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551-0209-00L 2 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-BIOL , D-USYS

Sustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Melanie Paschke, Dr. Frank Liebisch, Dr. S. Franz Bender
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:30

Abstract

This seminar explores how agriculture and food systems can operate within planetary boundaries. Students examine two main themes: (1) agroecological systems and their potential to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in Switzerland and globally, and (2) food system transformation through policy strategies, food environments, and consumer behavior.

Objective

Participants will be able to: (1) Review issues of sustainability in the context of plant science research and literature on sustainable agriculture and the food system. (2) Analyze and interact on several case studies on agro-ecology and the food system.

Content

Future society has to feed nine billion people, therefore agriculture and food, waste and resource management have to go hand in hand toward the use of less resources and acceptance of the limits of Planetary Boundaries. Students examine two main themes: (1) agroecological systems and their potential to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in Switzerland and globally, and (2) food system transformation through policy strategies, food environments, and consumer behavior. Through a mix of input sessions, self-organized group work, and case study analysis, participants investigate challenges such as zero-impact farming, sustainable consumption in global supply chains, sensor-based fertilization, nitrogen awareness, and urban food system change. The seminar culminates in student presentations and a joint blog publication on the PSC Science and Policy Blog.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Sustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)
**together with University of Zurich and University of Basel** Dates: October 1, 2026 (14:00 - 18:00), and December 1, 2026 (09:00 -13:00) More information: (ETH_VVZ_551-0209-00)
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In