Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023

Biology Bachelor Information
First Year Courses
First Year Examinations
First Year Examination Block 1
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0125-00LFundamentals of Biology I: From Molecules to the Biochemistry of CellsO6 credits5GJ. Vorholt-Zambelli, N. Ban, R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, J. Piel
AbstractThe lecture provides an introduction to the basics of biochemistry and molecular biology as well as evolutionary principles. The focus is on bacteria and archaea under consideration of universal concepts.
Learning objectiveIntroduction to biochemistry, molecular biology and evolutionary principles
ContentThe lecture introduces biology as an interdisciplinary science. Links to physics and chemistry will manifest as biological processes that operate within the laws of thermodynamics and are rooted in elements, molecules and chemical reactions. The transition from geochemistry to biochemistry is discussed and considered in relation to the origin of life. Evolutionary principles are introduced and resulting processes are used as a guiding principle. Unifying concepts in biology are presented, including the structure and function of cellular macromolecules and the ways in which hereditary information is encoded, decoded and replicated. Central principles of universal energy conversion are looked at, starting from redox processes and focusing on bacteria and archaea. Finally, biological processes are put into an ecosystems perspective.

The lecture is divided into different sections:
1. Geochemical perspectives on Earth and introduction to evolution
2. Building blocks of life
3. Macromolecules: Proteins
4. Membranes and transport across the plasma membrane
5. Universal mechanisms of inheritance, transcription and translation
6. Reaction Kinetics, binding equilibria and enzymatic catalysis
7. Essentials of Catabolism
8. Essentials of Anabolism
9. Metabolism and biogeochemical cycling of elements
Lecture notesThe newly conceived lecture is supported by scripts.
LiteratureThe lecture is supported by scripts.
The lecture contains elements of "Brock Biology of Microorganisms", Madigan et al. 15th edition, Pearson und "Biochemistry" (Stryer), Berg et al. 9th edition, Macmillan international.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Problem-solvingfostered
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
529-1001-01LGeneral Chemistry (for Biol./Pharm.Sc.)O4 credits4V + 2UJ. Cvengros
AbstractThe lecture deals with a number of basic chemistry concepts. These include (amongst others) chemical reactions, energy transfer during chemical reactions, properties of ionic and covalent bonds, Lewis structures, properties of solutions, kinetics, thermodynamics, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry and properties of metal complexes.
Learning objectiveThe course is designed to provide an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of general and inorganic chemistry.
LiteratureCharles E. Mortimer, CHEMIE - DAS BASISWISSEN DER CHEMIE. 12. Auflage, Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, 2015.

Weiterführende Literatur:
Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay, Bruce E. Bursten, CHEMIE. 10. Auflage, Pearson Studium, 2011. (deutsch)

