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701-0340-00L 7 Credits BSC D-USYS
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Practical Course in Environmental Biology

Praktikum Umweltbiologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jukka Jokela, Prof. Dr. Christoph Vorburger, Prof. Dr. Jake Alexander, Dr. Martin Fischer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:16

Abstract

This course aims at developing research skills in environmental biology. Students carry out small research projects in plant ecology, ecological genetics, aquatic ecology and population biology. These projects include field surveys as well as garden and laboratory experiments. Students analyse their data statistically and present the results both orally and in written reports.

Objective

Students learn how to carry out ecological research projects. They obtain a thorough understanding of selected research topics, and they gain practical experience in handling a wide range of organisms in various types of ecosystems. After the course, successful participants can: - formulate precise research questions and testable hypotheses - design and set up experiments - measure appropriate variables (for the studied organisms and hypotheses) - analyse data statistically and draw conclusions from statistical outputs - present their results according to scientific standards in the research field

Content

The semester starts with an introduction to research questions and hypotheses, experimental design and data analysis. During the semester, students carry out several small research projects in aquatic and terrestrial ecology, microbial ecology and ecological genetics. Projects address specific research questions related to general topics such as: - resource acquisition - competition, grazing, predation, parasitism - population structure (demography, spatial patterns) - community composition, species diversity - species differentiation and hybridisation During the field course (one full week after the semester), students carry out their individual project in population biology. They choose the topic, organism and system they want to study and develop their own research questions. They conduct the entire research project by themselves and present their results orally and in a report.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Praktikum Umweltbiologie
Praktikum nach speziellem Programm. Praktikumsbeginn am 21.02.2020 an der ETH Hönggerberg (08.45 h, HPW) Während des Semesters Termine am Do und Fr mit Veranstaltungen am Hönggerberg (Terrestrische Ökologie, Mikrobielle Ökologie und ökologische Genetik), an der EAWAG (Aquatische Ökologie) und im Feld. Im Anschluss ans Semester (2.-6. 6. 2020) populationsbiologischer Feldkurs in Ces TI.
  • 05.03 Date 08:15-10:00 (CHN G 22)
  • 06.03 Date 12:15-17:00 (CHN G 46)
14 h weekly

Offered In