Gregory Velicer: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Gregory Velicer |
| Field | Evolutionary Biology |
| Address | Professur f. Evolutionsbiologie ETH Zürich, CHN K 11 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 88 00 |
| gregory.velicer@env.ethz.ch | |
| URL | https://evo.ethz.ch |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0027-00L | Environmental Systems I | 2 credits | 2V | C. Schär, N. Dubois, G. Velicer | |
| Abstract | The lecture provides a science-based exploration of environmental aspects from three research fields: earth, climate, and health sciences. | ||||
| Learning objective | The students are able to explain important properties of the three environmental systems, to discuss critical drivers, trends and conflicts of their use, and to compare potential solutions. | ||||
| Content | The lecture discusses the role of the environmental systems based on selected environmental problems, among these the exploration of raw materials and fossil fuels, climate change and its impacts on man and environment, and the spread and control of infectious diseases in the human population and agricultural systems. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Slides are provided by instructors and are accessible via moodle. | ||||
| 701-1427-00L | Experimental Evolution  Does not take place this semester. Semester change. This lecture will be offered in Spring Semester 2022 for the next time. | 4 credits | 2S | G. Velicer, A. Hall | |
| Abstract | Students will analyze experimental evolution literature covering a wide range of questions, species and types of analysis and will lead discussions of this literature. Students will develop a written project proposal for a novel evolution experiment (or a novel analysis of a published experiment) to address an unanswered question and will also deliver an oral presentation of the project proposal. | ||||
| Learning objective | Course objectives: i) become familiar with a diverse sample of experimental evolution literature, ii) gain understanding of the strengths and limitations of experimental evolution for addressing evolutionary questions relative to other forms of evolutionary analysis, and iii) gain the ability to effectively design and analyze evolution experiments that address fundamental or applied questions in evolutionary biology. | ||||
| Content | Experimental evolution is a powerful and increasingly prominent approach to investigating evolutionary processes. Students will analyze experimental evolution literature covering a diverse range of topics, species and types of analysis and will lead discussions of this literature. Students will develop a written project proposal for a novel evolution experiment (or a novel analysis of a published experiment) to address an unanswered question and will also deliver an oral presentation of the project proposal. Evaluation will be based on a combination of participation in and leadership of literature discussions, in-class exams, and oral and written presentations of the project proposal. | ||||
| Literature | Primary research papers and review articles. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | 701-0245-00 Evolutionary Analysis (or equivalent). | ||||
| 701-1460-00L | Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper | 5 credits | 11A | T. Städler, J. Alexander, S. Bonhoeffer, T. Crowther, A. Hall, J. Hille Ris Lambers, J. Jokela, J. Payne, G. Velicer, A. Widmer | |
| Abstract | Individual writing of an essay-type review paper about a specialized topic in the field of ecology and evolution, based on substantial reading of original literature and discussions with a senior scientist. | ||||
| Learning objective | - Students acquire a thorough knowledge on a topic in which they are particularly interested - They learn to assess the relevance of original literature and synthesize information - They make the experience of becoming "experts" on a topic and develop their own perspective - They practise academic writing according to professional standards in English | ||||
| Content | Topics for the essays are proposed by the professors and lecturers of the major in Ecology and Evolution at a joint meeting at the beginning of the semester (the date will be communicated by e-mail to registered students). Students will: - choose a topic - search and read appropriate literature - develop a personal view on the topic and structure their arguments - prepare figures and tables to represent ideas or illustrate them with examples - write a clear, logical and well-structured text - refine the text and present the paper according to professional standards In all steps, they will benefit from the advice and detailed feedback given by a senior scientist acting as personal tutor of the student. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Reading of articles in scientific journals | ||||