Catherine Housecroft, Edwin Constable, CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC, INORGANIC AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, 3. Auflage, Prentice Hall, 2005.(englisch)
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
529-1011-00LOrganic Chemistry I (for Biol./Pharm.Sc./HST)O4 credits4GC. Thilgen
AbstractFundamentals of Organic Chemistry: molecular structure. Bonding and functional groups; nomenclature; resonance and aromaticity; stereochemistry; conformation; bond strength; organic acids and bases; basic reaction thermodynamics and kinetcs; reactive intermediates: carbanions, carbenium ions and radicals.
Learning objectiveUnderstanding the basic concepts and definitions of organic chemistry. Knowledge of the functional groups and classes of compounds that are important in biological systems. Foundations for the understanding of the relationship between structure and reactivity.
ContentOrganic molecules: Isolation, separation and characterization of organic compounds. Classical structure theory: constitution, covalent bonding, bonding geometry, functional groups, classes of compounds, nomenclature. Electron delocalization: resonance, aromaticity. Stereochemistry: chirality, configuration, topicity. Conformational analysis. Bond energies, non-covalent interactions. Organic acids and bases. Basic reaction thermodynamics and kinetcs; reactive intermediates: carbanions, carbenium ions and radicals.
Lecture notesPrinted lecture notes are available. Exercises, answer keys and other handouts can be downloaded from the Moodle course "Organic Chemistry I" of the current semester (https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch).
Literature· Basisbuch Organische Chemie. Carsten Schmuck, Pearson Studium, 2018. (Kompaktes Lehrbuch für die ersten beiden Semester; 412 Seiten).
· Organische Chemie. K. Peter C. Vollhardt, Neil E. Schore, Übers. hrsg. von Holger Butenschön, 6. Aufl., Wiley-VCH, 2020.
· Organic Chemistry: Structure and Function. K. Peter C. Vollhardt, Neil E. Schore, 8th ed., W. H. Freeman & Company, 2018.
· Organic Chemistry. T. W. Graham Solomons, Craig B. Fryhle, Scott A. Snyder, 12th ed., Wiley, 2016.
· Organische Chemie. J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, 2. Aufl., Springer Berlin, 2017 (Korr. Nachdr. 2. Auflage 2013).
· Organic Chemistry. J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2012.
· Organische Chemie. Paula Y. Bruice, 5. akt. Aufl., Pearson Studium, 2011.
· Organic Chemistry. Paula Y. Bruice, 8th ed., Pearson, 2016.
· Essential Organic Chemistry. Paula Y. Bruice, 3rd ed., Pearson, 2015. (Designed for a one-term course)
· Organic Chemistry I as a Second Language – Translating the basic concepts (Taschenbuch mit Übungen: 400 Seiten). David R. Klein; 4th ed., Wiley, 2016.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course consists of lectures (36 hours) and problem-solving lessons (20 hours, groups of ca. 25 people). In addition, online exercises are available in the e-learning environment Moodle (Course OC I).
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
First Year Examination Block 2
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0073-00LPhysics I Restricted registration - show details O3 credits2V + 2UT. M. Ihn
AbstractIntroduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: mechanics and elements of quantum mechanics
Learning objectiveStudents know and understand the basic ideas of the scientific description of nature. They understand the fundamental concepts and laws of mechanics and they are able to apply them in practical problems. They know the concepts of quantization and quantum numbers.
Content1. Description of Motion
2. The laws of Newton
3. Work and energy
4. Collision problems
5. Wave properties of particles
6. The atomic structure of matter
Lecture notesT. Ihn: Physics for Students in Biology and Pharmazeutical Sciences (unpublished lecture notes)
LiteratureThe lecture contains elements of:

Paul A. Tipler and Gene P. Mosca, "Physik für Wissenschaftler und Ingenieure", Springer Spektrum.

Feynman, Leighton, Sands, "The Feynman Lectures on Physics", Volume I (http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/)
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkfostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingassessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
401-0291-00LMathematics I Information Restricted registration - show details O6 credits4V + 2UA. Caspar
AbstractMathematics I/II is an introduction to one- and multidimensional calculus
and linear algebra emphasizing on applications.
Learning objectiveStudents understand mathematics as a language for modeling and as a tool for
solving practical problems in natural sciences.
Students can analyze models, describe solutions qualitatively or calculate
them explicitly if need be. They can solve examples as well as their practical
applications manually and using computer algebra systems.
Content## Eindimensionale diskrete Entwicklungen ##
- linear, exponentiell, begrenzt, logistisch
- Fixpunkte, diskrete Veränderungsrate
- Folgen und Grenzwerte

## Funktionen in einer Variablen ##
- Reproduktion, Fixpunkte
- Periodizität
- Stetigkeit

## Differentialrechnung (I) ##
- Veränderungsrate/-geschwindigkeit
- Differentialquotient und Ableitungsfunktion
- Anwendungen der Ableitungsfunktion

