ContentPractical courses:

Experiments within ongoing phytopathological research projects
Macro- and microscopic diagnostic of plant diseases

Theoretical courses:

Fundamentals of phytopathology, eg. interaction between plants and plant-pathogenic microorganisms, morphology and lifecycles of plant-pathogenic fungi, evolution of plant-pathogenic fungi, biological control of plant diseases

Teaching language is english and german.
Lecture noteswill be distributed at the beginning of the course
529-0739-01LBiological Chemistry B: New Enzymes from Directed Evolution Experiments Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.
W6 credits7GP. A. Kast
AbstractDuring the block course in the fall semester, we will carry out biological-chemical enzyme evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. The class with its very dense program consists of the practical course itself and an integrated series of seminar/lecture sessions.
ObjectiveAll technologies used for the experiments will be explained to the students in theory and in practice with the goal that they will be able to independently apply them for the course project and in future research endeavors. After the course, an individual report about the results obtained has to be prepared.
ContentThe class deals with a specifically designed and genuine research project. We intend to carry out biological-chemical enzyme evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. By working in parallel, teams of 2 participants each will generate a variety of different variants of a chorismate mutase. Individual enzyme catalysts will be purified and subsequently characterized using several different spectroscopic methods. The detailed chemical-physical analyses include determination of the enzymes' kinetic parameters, their molecular mass, and the integrity of the protein structure. The results obtained from the individual evolution experiments will be compared and discussed at the end of the class in a final seminar. We expect that during this lab course we will not only generate novel enzymes, but also gain new mechanistic insights into the investigated catalyst.
Lecture notesA script will be distributed to the participants on the first day of the course.
LiteratureGeneral literature to "Directed Evolution" and chorismate mutases, e.g.:

– Taylor, S. V., P. Kast & D. Hilvert. 2001. Investigating and engineering enzymes by genetic selection. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 40: 3310-3335.

– Jäckel, C., P. Kast & D. Hilvert. 2008. Protein design by directed evolution. Annu. Rev. Biophys. 37: 153-173.

– Roderer, K. & P. Kast. 2009. Evolutionary cycles for pericyclic reactions – Or why we keep mutating mutases. Chimia 63: 313-317.

Further literature will be indicated in the distributed script.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis laboratory course will involve experiments that require a tight schedule and, particularly in the second half, very long (!) working days. The maximum number of participants for the laboratory class is limited, but surplus applicants may contact P. Kast directly to have their names added to a waiting list. A valid registration is considered a commitment for attendance of the entire course, as involved material orders and experimental preparations are necessary and, once the class has started, the flow of the experiments must not be interrupted by individual absences. In case of an emergency, please immediately notify P. Kast. For more information see Link, from where you can also download a flyer.
551-0336-00LMethods in Cellular Biochemistry Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 18.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GP. Picotti, J. Fernandes de Matos, U. Kutay, M. Peter, K. Weis
AbstractStudents will learn about biochemical approaches to analyze cellular functions. The course consists of practical projects in small groups, lectures and literature discussions. The course concludes with the presentation of results at a poster session.
ObjectiveStudents will learn to design, carry out and assess experiments using current biochemical and cell biological strategies to analyze cellular functions in a wide range of model systems. In particular they will learn novel imaging techniques along with biochemical approaches to understand fundamental cellular pathways. Furthermore, they will learn to assess strengths and limitations of the different approaches and be able to discuss their validity for the analysis of cellular functions.
LiteratureDocumentation and recommended literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course will be taught in English.
551-1515-00LInsulin Signaling Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GM. Stoffel
AbstractIntroduction to the physiological and biochemical action of insulin signaling and its role in the fasted/feeding response and in obesity and diabetes.
ObjectiveThe students will obtain an overview about the current topics of research in insulin signaling and how it impacts on growth, metabolism and cell differentiation. They will learn to design experiments and use techniques necessary to analyze different aspects of insulin signaling,including physiological actions in whole animals as well as in tissue culture. Through lectures and literature seminars, they will learn about the open questions of insulin signaling research and discuss approaches to address these questions experimentally.

In practical lab projects the students will perform physiological in vivo studies as well as biochemical experiments. Finally, they will learn how to present and discuss their data. Student assessment is a graded semester performance based on individual performance in the laboratory, a written exam and the lab data presentation.
752-4020-00LExperimental Food Microbiology for Biologists Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.

