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 Data might be outdated or incorrect.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

103-0116-AAL 3 Credits MSC D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Ecology and Soil Science

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Silvia Tobias
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:32

Abstract

The main focus of the lecture are the basics of ecology and soil science. Students learn about the interdependence of organisms and environment, resource cycles, ecosystems as well as soil characteristics and genesis. The impact of human behavior on ecosystems and the problems of different land use are covered by the lecture, too.

Objective

-getting insights into the basics of ecology -ability to assess the consequences of spatial planning on ecosystems -understanding of ecological processes and interdependency -understanding of function and potential of soil

Content

Basics of Ecology -definition of ecology, types, habitat, ecosystem, environment -human influence on ecosystem -context of landscape and ecology -ecological context for practical application (e.g. in spatial planning) Basics of Soil Science -basic concept and definition of soil, soiltype and essential parameters -soil water balance (irrigation, drainage) -soil compaction and erosion -reclamation and renaturation -material pollution of soil and remediation approaches - soil and spatial planning

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and slides (in German) can be downloaded from the PLUS homepage.

Literature

Lecture notes and slides (in German) can be downloaded from the PLUS homepage.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
No calculators allowed

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Ecology and Soil Science
Self-study course. No presence required.
No time listed 90 h semesterly

Offered In