## Integralrechnung (I) ##
- Stammfunktionen
- Integrationstechniken

## Gewöhnliche Differentialgleichungen (I) ##
- Qualitative Beschreibung an Beispielen:
Beschränkt, Logistisch, Gompertz
- Stationäre Lösungen
- Lineare DGL 1. Ordnung
- Trennung der Variablen

## Lineare Algebra ##
- Erste Arithmetische Aspekte
- Matrizenrechnung
- Eigenwerte / -vektoren
- Quadratische LGS und Determinante
Lecture notesIn Ergänzung zu den Vorlesungskapiteln der Lehrveranstaltungen fassen wir
wichtige Sachverhalte, Formeln und weitere Ausführungen jeweils in einem
Vademecum zusammen.

Dabei gilt:

* Die Skripte ersetzen nicht die Vorlesung und/oder die Übungen!
* Ohne den Besuch der Lehrveranstaltungen verlieren die Ausführungen
ihren Mehrwert.
* Details entwickeln wir in den Vorlesungen und den Übungen, um die hier
bestehenden Lücken zu schliessen.
* Prüfungsrelevant ist, was wir in der Vorlesung und in den Übungen behandeln.
LiteratureSiehe auch Lernmaterial > Literatur

**Th. Wihler**
Mathematik für Naturwissenschaften, 2 Bände:
Einführung in die Analysis, Einführung in die Lineare Algebra;
Haupt-Verlag Bern, UTB.

**H. H. Storrer**
Einführung in die mathematische Behandlung der Naturwissenschaften I; Birkhäuser.
Via ETHZ-Bibliothek:
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-0348-8598-0

**Ch. Blatter**
Lineare Algebra; VDF und als Skript in der PolyBox

**A. Caspar, N. Hungerbühler**
Mathematische Modellierung in den Life Sciences, Springer.
Via ETH-Bibliothek:
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-66018-8
Prerequisites / Notice## Übungen und Prüfungen ##
+ Die Übungsaufgaben (Handaufgaben, Khan-Aufgaben, Multiple-Choice) sind ein wichtiger Bestandteil
der Lehrveranstaltung.
+ Es wird erwartet, dass Sie mindestens 9 von 13 der wöchentlichen Serien bearbeiten
und zur Korrektur einreichen.
+ Der Prüfungsstoff ist eine Auswahl von Themen aus Vorlesung und Übungen. Für
eine erfolgreiche Prüfung ist die konzentrierte Bearbeitung der Aufgaben
unerlässlich.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityassessed
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingfostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
First Year Laboratory Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
535-1001-00LLaboratory Course General Chemistry (for Biology and Pharmacy) Restricted registration - show details
Information about the practical course will be given on the first day.

Register in myStudies as early as possible, because the fire protection courses take place separately before the internship starts.
O6 credits8PS. Gruber, J. Hall
AbstractIntroduction to the practical work in a chemistry laboratory. The most important manipulations and techniques are treated, as well as the most fundamental chemical reaction types.
Learning objective- Knowledge of the basic chemical laboratory methods
- Basic knowledge of the scientific approach in experimenting
- Observation and interpretation of chemical processes
- Keeping of a reliable laboratory journal
Content- Simple chemical working techniques/methods
- Separation techniques
- Physical measurements: mass, volume, pH
- Ionic solids (salts)
- Acid/base chemistry, buffers
- Redox reactions
- Metal complexes
- Titration methods and quantitative spectrometry
- Introduction to qualitative analysis
Lecture notesCourse manual in German (is handed out to the students at the begin of the lessons)
Language: German, English upon request
LiteratureBasic Concepts of Chemistry, International Student Version, 8th Edition, Leo J. Malone, Theodore Dolter
Wiley

is a suitable textbook.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis practical course causes costs for materials and chemicals. The costs are charged to the students at the end of semester.