Prerequisites: It is recommended to attend the course Lebensmittel-Mikrobiologie (752-4005-00L) as a preparation.
W6 credits7GM. Schuppler, M. Loessner, M. Schmelcher
AbstractTeaching of basic experimental knowledge for detection and identification of microorganisms in food. Practical experiments were accompanied by theoretical introductions. Students become acquainted with classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques for the rapid detection of food borne pathogens and experiments in dependence on current research topics of the Laboratory of Food Microbiology.
ObjectiveIntroduction of methods and techniques of food microbiology
ContentTeaching of basic experimental knowledge for detection and identification of foodborne pathogens by applying state-of-the-art techniques as well as modern molecular techniques for the rapid identification of relevant foodborne pathogens.
Lecture notesHandouts were provided at the start of the course
Literature- Krämer: "Lebensmittel-Mikrobiologie" (Ulmer; UTB)
- Süssmuth et al.: "Mikrobiologisch-Biochemisches Praktikum" (Thieme)
Prerequisites / NoticeImportant information!
During the course we will work with the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes represents a particular threat to pregnant women. Due to biosafety reasons participation is not allowed in case of pregnancy.
551-0363-00LComplex Carbohydrates - Biosynthesis, Structure & Function Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to minimum 2 and maximum 8.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GM. Aebi, T. Keys
AbstractIn vitro & in vivo experiments will introduce current research on the biosynthesis, structure & function of protein-bound glycans in different pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms.
ObjectiveParticipants are familiar with the biosynthesis, structure and function of N-glycans in microorganisms and with the methods for their analysis.
Content* Topics: biosynthesis of asparagine-linked glycans in pro- and eukaryotes; structure of glycans in different organisms; methods to analyse the structure of glcans; function of glycans in protein quality control
* Introductory lectures
* Seminar with presentation and discussion of recent publications
* Experiments that exemplify the current research done in the group
551-0117-00LPlant Volatiles in Plant Insect Interactions Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Number of participants limited to 16.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GC. De Moraes
AbstractDuring the course students will become familiar with methods for the collection and analysis of plant-derived volatile organic compounds and explore the role of these compounds in mediating plant-insect interactions.
ObjectiveThe course will cover six main topics that will be connected throughout the experimental phase:
1) Plant volatile biosynthesis and classification
2) Insect olfactory physiology
3) Volatile-mediated plant-herbivore interactions
4) Volatile-mediated multitrophic interactions
5) Manipulation of plant volatile emission by vector- borne disease agents
6) Methods for volatile collection and analysis
The lab practical will be performed in a system consisting of the cabbage butterfly Pieris brasicae, its host plant Brassica oleracea (Brussels sprouts), and the parasitoid wasp Cotesia glomerata (natural enemy of P. brasicae).
Students will collect volatiles from herbivore-damaged and undamaged plants and learn how to identify and quantify these compounds through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection (GG-MS-FID). Afterwards, they will be able to compare volatile emissions from herbivore-damaged and undamaged plants and identify important volatile compounds associated with herbivory. Finally, students will evaluate the effect of herbivore-induced volatile compounds on the behavior of the herbivore (P. brassicae) and its natural enemy (C. glomerata), using different behavioral assays, inculding Y-tube olfactometers and wind tunnels.
Lecture notesNo script
LiteratureThe recommended literature, including reviews and primary research articles, will be provided during the course.
Block Courses in 4th Quarter of the Semester
From 30.11.2017 08:00 hr to 22.12.2017 17:00 hr
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0361-00LBiology of Bryophytes and Ferns Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
W6 credits7GR. Holderegger, A. L. Bergamini
AbstractBryophytes: basic knowledge on the morphology, ecology, biogeography and endangerment of byrophytes; knowledge of common species; skills in the determination of bryophytes; field trip.
Ferns: basic knowledge on the life cycle, evolution and ecology of ferns; identification of Swiss fern species; field trips.
ObjectiveBryophytes: basic knowledge on the morphology, ecology, biogeography and endangerment of byrophytes; knowledge of common species; skills in the determination of bryophytes.
Ferns: basic knowledge on the life cycle, evolution and ecology of ferns; identification of Swiss fern species.
ContentBryophytes: Systematics and morphology of hornworts, liverworts and mosses and special themes such as ecology, biogeography, diversity and endangerment of bryophytes; one full-day field trip.
Ferns: Life cycle; evolutionary groups of ferns, lycopods and horsetails; breeding systems, micro- and macroevolution; ecology; full-day and half-day field trips.
Lecture notesHand-outs are available.
LiteratureVanderpoorten A. and Goffinet B. 2009. Introduction to Bryophytes. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (non- mandatory).
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents have to present a poster on a special theme.

Grade according to poster presentation and contributions during the course.

Requirements: First and second year courses in Botany and Evolution.
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