Introduction into the basics of resource utilisation. It analyses aspects of demographic change, discusses political, societal and economic factors and models of sustainable resource utilisation and analyses national and international instruments of environmental protection.

Doctoral candidates from all ETH departments, whose research is related to global sustainable development issues, and conducting research in low- or middle-income countries are invited to give a presentation about their on-going work and discuss their doctoral project with a diverse group of researchers.

The topics are selected on the basis of their actual and future relevance for the international development cooperation:• Project / Programme Cycle Management• Governance and the Millenium Development Goals in Sub-Sahara Africa• Governance and DecentralisationAdditionally, the seminar deals with the topic „Climatic Change"

Seminar on selected and topical issues of international development and cooperation (students give presentations of papers or book chapters).

Ability to critically assess explanations of development; judgement of measures to improve development

This course is an introduction to theoretical and empirical discussions on economic development, with a focus on the challenges of developing countries over the last 50 years. The course provides answers to the following questions: How can and should development be measured? What factors drive economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction?

Introduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction.

The course conveys basic knowledge of methods and instruments for the financial management and the economic analysis of development projects. Case studies and exercises are used to make students familiar with methods and instruments of financial management.

The course examines forms, causes and effects of fraud and corruption in developing countries. Participants receive an introduction to the main concepts and mechanisms of prevention, detection, investigation and sanctioning. By using practical examples, the course prepares participants for dealing with fraud and corruption related issues in the context of development projects.

Students are familiarized with fundamental linkages between industrial development and environmental damages. The course imparts basic knowledge about efficient instruments of environment policy to control industrial emissions and about possible interventions of development assistance.

The course conveys basic knowledge about the M4P-project approach in development cooperation (Making Markets Work for the Poor). Important elements are: strategic framework of the M4P-concept; understanding systems and system change; sustainability and facilitation of system change; measurement and management of private sector promotion in development assistance.

The course provides an introduction into contemporary theoretical concepts and practical approaches of poverty reduction. For the macro level linakges between economic growth and poverty reduction are discussed, including prop-poor growth policies. For the micro level project and programme concepts are presented and discussed that are based on livelihood and empowerment approaches.