Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021
Agricultural Sciences Bachelor ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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363-0537-00L | Resource and Environmental Economics | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | L. Bretschger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Relationship between economy and environment, market failures, external effects and public goods, contingent valuation, internalisation of externalities, economics of non-renewable resources, economics of renewable resources, environmental cost-benefit analysis, sustainability economics, and international resource and environmental problems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | A successful completion of the course will enable a thorough understanding of the basic questions and methods of resource and environmental economics and the ability to solve typical problems using appropriate tools consisting of concise verbal explanations, diagrams or mathematical expressions. Concrete goals are first of all the acquisition of knowledge about the main questions of resource and environmental economics and about the foundation of the theory with different normative concepts in terms of efficiency and fairness. Secondly, students should be able to deal with environmental externalities and internalisation through appropriate policies or private negotiations, including knowledge of the available policy instruments and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Thirdly, the course will allow for in-depth economic analysis of renewable and non-renewable resources, including the role of stock constraints, regeneration functions, market power, property rights and the impact of technology. A fourth objective is to successfully use the well-known tool of cost-benefit analysis for environmental policy problems, which requires knowledge of the benefits of an improved natural environment. The last two objectives of the course are the acquisition of sufficient knowledge about the economics of sustainability and the application of environmental economic theory and policy at international level, e.g. to the problem of climate change. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The course covers all the interactions between the economy and the natural environment. It introduces and explains basic welfare concepts and market failure; external effects, public goods, and environmental policy; the measurement of externalities and contingent valuation; the economics of non-renewable resources, renewable resources, cost-benefit-analysis, sustainability concepts; international aspects of resource and environmental problems; selected examples and case studies. After a general introduction to resource and environmental economics, highlighting its importace and the main issues, the course explains the normative basis, utilitarianism, and fairness according to different principles. Pollution externalities are a deep core topic of the lecture. We explain the governmental internalisation of externalities as well as the private internalisation of externalities (Coase theorem). Furthermore, the issues of free rider problems and public goods, efficient levels of pollution, tax vs. permits, and command and control instruments add to a thorough analysis of environmental policy. Turning to resource supply, the lecture first looks at empirical data on non-renewable natural resources and then develops the optimal price development (Hotelling-rule). It deals with the effects of explorations, new technologies, and market power. When treating the renewable resources, we look at biological growth functions, optimal harvesting of renewable resources, and the overuse of open-access resources. A next topic is cost-benefit analysis with the environment, requiring measuring environmental benefits and measuring costs. In the chapter on sustainability, the course covers concepts of sustainability, conflicts with optimality, and indicators of sustainability. In a final chapter, we consider international environmental problems and in particular climate change and climate policy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Perman, R., Ma, Y., McGilvray, J, Common, M.: "Natural Resource & Environmental Economics", 4th edition, 2011, Harlow, UK: Pearson Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-5005-00L | Agroecology and the Transition to Sustainable Food Systems | W | 2 credits | 2G | M. Sonnevelt, M. Grant, S. E. Ulbrich, B. Wehrli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The aim of this lecture series is to offer students and the interested public a deeper insight into the fundamentals of agroecology and its potential role in transforming food systems. For more information on the public lecture part of this course, please visit: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students know the elements of agroecology and are able to critically reflect on the important properties as well as benefits and trade-offs of agroecological systems and approaches. Students are able to understand and explain how the 10 elements could be implemented as guiding principles for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders across the food system in planning, managing and evaluating agroecological transitions. This course enables students and an interested public to engage in a lively and critical debate and to learn about scientific contributions to agroecology. Based on the knowledge gained, students are able to form a personal opinion on the role of agroecology and to reflect on the different facets and real-world applications supporting a transition towards sustainable food systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Organization of the lecture: The lecture series will take place in the fall semester of ETH Zurich, starting in the week of September 20, 2021 and lasting until December 17, 2021. During this period, the lecture will take place once a week, on Tuesdays from 18:00-20:00 (CEST/CET). Each lecture will be organized in an online format and will be set up in two parts consisting of a public and a student lecture: At the end of the lecture series, the course will be evaluated with the students. Public lecture part (virtually via Zoom webinar): The public lecture (18:00-19:00 CEST/CET) will take place virtually via this Zoom webinar: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/64352765873. While most public lectures will take one hour, the last public lecture on “Agroecology, The Way Forward”, on Tuesday, 7th December 2021, will last 90 minutes. Student’s lecture part (exchange with course instructors online via zoom): The student’s lecture (19:15-20:00h CEST/CET) will take place online via a normal Zoom call: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/61315399346. For further