By enrolling in this lab course, students confirm to thoroughly study all safety information and follow instructions.
Second Year Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
551-0127-00LFundamentals of Biology III: MulticellularityO8 credits6GM. Stoffel, M. Künzler, O. Y. Martin, U. Suter, S. Werner, A. Wutz, S. C. Zeeman
AbstractThe lecture conveys the fundamental concepts underlying multicellularity with an emphasis on the molecular basis of multicellular biological systems and their functional integration into coherent wholes. The structural and functional specialization in multicellular organisms will be discussed by highlighting common and specific functions in fungi, plants, and animals (including humans).
Learning objective1.Students can describe advantages and challenges associated with being multicellular and outline independent solutions that organisms have developed to cope with the challenges of complex multicellularity
.
2.Students can explain how the internal and external structures of fungi, plants and animals function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

3.Students can explain the basic pathways and mechanisms of cellular communication regulating cellular behavior (cell adhesion, metabolism, proliferation, reproduction, development).

4.Students can describe how a single cell develops from one cell into many, each with different specialized functions.
ContentThe lecture introduces the structural and functional specialization in fungi, plants and animals, including humans. After providing an overview on the diversity of eukaryotic organisms, the lecture will discuss how fungi, plants, animals and humans have evolved structures and strategies to cope with the challenges of multicellularity. The molecular basis underlying communication, coordination and differentiation will be conveyed and complemented by key aspects of reproduction, metabolism development, and regeneration. Topics include form and function of fungi and plants, human anatomy and physiology, metabolism, cell signaling, adhesion, stem cells, regeneration, reproduction, and development.
LiteratureAlberts et al. 'Molecular Biology of the Cell' 6th edition
Smith A.M., et al. “Plant Biology” Garland Science, New York, Oxford
Campbell “Biology”, 11th Edition
Prerequisites / NoticeSome lecture are held in English.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingassessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
551-1005-00LBioanalytics Information O4 credits4GP. Picotti, F. Allain, V. Korkhov, M. Pilhofer, R. Schlapbach, K. Weis, K. Wüthrich, further lecturers
AbstractThe course will introduce students to a selected set of laboratory techniques that are foundational to modern biological research.
Learning objectiveFor each of the techniques covered in the course, the students will be able to explain:
a) the physical, chemical and biological principles underlying the technique,
b) the requirements for the sample,
c) the type of raw data collected by the technique,
d) the assumptions and auxiliarry information used in the interpretation of the data and
e) how these data can be used to answer a given biological question.
By the end of the course the students will be able to select the appropriate experimental technique to answer a given biological problem and will be able to discuss the
advantages and limitations of individual techniques as well as how different techniques can be combined to gain a more complete understanding of a given biological questions.
ContentThe course will be based on a combination of lectures, selfstudy elements and exercises.

The focus will be on the following experimental techniques:

- DNA sequencing
- chromatography
- mass-spectrometry
- UV/Vis and fluorescence spectrometry
- light microscopy
- electron microscopy
- X-ray crystallography
- NMR spectroscopy
Lecture notesThe course is supported by a Moodle page that gives access to all supporting materials necessary for the course.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
252-0852-00LFoundations of Computer Science Information O4 credits2V + 2UL. E. Fässler, M. Dahinden
AbstractThis course provides selected computer science concepts for interdisciplinary projects.

The following topics are covered: introduction to programming, sequence analysis, modeling and simulations, introduction matrices, managing data with with relational databases.
Learning objectiveStudents learn...

