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Environmental Systems II
Umweltsysteme II
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:42
Abstract
The lecture provides a science-based exploration of three important environmental systems: Inland waters, forest, and of food systems.
Objective
The students are able to explain important functions of the three environmental systems, to discuss critical drivers, trends and conflicts of their use and to compare potential solutions.
Content
Part I: Water systems. Overview of different water systems: (1) Water cycle and flowing waters, (2) Standing surface waters (oceans, seas, lakes), (3) Water reservoirs (snow and glaciers, groundwater), (4) Water quality (physical, chemical, biological), (5) Water systems under change (climate change, conflicts of use). Specific topics: Water bodies as ecosystems, water use and its impacts, threats to and protection of water quality, water & health, water technologies, water & energy Part II: Forest systems. Forests and agroforest systems, trends and drivers of land use changes, sustainable forest management. Part III: Human systems. The main functions, trends and challenges of agricultural and food systems are discussed based on the four dimensions of food security (availability, access, utilization of food and stability of the food systems).
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes or other documentation are provided by instructors and accessible via moodle.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- Fachneutrales Wörterbuch für fremdsprachige Studierende erlaubt
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Umweltsysteme II |
|
2 h weekly |