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701-0985-00L 1 Credits DS , BSC D-USYS , D-GESS , D-HEST

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Social Intercourse with Current Environmental Risks

Gesellschaftlicher Umgang mit aktuellen Umweltrisiken

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Bernd Nowack, Claudia M. Som-Koller

Does not take place this semester.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:38

Abstract

The lecture treats the social intercourse with risks of technical systems. The notion of risk and the perception of risk are discussed by case studies (e.g. nanotechnology) and socio-political instruments for decision-making are presented. Methods are presented that can be applied to deal with environmental risks and how they can be used for sustainable innovation.

Objective

- Getting acquainted to the extended risk concept - Evaluation of the risks caused by technology within the societal context - Knowledge about the mode science and society handle current environmental risks (examples gene- and nanotechnology) - Knowledge about handling risks (e.g. precautionary principle, protection goal, damage definition, ethics) Knowledge about possibilities for sustainable innovation

Content

- Risks and technical systems (risk categories, risk perception, risk management) - Illustration with case studies (nanotechnology) - Implementation (politics, science, media, etc.) - Decision making (technology assessment, cost/benefit analysis etc.) - The role of the media - prospects for future developments

Resources

Lecture Notes

Copies of slides and selected documents will be distributed

General Information

Language: German
Levels: DS , BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Gesellschaftlicher Umgang mit aktuellen Umweltrisiken Does not take place this semester. wird im HS21 wieder angeboten	No time listed	1 h weekly

Offered In

GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
- Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
  - Economics
- Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for doctoral, master and bachelor students (after first-year examination only). Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll)
  - D-USYS
  - D-MATL
  - D-MAVT
Public Policy Bachelor
- Electives
  - Additional Elective Courses (These Electives may be chosen from the start of the Bachelor Study Programme.)
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Social Sciences and Humanities
  - Electives
    - Module Political and Social Sciences
Food Science Bachelor
- Electives (A list with possible electives will be published separately.)