Capstone course in which students solve complex real-world land-use problems, for which no single correct solution exists. Students work in project teams and take the role of consultants. They integrate the knowledge acquired during their previous studies and deepen their analysis, problem-solving and writing skills.

The course teaches the theoretical principles and practical methods of dendroecology. Students learn to date and analyze tree rings in order to reconstruct ecological processes, environmental changes and climatic influences.

This course introduces plant ecology. Through lectures, exercises and excursions, students will gain a broad vision of the cutting edge topics that are being researched and studied at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH and WSL. This will be the base for a future dialog between the field of landscape architecture and the field of sciences.

Tree and stand growth are key processes for forest management and key indicators of tree performance and stand productivity. Understanding of the physiological processes that steer germination, growth and mortality of trees is crucial. Moreover, knowledge on the impact of abiotic and biotic factors is central for the understanding of forest dynamics on various spatiotemporal scales.

The field course offers an introduction to the field of mountain forest ecology and management of mountain forests. The students learn in a group to carry out a project based on a self-defined research question.