VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

227-0803-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-BAUG , D-INFK

You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Energy, Resources, Environment: Risks and Prospects

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Oliver Zenklusen, Dr. Thomas Flüeler

VVZ CR 3.8

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:41

Abstract

Multidisciplinary, interactive course focussing on current debates around environmental and energy issues. Topics include: energy transition, nuclear energy and climate change, 2000-Watt-Society. Concepts such as risk, sustainable development and eco-efficiency are applied to case studies. The course is designed for a pluridisciplinary audience and provides a training ground for critical thinking.

Objective

Develop capacities for explicating environmental problems, for scrutinising proposed solutions and for contributing to debates. Analyse complex issues from different perspectives and using a variety of analytical concepts. Understand interactions between the environment, science and technology, society and the economy. Develop skills in critical thinking, scientific writing and presenting.

Content

Following a multidisciplinary outline of current issues in environmental and energy policy, the course introduces theoretical and analytical approaches including "risk", "sustainability", "resource management", "messy problems" as well as concepts from institutional design and environmental economics. Large parts of the course are dedicated to case studies and contributions from participants. These serve for applying concepts to concrete challenges and debates. Topics may include: energy transition, innovation, carbon markets, the future of nuclear energy, climate change and development policy, dealing with disaster risk, the use of non-renewable resources, as well as visions such as 2000-watt society.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Presentations and reader provided in electronic formats.

Literature

Reader provided in electronic formats.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Contribution to the course on a selected topic (essay, presentation) plus a brief written exam at the end of the semester.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Energy, Resources, Environment: Risks and Prospects	Thu 08:15-12:00 (HG D 3.2) 20.02 Date 08:15-12:00 (HG E 3)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Engineering Bachelor
- 6. Semester
  - Elective Blocks
    - Elective Block: Energy (Offer in HS (as from HS19 on): -227-1635-00L Electric Circuits -151-1633-00L Energy Conversion At least 10KP must be achieved for the elective block: Energy.)
Computer Science Bachelor
- Minor Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- Electives (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), published on our website ( ).)
  - Man-Technology-Environment Electives ("MTU")
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Subjects of General Interest (These courses are suitable for several special fields. Please consult your tutor.)