details, please refer to the Moodle-page of this course: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | On the Moodle-page you can find some pre-readings for the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | http://www.fao.org/agroecology/en/ http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The course is designed as a public lecture on “Agroecology in the transition to sustainable food systems” to allow for different perspectives to be represented, heard and discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-4108-00L | Innovation in Smart Farming ![]() Number of participants limited to 16. A motivation letter must be submitted after the first lecture Monday 27.9. (maximum 100 words) until 29.9. to Achim Walter (Achim.Walter@usys.ethz.ch). A confirmation of the definitive participation in the course will be communicated on 1.10. The definitive registration for the course will be undertaken by the study secretariat. | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | A. Walter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Agriculture needs to become more sustainable via innovative approaches. This course allows students to explore in group work, how this could be realized. There are short impulse talks on 'Smart Farming' given by experts on technology and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, students elaborate the first steps to create a startup company in this field. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | During the course, the students generate their own ideas on 'Smart Farming'. They explore, which technologies provide possibilities for a more sustainable agriculture. They realize trade-offs between economic and technological possibilities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Further information can be found on: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-4504-00L | Plant Pathology I | W+ | 2 credits | 2G | B. McDonald | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Plant Pathology I will focus on pathogen-plant interactions, epidemiology, disease assessment, and disease development in agroecosystems. Themes will include: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students will understand: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems as a basis for implementing disease management strategies in agroecosystems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Course description: Plant Pathology I will focus on pathogen-plant interactions, epidemiology, disease assessment, and disease development in agroecosystems. Themes will include: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems. Topics under the first theme will include pathogen life cycles, disease cycles, and an overview of plant pathogenic nematodes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Topics under the second theme will include plant defense strategies, host range, passive and active defenses, and chemical and structural defenses. Topics under the third theme will include the disease triangle and cultural control strategies. Lecture Topics and Tentative Schedule Week 1 The nature of plant diseases, symbiosis, parasites, mutualism, biotrophs and necrotrophs, disease cycles and pathogen life cycles. Week 2 Nematode attack strategies and types of damage. Viral pathogens, classification, reproduction and transmission, attack strategies and types of damage. Examples TMV, BYDV. Bacterial pathogens and phytoplasmas, classification, reproduction and transmission. Week 3 Bacterial attack strategies and symptoms. Example bacterial diseases: fire blight, Agrobacterium crown gall, soft rots. Fungal and oomycete pathogens, classification, growth and reproduction, sexual and asexual spores, transmission. Week 4 Fungal and oomycete life cycles, disease cycles, infection processes, colonization, phytotoxins and mycotoxins. Attack strategies of fungal necrotrophs and biotrophs. Symptoms and signs of fungal infection. Example fungal diseases: potato late blight. Week 5 Example fungal diseases: wheat stem rust, grape powdery mildew, wheat septoria tritici blotch. Plant defense mechanisms, host range and non-host resistance. Passive structural and chemical defenses, preformed chemical defenses. Active structural defense, histological and cellular (papillae). Week 6 Active chemical defense, hypersensitive response, pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, phytoalexins and disease resistance. Pisatin and pisatin demethylase. Local and systemic acquired resistance (LAR, SAR), induced systemic resistance (ISR), signal molecules, defense activators (Bion). Pathogen effects on food quality. Positive and negative transformations. Week 7 Negative pathogen impacts on crop yield and quality. Pathogen effects on food safety. Mycotoxins in the food chain. Aflatoxin, patulin safety assessment and action thresholds. Epidemiology: historical epidemics. Week 8 Epidemiology: Disease pyramid, environmental effects on epidemic development, plant effects on development of epidemics, including resistance, physiology, density, uniformity. Week 9 Disease assessment: incidence and severity measures, keys, diagrams, scales, measurement errors. Correlations between incidence and severity. Molecular detection and diagnosis of pathogens. Host indexing, serology, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, ELISA. Week 10 Molecular detection and diagnosis of pathogens: PCR, rDNA and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Strategies for minimizing disease risks: calculating disease thresholds, disease forecasting systems. Week 11 Strategies for minimizing disease risks: lowering epidemic risk, ecological risk assessment, natural and synthetic pesticides. Disease control strategies: economic thresholds, overview of control strategies. Week 12 Physical control methods. Cultural control methods: avoidance, tillage practices, crop sanitation. Week 13 Cultural control methods: fertilizers, crop rotations. Week 14 Open lecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Detailed lecture notes (~160 pages) will be available for purchase at the cost of reproduction at the start of the semester. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-5003-00L | Sustainable Agroecosystems II | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | K. Benabderrazik, M. Hartmann | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | This class conveys current topics and methods of agroecological and food systems research through selected case studies from ongoing research of the Sustainable Agroecosystems group. Students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking competencies, through individual and group work, on major agricultural and food system challenges and paths towards agricultural and food system transformation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | (1) Systematically analyse and discuss case studies from ongoing agroecological and food system research. (2) Learn and experiment on methods for field and laboratory investigations in agroecology. (3) Engage with positive and empowering frameworks that motivate critical reflection and action on the types of transformative responses needed to adapt and thrive within agricultural and food systems. (4) Reflect critically on agricultural and food system transformation tools and methods from the perspective a food system stakeholder. (5) Identify and describe institutions in the context of sustainable agricultural development (for Bachelor and Master thesis and internships). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The course will address a wide range of agricultural and food system challenges (e.g. food security, climate change, soil degradation, etc.) in both temperate and tropical contexts, from building food system resilience through innovative measures, to addressing soil fertility and GHG emissions. A wide variety of case studies will be presented, covering different scales (e.g. value-chains, farm and soil management). The class is complemented by a role-playing exercise on food system transformation. Students will gain an overview on institutions and actors’ roles in the field of sustainable agricultural development. Throughout the exercise, students will learn to cooperate through a teamwork exercise and understand what is the role of each stakeholders in the food system in order to support a sustainable transformation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Gliessman, S.R. (2014) Agroecology: the ecology of sustainable food systems. 3rd edition, CRC Press. 405 p. (recommended text book) Steve Gliessman (2016) Transforming food systems with agroecology, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 40:3, 187- 189, DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2015.1130765 HLPE. 2019. Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. Link to report: http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Prior participation in the lecture Nachhaltige Agrarökosysteme I (Sustainable Agroecosystems I) 751-5000-00G (spring term) recommended. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competencies![]() |
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751-5005-00L | Agroecology and the Transition to Sustainable Food Systems | W | 2 credits | 2G | M. Sonnevelt, M. Grant, S. E. Ulbrich, B. Wehrli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The aim of this lecture series is to offer students and the interested public a deeper insight into the fundamentals of agroecology and its potential role in transforming food systems. For more information on the public lecture part of this course, please visit: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students know the elements of agroecology and are able to critically reflect on the important properties as well as benefits and trade-offs of agroecological systems and approaches. Students are able to understand and explain how the 10 elements could be implemented as guiding principles for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders across the food system in planning, managing and evaluating agroecological transitions. This course enables students and an interested public to engage in a lively and critical debate and to learn about scientific contributions to agroecology. Based on the knowledge gained, students are able to form a personal opinion on the role of agroecology and to reflect on the different facets and real-world applications supporting a transition towards sustainable food systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Organization of the lecture: The lecture series will take place in the fall semester of ETH Zurich, starting in the week of September 20, 2021 and lasting until December 17, 2021. During this period, the lecture will take place once a week, on Tuesdays from 18:00-20:00 (CEST/CET). Each lecture will be organized in an online format and will be set up in two parts consisting of a public and a student lecture: At the end of the lecture series, the course will be evaluated with the students. Public lecture part (virtually via Zoom webinar): The public lecture (18:00-19:00 CEST/CET) will take place virtually via this Zoom webinar: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/64352765873. While most public lectures will take one hour, the last public lecture on “Agroecology, The Way Forward”, on Tuesday, 7th December 2021, will last 90 minutes. Student’s lecture part (exchange with course instructors online via zoom): The student’s lecture (19:15-20:00h CEST/CET) will take place online via a normal Zoom call: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/61315399346. For further details, please refer to the Moodle-page of this course: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | On the Moodle-page you can find some pre-readings for the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | http://www.fao.org/agroecology/en/ http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The course is designed as a public lecture on “Agroecology in the transition to sustainable food systems” to allow for different perspectives to be represented, heard and discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-7501-00L | Animal Housing and Behaviour | O | 1 credit | 1V | J. Müller, S. Goumon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The overall goal of this course is to provide general knowledge about the behaviour, housing and welfare of domestic animals. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students will: - Understand the basis of animal behaviour and how it is measured - Acquire knowledge of housing systems and management of domestic animals - Get a concept of animal needs and welfare | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | CONTENTS BEHAVIOR • Fundamentals of animal behavior: mechanisms, development, function and evolution • Overview of the natural behavioural repertoire of various livestock species and the resulting needs • Insights in behavioural studies ANIMAL HUSBANDRY • Fundamentals of animal husbandry • Insight in animal transportation and slaughter BEHAVIOR vs. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY • Adapt the husbandry practices to livestock-specific needs • Recurrent problems in livestock management • Concept of animal welfare PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: 1 written report (20%) + 1 final examination (80% of grade) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Handouts/scripts are provided by the the lecturers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Specific literature recommendations will be provided by the lecturers as appropriate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | This lecture is part of the Agricultural Sciences Bachelor (3rd Semester) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-5005-00L | Agroecology and the Transition to Sustainable Food Systems | W | 2 credits | 2G | M. Sonnevelt, M. Grant, S. E. Ulbrich, B. Wehrli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The aim of this lecture series is to offer students and the interested public a deeper insight into the fundamentals of agroecology and its potential role in transforming food systems. For more information on the public lecture part of this course, please visit: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students know the elements of agroecology and are able to critically reflect on the important properties as well as benefits and trade-offs of agroecological systems and approaches. Students are able to understand and explain how the 10 elements could be implemented as guiding principles for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders across the food system in planning, managing and evaluating agroecological transitions. This course enables students and an interested public to engage in a lively and critical debate and to learn about scientific contributions to agroecology. Based on the knowledge gained, students are able to form a personal opinion on the role of agroecology and to reflect on the different facets and real-world applications supporting a transition towards sustainable food systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Organization of the lecture: The lecture series will take place in the fall semester of ETH Zurich, starting in the week of September 20, 2021 and lasting until December 17, 2021. During this period, the lecture will take place once a week, on Tuesdays from 18:00-20:00 (CEST/CET). Each lecture will be organized in an online format and will be set up in two parts consisting of a public and a student lecture: At the end of the lecture series, the course will be evaluated with the students. Public lecture part (virtually via Zoom webinar): The public lecture (18:00-19:00 CEST/CET) will take place virtually via this Zoom webinar: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/64352765873. While most public lectures will take one hour, the last public lecture on “Agroecology, The Way Forward”, on Tuesday, 7th December 2021, will last 90 minutes. Student’s lecture part (exchange with course instructors online via zoom): The student’s lecture (19:15-20:00h CEST/CET) will take place online via a normal Zoom call: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/61315399346. For further details, please refer to the Moodle-page of this course: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | On the Moodle-page you can find some pre-readings for the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | http://www.fao.org/agroecology/en/ http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The course is designed as a public lecture on “Agroecology in the transition to sustainable food systems” to allow for different perspectives to be represented, heard and discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() The electives listed are recommended. However, electives can be chosen from the complete course offer of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
363-0537-00L | Resource and Environmental Economics | W | 3 credits | 2G | L. Bretschger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Relationship between economy and environment, market failures, external effects and public goods, contingent valuation, internalisation of externalities, economics of non-renewable resources, economics of renewable resources, environmental cost-benefit analysis, sustainability economics, and international resource and environmental problems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | A successful completion of the course will enable a thorough understanding of the basic questions and methods of resource and environmental economics and the ability to solve typical problems using appropriate tools consisting of concise verbal explanations, diagrams or mathematical expressions. Concrete goals are first of all the acquisition of knowledge about the main questions of resource and environmental economics and about the foundation of the theory with different normative concepts in terms of efficiency and fairness. Secondly, students should be able to deal with environmental externalities and internalisation through appropriate policies or private negotiations, including knowledge of the available policy instruments and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Thirdly, the course will allow for in-depth economic analysis of renewable and non-renewable resources, including the role of stock constraints, regeneration functions, market power, property rights and the impact of technology. A fourth objective is to successfully use the well-known tool of cost-benefit analysis for environmental policy problems, which requires knowledge of the benefits of an improved natural environment. The last two objectives of the course are the acquisition of sufficient knowledge about the economics of sustainability and the application of environmental economic theory and policy at international level, e.g. to the problem of climate change. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The course covers all the interactions between the economy and the natural environment. It introduces and explains basic welfare concepts and market failure; external effects, public goods, and environmental policy; the measurement of externalities and contingent valuation; the economics of non-renewable resources, renewable resources, cost-benefit-analysis, sustainability concepts; international aspects of resource and environmental problems; selected examples and case studies. After a general introduction to resource and environmental economics, highlighting its importace and the main issues, the course explains the normative basis, utilitarianism, and fairness according to different principles. Pollution externalities are a deep core topic of the lecture. We explain the governmental internalisation of externalities as well as the private internalisation of externalities (Coase theorem). Furthermore, the issues of free rider problems and public goods, efficient levels of pollution, tax vs. permits, and command and control instruments add to a thorough analysis of environmental policy. Turning to resource supply, the lecture first looks at empirical data on non-renewable natural resources and then develops the optimal price development (Hotelling-rule). It deals with the effects of explorations, new technologies, and market power. When treating the renewable resources, we look at biological growth functions, optimal harvesting of renewable resources, and the overuse of open-access resources. A next topic is cost-benefit analysis with