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Sustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:55
Abstract
Participants will be able to discuss and understand sustainability in the context of plant science research. A special focus will be on research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research.
Objective
Participants will be able to: (1) Review issues of sustainability in the context of plant science research and literature on sustainable agriculture and the food system. (2) Analyze and interact on several case studies in agro-ecology and the food system. (3) Use SDGs in your case study as a target and assessment system for sustainability in agriculture and in the food system.
Content
Future society has to feed nine billion people, therefore agriculture but also food, waste and resource management has to go hand in hand in the use of less resources. We will discuss current plant science research in the context of sustainability. Focus of the seminar will be on: (1) Research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research. Can we transform our agricultural practices and move behind existing paradigms to develop innovative and sustainable agriculture production systems? Where does current research indicate on directions for transformation of current practice and how can we assess and analyse them? (2) The Sustainable Development Goals that should guide the current contributions of plant sciences: What research and innovation are necessary to contribute to the SDGs? How can we assess their possible contribution in the near future? (3) Sustainable food systems: How could local food systems be build and scaled? In this topic, our focus is on giving insight in policy strategies and local sustainability efforts to give the group of participants an opportunity to understand sustainability in a real societal context. The course will be organized with two workshops (half days, 14:00 - 18:00) and an intensive, well-structured self-study/ group work phase in between the workshops. Online learning material in provided on for example: 1 | Biotic interactions 2 | Nutrient management 3 | Plant breeding 4 | Global change More information: https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch/en/teaching/masters/sustplantsys.html
Resources
Lecture Notes
Access to the learning platform:https://lms.uzh.ch/auth/RepositoryEntry/3604873218/CourseNode/83441794245107 (use your AAI login)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Sustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)
**together with University of Zurich and University of Basel**
Presence days: 7. october & 3. december 2021 14:00 - 18:00
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Minor in Global Change and Sustainability (This minor will only be offered in the academic year 21/22. As of the academic year 22/23, the minor can no longer be chosen. The course units offered in the minor can still be taken as electives.)
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