- how to encode a problem into a program, test the program, and correct errors.
- to understand and improve existing code.
- deal with the complexity of real data.
- store data in a suitable data structure.
- query databases and understand and evaluate the corresponding database model.
- to implement models from the natural sciences as a simulation.
- run random experiments and interpret the results.
- explain and apply standard algorithms.
Content1. Variables, data types
2. Control structures, logic
3. Sequential data types, search- and sort algorithms, sequence analysis
4. Functions, modules , simulation and animation
5. Manage data with a relational database
6. Matrices, random experiments, cellular automata
Lecture notesAll materials for the lecture are available at www.gdi.ethz.ch
LiteratureL. Fässler, M. Dahinden, D. Komm, and D. Sichau: Einführung in die Programmierung mit Python. Begleitunterlagen zum Onlinekurs und zur Vorlesung, 2022. ISBN: 978-3-7562-1004-6.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is based on application-oriented learning. The students spend most of their time working through projects with data from natural science and discussing their results with teaching assistants. To learn the computer science basics there are electronic tutorials available.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingfostered
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
401-0643-13LStatistics II Restricted registration - show details O3 credits2V + 1UJ. Dambon
AbstractVertiefung von Statistikmethoden. Nach dem detailierten Fundament aus Statistik I liegt nun der Fokus auf konzeptueller Breite und konkreter Problemlösungsfähigkeit mit der Statistiksoftware R.
Learning objectiveNach diesem Kurs können Sie mit der Statistiksoftware R Daten einlesen, auf vielfältige Art verarbeiten und Grafiken für Berichte oder Vorträge exportieren. Sie verstehen die Konzepte von Methoden wie Lineare Regression (mit Faktoren, Interaktion, Modellwahl), ANOVA (1-weg, 2-weg), Chi-Quadrat-Test, Fisher-Test, GLMs, Mixed Models, Clustering, PCA und können diese mit der Statistiksoftware R in der Praxis umsetzen. Zudem kennen Sie die Grundprinzipien von gutem experimentellem Design und können bestehende Studien kritisch hinterfragen.
529-0015-00LPhysical ChemistryO3 credits2V + 1UG. Jeschke, D. Klose
AbstractThermodynamic foundations of phase equilibria, intermolecular interactions, and molecular self-assembly; kinetics of chemical reactions and transport processes
Learning objectiveThis course teaches physical-chemical foundations of important processes in living cells and organisms as well as of working techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students learn:

1. Evaluation of chemical equilibria based on chemical potential

2. Interpretation of phase diagrams

3. Which interactions between molecules are important in living cells

4. Why molecules self-organize into aggregates

5. Which physical-chemical basics determine behavior of biomembranes

6. What determines the rate of chemical reactions, in particular also of enzymatically catalyzed reactions

7. What determines the transport rate of matter and heat
Contentchemical potential, prediction of the direction of processes, phase equilibria, phase rule, phase diagrams of pure substances, colligative properties, osmosis, dialysis, surface tension, intermolecular interactions, hydrophobic effect, hydrophilic effect and denaturation, amphiphiles, basics of self-association, micelles, packing parameter, double layers, vesicles, membranes, elementary reactions, parallel reactions, consecutive reactions, Eyring theory, enzyme kinetics, diffusion, heat conduction, active transport
Lecture notesA lecture script is provided
LiteratureIn addition to the lecture script, the following two books can be used to gain deeper understanding

Marc R. Roussel, A Life Scientist's Guide to Physical Chemistry, Cambridge University Press, 2012

Jacob Israelachvili, Intermoleculr and Surface Forces, Academic Press, 1992
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesfostered
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Decision-makingfostered
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Customer Orientationfostered
Leadership and Responsibilityfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Negotiationfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
529-0229-00LPractical Course Organic Chemistry (for Students of Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences) Restricted registration - show details
Latest online enrolment is 10 days before the beginning of the semester.
Students who did not pass the first-year examinations need the lecturers' written permission to take this course.
O8 credits12PC. Thilgen
AbstractAnalytical part: basic operations for the separation of mixtures of organic compounds (recrystallization, distillation, extraction, chromatography)
Synthetic part (main part): at least 8 synthetic steps (one- or two-step syntheses).
Learning objectiveLearn the basic techniques for the preparation and purification of organic compounds.
Learn to take accurate notes of the experiments and to write reports.
Deepen the understanding of reaction mechanisms.
ContentAnalytical part: basic operations for the separation of mixtures of organic compounds (recrystallization, distillation, extraction, chromatography).