the environment, requiring measuring environmental benefits and measuring costs. In the chapter on sustainability, the course covers concepts of sustainability, conflicts with optimality, and indicators of sustainability. In a final chapter, we consider international environmental problems and in particular climate change and climate policy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Perman, R., Ma, Y., McGilvray, J, Common, M.: "Natural Resource & Environmental Economics", 4th edition, 2011, Harlow, UK: Pearson Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-4108-00L | Innovation in Smart Farming ![]() Number of participants limited to 16. A motivation letter must be submitted after the first lecture Monday 27.9. (maximum 100 words) until 29.9. to Achim Walter (Achim.Walter@usys.ethz.ch). A confirmation of the definitive participation in the course will be communicated on 1.10. The definitive registration for the course will be undertaken by the study secretariat. | W | 3 credits | 2G | A. Walter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Agriculture needs to become more sustainable via innovative approaches. This course allows students to explore in group work, how this could be realized. There are short impulse talks on 'Smart Farming' given by experts on technology and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, students elaborate the first steps to create a startup company in this field. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | During the course, the students generate their own ideas on 'Smart Farming'. They explore, which technologies provide possibilities for a more sustainable agriculture. They realize trade-offs between economic and technological possibilities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Further information can be found on: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-4504-00L | Plant Pathology I | W | 2 credits | 2G | B. McDonald | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Plant Pathology I will focus on pathogen-plant interactions, epidemiology, disease assessment, and disease development in agroecosystems. Themes will include: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students will understand: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems as a basis for implementing disease management strategies in agroecosystems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Course description: Plant Pathology I will focus on pathogen-plant interactions, epidemiology, disease assessment, and disease development in agroecosystems. Themes will include: 1) how pathogens attack plants and; 2) how plants defend themselves against pathogens; 3) factors driving the development of epidemics in agroecosystems. Topics under the first theme will include pathogen life cycles, disease cycles, and an overview of plant pathogenic nematodes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Topics under the second theme will include plant defense strategies, host range, passive and active defenses, and chemical and structural defenses. Topics under the third theme will include the disease triangle and cultural control strategies. Lecture Topics and Tentative Schedule Week 1 The nature of plant diseases, symbiosis, parasites, mutualism, biotrophs and necrotrophs, disease cycles and pathogen life cycles. Week 2 Nematode attack strategies and types of damage. Viral pathogens, classification, reproduction and transmission, attack strategies and types of damage. Examples TMV, BYDV. Bacterial pathogens and phytoplasmas, classification, reproduction and transmission. Week 3 Bacterial attack strategies and symptoms. Example bacterial diseases: fire blight, Agrobacterium crown gall, soft rots. Fungal and oomycete pathogens, classification, growth and reproduction, sexual and asexual spores, transmission. Week 4 Fungal and oomycete life cycles, disease cycles, infection processes, colonization, phytotoxins and mycotoxins. Attack strategies of fungal necrotrophs and biotrophs. Symptoms and signs of fungal infection. Example fungal diseases: potato late blight. Week 5 Example fungal diseases: wheat stem rust, grape powdery mildew, wheat septoria tritici blotch. Plant defense mechanisms, host range and non-host resistance. Passive structural and chemical defenses, preformed chemical defenses. Active structural defense, histological and cellular (papillae). Week 6 Active chemical defense, hypersensitive response, pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, phytoalexins and disease resistance. Pisatin and pisatin demethylase. Local and systemic acquired resistance (LAR, SAR), induced systemic resistance (ISR), signal molecules, defense activators (Bion). Pathogen effects on food quality. Positive and negative transformations. Week 7 Negative pathogen impacts on crop yield and quality. Pathogen effects on food safety. Mycotoxins in the food chain. Aflatoxin, patulin safety assessment and action thresholds. Epidemiology: historical epidemics. Week 8 Epidemiology: Disease pyramid, environmental effects on epidemic development, plant effects on development of epidemics, including resistance, physiology, density, uniformity. Week 9 Disease assessment: incidence and severity measures, keys, diagrams, scales, measurement errors. Correlations between incidence and severity. Molecular detection and diagnosis of pathogens. Host indexing, serology, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, ELISA. Week 10 Molecular detection and diagnosis of pathogens: PCR, rDNA and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Strategies for minimizing disease risks: calculating disease thresholds, disease forecasting systems. Week 11 Strategies for minimizing disease risks: lowering epidemic risk, ecological risk assessment, natural and synthetic pesticides. Disease control strategies: economic thresholds, overview of control strategies. Week 12 Physical control methods. Cultural control methods: avoidance, tillage practices, crop sanitation. Week 13 Cultural control methods: fertilizers, crop rotations. Week 14 Open lecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Detailed lecture notes (~160 pages) will be available for purchase at the cost of reproduction at the start of the semester. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-5003-00L | Sustainable Agroecosystems II | W | 2 credits | 2V | K. Benabderrazik, M. Hartmann | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | This class conveys current topics and methods of agroecological and food systems research through selected case studies from ongoing research of the Sustainable Agroecosystems group. Students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking competencies, through individual and group work, on major agricultural and food system challenges and paths towards agricultural and food system transformation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | (1) Systematically analyse and discuss case studies from ongoing agroecological and food system research. (2) Learn and experiment on methods for field and laboratory investigations in agroecology. (3) Engage with positive and empowering frameworks that motivate critical reflection and action on the types of transformative responses needed to adapt and thrive within agricultural and food systems. (4) Reflect critically on agricultural and food system transformation tools and methods from the perspective a food system stakeholder. (5) Identify and describe institutions in the context of sustainable agricultural development (for Bachelor and Master thesis and internships). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The course will address a wide range of agricultural and food system challenges (e.g. food security, climate change, soil degradation, etc.) in both temperate and tropical contexts, from building food system resilience through innovative measures, to addressing soil fertility and GHG emissions. A wide variety of case studies will be presented, covering different scales (e.g. value-chains, farm and soil management). The class is complemented by a role-playing exercise on food system transformation. Students will gain an overview on institutions and actors’ roles in the field of sustainable agricultural development. Throughout the exercise, students will learn to cooperate through a teamwork exercise and understand what is the role of each stakeholders in the food system in order to support a sustainable transformation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Gliessman, S.R. (2014) Agroecology: the ecology of sustainable food systems. 3rd edition, CRC Press. 405 p. (recommended text book) Steve Gliessman (2016) Transforming food systems with agroecology, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 40:3, 187- 189, DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2015.1130765 HLPE. 2019. Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. Link to report: http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Prior participation in the lecture Nachhaltige Agrarökosysteme I (Sustainable Agroecosystems I) 751-5000-00G (spring term) recommended. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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751-5005-00L | Agroecology and the Transition to Sustainable Food Systems | W+ | 2 credits | 2G | M. Sonnevelt, M. Grant, S. E. Ulbrich, B. Wehrli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The aim of this lecture series is to offer students and the interested public a deeper insight into the fundamentals of agroecology and its potential role in transforming food systems. For more information on the public lecture part of this course, please visit: Link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students know the elements of agroecology and are able to critically reflect on the important properties as well as benefits and trade-offs of agroecological systems and approaches. Students are able to understand and explain how the 10 elements could be implemented as guiding principles for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders across the food system in planning, managing and evaluating agroecological transitions. This course enables students and an interested public to engage in a lively and critical debate and to learn about scientific contributions to agroecology. Based on the knowledge gained, students are able to form a personal opinion on the role of agroecology and to reflect on the different facets and real-world applications supporting a transition towards sustainable food systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Organization of the lecture: The lecture series will take place in the fall semester of ETH Zurich, starting in the week of September 20, 2021 and lasting until December 17, 2021. During this period, the lecture will take place once a week, on Tuesdays from 18:00-20:00 (CEST/CET). Each lecture will be organized in an online format and will be set up in two parts consisting of a public and a student lecture: At the end of the lecture series, the course will be evaluated with the students. Public lecture part (virtually via Zoom webinar): The public lecture (18:00-19:00 CEST/CET) will take place virtually via this Zoom webinar: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/64352765873. While most public lectures will take one hour, the last public lecture on “Agroecology, The Way Forward”, on Tuesday, 7th December 2021, will last 90 minutes. Student’s lecture part (exchange with course instructors online via zoom): The student’s lecture (19:15-20:00h CEST/CET) will take place online via a normal Zoom call: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/61315399346. For further details, please refer to the Moodle-page of this course: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | On the Moodle-page you can find some pre-readings for the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | http://www.fao.org/agroecology/en/ http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The course is designed as a public lecture on “Agroecology in the transition to sustainable food systems” to allow for different perspectives to be represented, heard and discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
701-0903-00L | The Sustainable Development Goals Book Club | W+ | 2 credits | B. B. Pearce, J. Ghazoul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The ETH Sustainable Development Goals Book Club is a colloquium for Bachelor students within and outside of Department of Environmental Systems Sicence centered around the discussion of themes from a single book, with the aim of fostering interdisciplinary, intellectual and critical exploration of the scientific and societal complexities related to the Sustainable Development Goals. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | The aims of this course are to: - Create an interdisciplinary approach to understanding key concepts of sustainable development and the SDGs - Create solidarity through a cultural of intellectual exchange at ETH Zurich - Create a common object of intellectual reference for students with different disciplinary interests to enable diverse ways and modes of thinking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The course is similar to 701-0019-00L Readings in Environmental Thinking with the following differences: - Targeted at Bachelor’s students (especially first and second year, but open to all) within and outside of the department. - All participating students will read one book whose themes will be the basis for discussions. - These discussions, taking place both online and in-person, will be moderated by the main lecturers of the course and discussed by additional professors from within and outside of D-USYS. - Each discussion will be based on a chapter of a book, always linked to a particular aspect of the SDGs. - The modes of discussion will vary in length and form, ranging from the traditional, sit-down meeting, to a Twitter book club format (as already pioneered and popularized by author Robert MacFarlane). - Both students and professors will lead the discussions alternatively. - Each discussion session will result in a visual output or another shareable output that will be developed by a student or group of students. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | TBD Could be one of the books already used in 701-0019-00L Readings in Environmental Thinking (Silent Spring, The Sand County Almanac, Collapse..etc.) Other possibilities: - Thinking in systems - Limits to Growth - Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth - Small is Beautiful - For the Common Good - Factfulness - The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power (history of the global petroleum industry from 1850s-1990) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | none | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agricultural Sciences TC ![]() Detailed information on the programme at: www.didaktischeausbildung.ethz.ch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
851-0242-11L | Gender Issues In Education and STEM ![]() Number of participants limited to 30. Enrolment only possible with matriculation in Teaching Diploma or Teaching Certificate (excluding Teaching Diploma Sport). Prerequisite: students should be taking the course 851-0240-00L Human Learning (EW1) in parallel, or to have successfully completed it. | W | 2 credits | 2S | M. Berkowitz Biran, T. Braas, C. M. Thurn | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | In this seminar, we introduce some of the major gender-related issues in the context of education and science learning, such as the under-representation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Common perspectives, controversies and empirical evidence will be discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | - To familiarize students with gender issues in the educational and STEM context and with controversies regarding these issues - To develop a critical view on existing research and perspectives. - To integrate this knowledge with teacher's work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Why do fewer women than men specialize in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)? Are girls better in language and boys better in math? These and other questions about gender differences relevant to education and STEM learning have been occupying researchers for decades. In this seminar, students learn about major gender issues in the educational context and the different perspectives for understanding them. The seminar builds on the active participation of students in reading, presenting and critically discussing selected papers in the field. We focus on empirical research and integrate implications for the classroom context. In a final small-group assignment, students integrate and elaborate on the topics learned in the seminar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisite: Successful participation in the course 851-0240-00L Human Learning (EW1). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-6501-00L | Ruminant Science (HS) | W+ | 4 credits | 4G | K. Giller, M. Terranova, U. Witschi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects of reproduction and nutrition physiology of ruminants, and of the implications for animal health, product quality, and breeding programs. Means of knowledge transfer include interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary parts, web-based learning and self-study. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | At the end of the course the students are able to apply, by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, their knowledge in various fields of ruminant science. They will be able to develop and recommend best strategies for breeding programs, feed formulation, improving forage quality, and increasing animal health. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (FS) offered in spring has a similar structure but is complementary to this course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Fields (contact hours) - Introduction: 2 h - Special topics: 20 h - Rumen Anatomy - Hohenheim Gas Test - Calf health - Reproduction Techniques - Fertility in Cows - Disciplinary topics: 32 h - Ruminal Digestion: 8 h - Ruminant Nutrition Physiology: 12 h - Reproduction in Ruminants: 8 h - Lectures held by the students: 4 h In summary - Contact hours: 58 h - Self-study within semester: 30 h (especially preparation for the interdisciplinary courses and the own lecture) - Self-study in semester break: 32 h Total: 120 h | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Documentations, links and other materials will be provided at the start of the course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Information on books and other references will be communicated during the course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The specialty of this course is that for the first time the animal science disciplines are unified. This is realised with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary special topics and new forms of teaching. At the same time the essential basics in the central fields are communicated. The field of Ruminant Science will also be a part of the spring semester (special topics: Organic Ruminant Systems, Tropical Ruminant Systems, Mastitis; disciplinary courses: Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding, Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis, Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment). However both courses are organized independently. Conditions for successful participation: Background on animal science from the Bachelor is desired. In order to attend the Minor in Ruminant Science without any animal science background, a realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended (e.g. by choosing an appropriate bachelor course which then may be counted as 'optional courses' in the master). These efforts depend on the extent to which animal science courses have already been attended in the bachelor. The control of performance will consist of: - an own short lecture - a final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-6601-00L | Pig Science (HS) Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | to be announced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | The overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of pig animal health and behaviour and of the implications for husbandry and animal welfare. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Students will - understand the complex interactions of health management, behaviour and husbandry. - be trained to understand interdisciplinary and disciplinary research. - be able to critically analyze published research data. - be able to present precise scientific reports in oral and written form. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Topics: -Understanding natural behaviour of pigs to improve their management -Welfare challenges in pig production -On-farm and post-mortem health assessment -Farrowing and lactation -Pig reproduction and associated problems -Piglet mortality and morbidity -Emotions -Cognition -Pain There will be 1 excursion to the pig stable of AgroVet Strickhof. The final grade will be based on a poster presentation (30%, mid-semester) and a final written exam (70%, end of semester) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Handouts/scripts are distributed by the the lecturers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Specific literature is indicated by the lecturers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Knowledge in animal health, animal welfare and ethology is recommended but not required. The lectures will be in English and German (depending on the lecturers) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-6001-00L | Forum: Livestock in the World Food System ![]() Number of participants limited to 20. | W+ | 2 credits | 1S | S. Meese | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | This forum is a platform for the critical reflection of relevant topics of livestock in the frame of the world food system comprising issues from basic knowledge to acceptance in society. The exchange is operated by scientific writing and presentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | In the Forum "Livestock in the World Food System", a topic of significance for livestock agriculture is selected by the students and subsequently dealt with from various angles (from scientific basis to production systems, environmental aspects and to the acceptance by society). The students learn to present a scientific subject in writing and orally to an audience and to defend the presentation in a discussion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | The Forum "Livestock in the World Food System" will take place in blocks of 2 hours each. Once the general topic has been selected, it comprises two elements: Element 1. Oral presentation: The students form small groups and are lecturers. There are chair persons (moderators) from outside of these small groups and they also head the discussion. The remaining students and lecturer are the audience. Element 2. Scientific writing: 1. preparation of a short scientific type of paper from a result table offered by the lecturers 2. writing of a critical review of a chosen topic. There will be a discussion in small groups at several choosable dates. Introductions to both forms of presentation will be offered by the lecturer. The preparation of the oral and written presentations takes place to a small part during the 2-h blocks and mainly outside of this time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | no scriptum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Requirements for allocation of the two credit points: - Theatre presentation (with handout) at the forum - Delivery of written documents of sufficient quality - Active participation during the presentations by the other participants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-7211-00L | Ruminal Digestion Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 1 credit | 1G | not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | This course broadens the knowledge in one of the most important aspects of ruminant nutrition: the microbial digestion in the rumen (and in the hindgut). For a comprehensive understanding of the rumen microbial ecosystem, the mechanisms of nutrient fermentation and the synthesis of microbial protein, thorough basics are provided. Apart from lectures, group and laboratory exercises are included. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | The course enables students to understand in detail how ruminal digestion works and how this knowledge can be applied to design optimal feeding diets using highly fibrous forages and a variety of other feeds. The students also are able to show how to modify the most important rumen microbes beneficially by nutritional means. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Content | Structure of the contact hour part of the course (16 h): 2 h Introduction and blackboard exercise 8 h Basic topics in ruminal digestion, lectures and group exercises: - Systematics of the microbes involved in microbial digestion - Measurement of microbial digestion - Interactions of microbes and epithelium of the digestive tract - Differences between ruminal and hindgut microbial digestion - Microbial nutrient degradation and its modification - Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis - Manipulation of the ruminal digestion 4 h exercise at AgroVet-Strickhof: - Measurements of microbial digestion - Laboratory exercise with a rumen fistulated cow and a Rumen Simulation Technique 2 h Final seminar The non-contact hour part is to comprehend the information given and to prepare either the written report or the oral presentation (cf. "Besonderes") | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture notes | Lecture notes are provided via Moodle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literature | Will be communicated at the start of the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The course is a balanced mixture of blackboard exercise, laboratory exercise, group exercise, lecture and student seminar presentation. Credit point associated with grade of either a written report or an oral presentation in the final seminar (both on a self-chosen related topic) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
751-6113-00L | Endocrinology and Biology of Reproduction | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | S. E. Ulbrich, S. M. Bernal Ulloa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsbiologie der Säugetiere und des Menschen (Anatomie, Morphologie, Physiologie, Regelmechanismen) Die Systematik der Reproduktionshormone und der Hormonrezeptoren wird erläutert, die Wirkungsmechanismen (Bildung; orale Bioverfügbarkeit; Elimination) erklärt. Mit diesen Grundlagen wird das Verständnis der Regulation der Fortpflanzung umfassend erörtert. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning objective | Die Studierenden erlangen das grundlegende theoretische Verständnis und Fachwissen zur Endokrinologie der Reproduktion und zur weiblichen und männlichen Reproduktionsbiologie. Sie können darüber hinaus pathologische Situationen (Fortpflanzungsstörungen) und deren vielfältige Ursachen in den physiologischen Kontext einordnen. |