Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Environmental Sciences Bachelor Information
Natural Science and Technical Electives
Ecology and Conservation Biology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0305-00LVertebrate EcologyW2 credits2GJ. Senn, K. Bollmann
AbstractThe course covers the ecology and conservation biology of birds and mammals. Important concepts from physiology, behavioural ecology, population biology, biogeography and community ecology will be linked to applications in conservation and management. A worldwide perspective will be complemented by a focus on the Central European fauna and its dynamics.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with important topics in animal ecology, with an emphasis on birds and mammals. They are able to link theoretical concepts with ecological phenomena and view them against an evolutionary backdrop. They can thus appraise applied aspects of the conservation and the use of animal populations, such as the influence of larger predators on prey populations or of herbivores on vegetation, the effects of hunting, landscape change, or of other human influences on animal populations. They understand the biogeographical characteristics of the Central European vertebrate fauna and its temporal and spatial dynamics.
ContentThe course deals with a number of main topics that include feeding and resource use, spatial behaviour and migrations, reproduction, population dynamics, competition and predation, parasites and diseases, biodiversity and distributions, and dynamics of the Central European fauna. There is an emphasis on linking theory with management issues in conservation and management of wildlife populations. During the first half of the course, examples will be drawn worldwide whereas during the second half, the course will focus more strongly on the European fauna, particularly of the Alpine region. Although the course is not designed to teach natural history of the native species, examples will cover much of the taxonomic breadth of the European fauna.

For the detailed program, see the German text.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be available.
LiteratureLiterature will be listed in the lecture notes. Some additional papers will be distributed.

Some books relevant to the course are (optional reading):

- Suter, W. 2017. Ökologie der Wirbeltiere. Vögel und Säugetiere. UTB/Haupt, Bern. This book is based on the course. It is in German.
- Fryxell, J.M., Sinclair, A.R.E., & Caughley, G. 2014. Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management. 3rd ed. Wiley Blackwell, Chichester, UK.
701-0405-00LFreshwater Ecosystems: Concepts and Methods for Sustainable ManagementW3 credits2GC. Scheidegger, S. Fink, C. Weber, V. Weitbrecht
AbstractIn this course, we will discuss freshwater ecosystems, their ecological characteristics, as well as their anthropogenic influences and changes. Case studies are used to discuss concepts and methods for sustainable management. The case studies are mostly from Switzerland and refer to the Water Protection Act and the Swiss Biodiversity Strategy.
Objective• basics concerning the functioning of the most important freshwater ecosystems
• basics of the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems
• application of these principles with case studies
• critical analyses, organization of discussion groups
Content1) 1st lesson: Student working groups, working method
2nd lesson: Water Protection Act
2) Biodiversity in floodplains
3) Restoration of rivers and lakes
4) Floodplain management and restoration
5) Conservation of rivers and lakes
6) Restoration of the sediment dynamics
7) River widenings and ramps
8) Modified discharge and temperature regimes in rivers and lakes
9) Planning and operation of pumped storage power plants
10) Water and health, including climate change
11) Fish migration in exploited rivers
12) Mire protection
13) Final/ Evaluation/ Feedback
Lecture notesThemenspezifische Unterlagen (Vorlesung Dozierende, Literatur) werden zugänglich gemacht unter
Link
LiteratureLiteratur zu den Gruppenarbeiten wird abgegeben unter
Link
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic ecology lectures of the first four semesters. Students will organize discussion groups.
551-0421-00LBiology and Ecology of Fungi in Forests Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 10.
The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.

General safety regulations for all block courses:
-Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected
-All students have to wear masks throughout the course (keep reserve masks ready)
-The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged
-Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected
-Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible
W6 credits7PI. L. Brunner, M. Peter Baltensweiler, 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.
751-3700-00LPlant Ecophysiology Information W2 credits2VN. Buchmann, M. Gharun, M. Lehmann, A. Walter
AbstractThe general theme of this course is the effect of environmental factors (such as light, temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentrations, etc.) on plant physiology: water uptake and transport, transpiration, CO2 gas exchange of plants (photosynthesis, respiration), growth and C allocation, yield and production, stress physiology. Lab and field measurements are is included.
ObjectiveThe students will understand the impact of environmental factors on plant physiology and will learn the theoretical basis and terminology of plant ecophysiology that is necessary to analyze yield potentials in agriculture. The students will learn about classical and latest studies in plant ecophysiology and will have hands-on experiences with equipment used in plant ecophysiology.
ContentDas Ziel vieler landwirtschaftlicher Managemententscheidungen, d. h., das Erhöhen der Produktivität und des Ertrages, basiert häufig auf Reaktionen der Pflanzen auf Umweltfaktoren, z. B. Nährstoff- und Wasserangebot, Licht, etc. Daher werden in diesem Kurs der Einfluss von Umweltfaktoren auf die pflanzliche Physiologie behandelt, z. B. auf den Gaswechsel von Pflanzen (Photosynthese, Atmung, Transpiration), auf die Nährstoff- und Wasseraufnahme und den -Transport in Pflanzen, auf das Wachstum, den Ertrag und die C-Allokation, auf die Produktion und Qualität der produzierten Biomasse. Anhand der wichtigsten Pflanzenarten in Schweizer Graslandökosystemen werden diese theoretischen Kenntnisse vertieft und Aspekte der Bewirtschaftung (Schnitt, Düngung, etc.) angesprochen.
Lecture notesHandouts stehen online.
LiteratureLarcher 1994, Lambers et al. 2008, Schulze et al. 2019
Prerequisites / NoticeDieser Kurs basiert auf Grundlagen der Pflanzenbestimmung und der Pflanzenphysiologie. Er ist Basis für die Veranstaltungen „Pflanzenbau, Teil Futterbau“ und „Graslandsysteme“.
751-4801-00LSystem-Oriented Management of Herbivore InsectsW2 credits2GD. Mazzi
AbstractThe focus is on the potential to assess strategies and tactics of pest management, in view of the demands from the economy, environment and society. Significant management measures will be explained using practical examples, such as surveillance and forecasting, resistance management, biological control as well as the use of plant protection products, incl. regulatory aspects and ecotoxicology.
ObjectiveThe students gain a good understanding of fundamental aspects of pest management in agroecosystems. They will be able to assess options for action in view of requirements from the economy, environment and society. Further, they will learn to elaborate on current issues in pest management, and to critically evaluate case studies.
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