Synthetic part (main part): at least 8 synthetic steps (one- or two-step syntheses) from the following classes of reactions: 1. nucleophilic substitution at C(sp3), 2. elimination or electrophilic addition to C=C, 3. electrophilic aromatic substitution, 4. oxidation, 5. reduction, 6. Grignard reaction, 7. synthesis of a carboxylic acid derivative, 8. Aldol-, Claisen-, Mannich-, Michael reaction or Robinson annulation.

Introduction to database searches (Reaxys, SciFinder).
Lecture notesDocumentation will be handed out at the beginning of the course.
Literature1) P. Wörfel, M. Bitzer, U. Claus, H. Felber, M. Hübel, B. Vollenweider, Laborpraxis (Bd. 1: Einführung, allgemeine Methoden; Bd. 2: Messmethoden; Bd. 3: Trennungsmethoden; Bd. 4: Analytische Methoden); Birkhäuser Verlag; Basel; 1990.
2) J. Leonard, B. Lygo, G. Procter; Advanced Practical Organic Chemistry; CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group; Boca Raton, FL; 2013.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe basic reactions of Organic Chemistry and their mechanisms should be known and the corresponding exam have been passed (cf. course 529-1012-00L Organic Chemistry II for Students of Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sci. and Tech.).

As a prerequisite, all participants need to pass the "Safety Test HCI Chemie_V2 English" (see https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch). A printout of the certificate generated by the system needs to be presented to the teaching assistants prior to starting lab work.

By enrolling in this lab course, students confirm to thoroughly study all safety information and follow instructions
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Negotiationfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
Third Year Courses
Concept Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-2413-00LEvolutionary GeneticsW6 credits4VT. Städler, A. Widmer, S. Fior, M. Fischer, J. Stapley
AbstractThe concept course 'Evolutionary Genetics' consists of two lectures that jointly provide an introduction to the fields of population and quantitative genetics (emphasis on basic concepts) and ecological genetics (more emphasis on evolutionary and ecological processes of adaptation and speciation).
Learning objectiveThe aim of the course is to provide students with a solid introduction to the fields of population genetics, quantitative genetics, and ecological genetics. The concepts and research methods developed in these fields have undergone profound transformations; they are of fundamental importance in our understanding of evolutionary processes, both past and present. Students should gain an appreciation for the concepts, methods and explanatory power of evolutionary genetics.
ContentPopulation genetics - Types and sources of genetic variation; randomly mating populations and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; effects of inbreeding; natural selection; random genetic drift and effective population size; gene flow and hierarchical population structure; molecular population genetics: neutral theory of molecular evolution and basics of coalescent theory.
Quantitative genetics - Continuous variation; measurement of quant. characters; genes, environments and their interactions; measuring their influence; response to selection; inbreeding and crossbreeding, effects on fitness; Fisher's fundamental theorem.
Ecological Genetics - Concepts and methods for the study of genetic variation and its role in adaptation, reproductive isolation, hybridization and speciation
Lecture notesHandouts
LiteratureHamilton, M.B. 2009. Population Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingfostered
551-0307-00LMolecular and Structural Biology I: Protein Structure and Function
D-BIOL students are obliged to take part I and part II (next semester) as a two-semester course
W3 credits2VR. Glockshuber, K. Locher, E. Weber-Ban
AbstractBiophysics of protein folding, membrane proteins and biophysics of membranes, enzymatic catalysis, catalytic RNA and RNAi, current topics in protein biophysics and structural biology.
Learning objectiveUnderstanding of structure-function relationships in proteins and in protein folding, detailed understanding of biophysics and physical methods as well as modern methods for protein purification and microanalytics.
Lecture notesScripts on the individual topics can be found under http://www.mol.biol.ethz.ch/teaching.
LiteratureBasics:
- Creighton, T.E., Proteins, Freeman, (1993)
- Fersht, A., Enzyme, Structure and Mechanism in Protein Science (1999), Freeman.
- Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer: Biochemistry (5th edition), Freeman (2001).

Current topics: References will be given during the lectures.

.
551-0309-00LConcepts in Modern Genetics
Information for UZH students:
Enrolment to this course unit only possible at ETH. No enrolment to module BIO348 at UZH.

Please mind the ETH enrolment deadlines for UZH students: Link
W6 credits4VY. Barral, D. Bopp, A. Hajnal, O. Voinnet
AbstractConcepts of modern genetics and genomics, including principles of classical genetics; yeast genetics; gene mapping; forward and reverse genetics; structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes; molecular mechanisms and regulation of transcription, replication, DNA-repair and recombination; analysis of developmental processes; epigenetics and RNA interference.
Learning objectiveThis course focuses on the concepts of classical and modern genetics and genomics.
ContentThe topics include principles of classical genetics; yeast genetics; gene mapping; forward and reverse genetics; structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes; molecular mechanisms and regulation of transcription, replication, DNA-repair and recombination; analysis of developmental processes; epigenetics and RNA interference.
Lecture notesScripts and additional material will be provided during the semester.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
551-0311-00LMolecular Life of PlantsW6 credits4VS. C. Zeeman, K. Bomblies, O. Voinnet
AbstractThe advanced course introduces students to plants through a concept-based discussion of developmental processes that integrates physiology and biochemistry with genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The course follows the life of the plant, starting with the seed, progressing through germination to the seedling and mature plant, and ending with reproduction and senescence.
Learning objectiveThe new course "Molecular Life of Plants" reflects the rapid advcances that are occurring in the field of experimental plant biology as well as the changing interests of students being trained in this discipline. Contemporary plant biology courses emphasize a traditional approach to experimental plant biology by discussing discrete topics that are removed from the context of the plant life cycle. The course will take an integrative approach that focuses on developmental concepts. Whereas traditional plant physiology courses were based on research carried out on intact plants or plant organs and were often based on phenomenological observations, current research in plant biology emphasizes work at the cellular, subcellular and molecular levels.

The goal of "Molecular Life of Plants" is to train students in integrative approaches to understand the function of plants in a developmental context. While the course focuses on plants, the training integrative approaches will also be useful for other organisms.
ContentThe course "Molecular Life of Plants" will cover the following topics:

Seed structure and physiology, their dormancy and germination.
Seedling establishment and early development.
Structure and Function of Meristems, including stem cells.
Plant organ development (leaves, roots, flowers etc.).
Plant reproduction.
The plant vasculature for long-distance transport and other specialized tissues.
Sensing and responding to the abiotic environment
Plant-microbe interactions; beneficial friends or pathogenic foes?
Polyploidy; the benefits, problems and solutions to of multiple genomes.
Photosynthesis and carbon partitioning.
Photorespiration and the evolution of C4 metabolism.
Starch biosynthesis and degradation.
Chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis.
Senescence mechanisms in plants.
General principles of RNA silencing
MicroRNAs: discovery, general principle and modes of action at the cellular and system levels.
Chromatin-based RNA silencing.
Antiviral RNA silencing.
RNA silencing & defense against non-viral pathogens.
RNA silencing movement and amplification.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
551-0313-00LMicrobiology (Part I)W3 credits2VW.‑D. Hardt, L. Eberl, B. Nguyen, J. Piel, M. Pilhofer, A. Vagstad
AbstractAdvanced lecture class providing a broad overview on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
Learning objectiveThis concept class will be based on common concepts and introduce to the enormous diversity among bacteria and archaea. It will cover the current research on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
ContentAdvanced class covering the state of the research in bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
Lecture notesUpdated handouts will be provided during the class.
LiteratureCurrent literature references will be provided during the lectures.
Prerequisites / NoticeEnglish
The lecture "Grundlagen der Biologie II: Mikrobiologie" is the basis for this advanced lecture.
551-0319-00LCellular Biochemistry (Part I)W3 credits2VU. Kutay, F. Allain, T. Kleele, I. Zemp
AbstractConcepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into structure, function and regulation of individual cell components. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cell division & growth, and cell migration.
Learning objectiveThe full-year course (551-0319-00 & 551-0320-00) focuses on the molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of cellular physiology, investigating how these processes are integrated to carry out highly coordinated cellular functions. The molecular characterisation of complex cellular functions requires a combination of approaches such as biochemistry, but also cell biology and genetics. This course is therefore the occasion to discuss these techniques and their integration in modern cellular biochemistry.
The students will be able to describe the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the spatial and temporal regulation of their interactions. In particular, they will learn to explain the integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into complex and highly dynamic cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell motility, cell division and cell growth. In addition, they will be able to illustrate the relevance of particular signaling pathways for cellular pathologies such as cancer.
ContentStructural and functional details of individual cell components, regulation of their interactions, and various aspects of the regulation and compartmentalisation of biochemical processes.
Topics include: biophysical and electrical properties of membranes; viral membranes; structural and functional insights into intracellular transport and targeting; vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis; post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
Lecture notesScripts and additional material will be provided during the semester. Please contact Dr. Alicia Smith for assistance with the learning materials. (alicia.smith@bc.biol.ethz.ch)
LiteratureRecommended supplementary literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeTo attend this course the students must have a solid basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry and general biology. The course will be taught in English.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
551-0317-00LImmunology IW3 credits2VM. Kopf, A. Oxenius
AbstractIntroduction into structural and functional aspects of the immune system.
Basic knowledge of the mechanisms and the regulation of an immune response.
Learning objectiveIntroduction into structural and functional aspects of the immune system.
Basic knowledge of the mechanisms and the regulation of an immune response.
Content- Introduction and historical background
- Innate and adaptive immunity, Cells and organs of the immune system
- B cells and antibodies
- Generation of diversity
- Antigen presentation and Major Histoincompatibility (MHC) antigens
- Thymus and T cell selection
- Autoimmunity
- Cytotoxic T cells and NK cells
- Th1 and Th2 cells, regulatory T cells
- Allergies
- Hypersensitivities
- Vaccines, immune-therapeutic interventions
Lecture notesElectronic access to the documentation will be provided. The link can be found at "Lernmaterialien"
Literature- Kuby, Immunology, 9th edition, Freemen + Co., New York, 2020
Prerequisites / NoticeFor D-BIOL students Immunology I (WS) and Immunology II (SS) will be examined as one learning entity in a "Sessionsprüfung". All other students write separate exams for Immunology I and Immunology II. All exams (combined exam Immunology I and II, individual exams) are offered in each exam session.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Decision-makingfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingassessed
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
551-1299-00LBioinformatics Restricted registration - show details W6 credits4GS. Sunagawa, P. Beltrao, V. Boeva, A. Kahles, C. von Mering, N. Zamboni
AbstractStudents will study bioinformatic concepts in the areas of metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, biological networks and biostatistics. Through integrated lectures, practical hands-on exercises and project work, students will also be trained in analytical and programming skills to meet the emerging increase in data-driven knowledge generation in biology in the 21st century.
Learning objectiveStudents will have an advanced understanding of the underlying concepts behind modern bioinformatic analyses at genome, metagenome and proteome-wide scales. They will be familiar with the most common data types, where to access them, and how to analytically work with them to address contemporary questions in the field of biology.
Prerequisites / NoticeCourse participants have already acquired basic programming skills in UNIX, Python and R.

Students bring their own computer with keyboard, internet access (browser) and software to connect to the ETH network via VPN.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Media and Digital Technologiesassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
  •  Page  1  of  3 Next page Last page     All