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701-1580-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS

Environmental and Agricultural Regulation: Law and Governance

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Roland Norer, Stefanie Hug
After 27.02.2026 no registration is possible. Target group and waiting list will be invited to the mandatory introduction on 09.03.2026.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:57

Abstract

This course first introduces the students to the main features of international environmental law (actors, sources, key concepts, governance structures and institutional frameworks) and gives an overview of its foundational principles and objectives. In addition, particular subject matters such as climate change, flora, fauna and biodiversity and agricultural regulations will be looked at.

Objective

The aim of this course is to make students with a technical scientific background aware of the legal and political context of international environmental and agricultural policy and to give them an understanding of the legal framework surrounding environmental protection and agriculture.

Content

Topics covered in lectures: 1. Introduction and key concepts 2. Fresh Water Resources 3. Wolves and pasture economy 4. Glyphosate and public participation 5. Climate 6. Swiss Law 7. Performance review

Resources

Literature

What’s indispensable? • Selected articles and cases will be made available • Ulrich Beyerlin/Thilo Marauhn, International Environmental Law, Hart Publishing, Oxford 2011 Further Literature: • Lavanya Rajamani and Jacqueline Peel (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of International Environmental Law, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2nd ed 2021 • Brian Jack, Agriculture and EU environmental law, Ashgate 2009

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
The performance assessment consists of:- a case study on a court case as group work (5-6 people per group)- One case is dealt with per lecture topic- Students present the results of the case study during class and there will be a discussion in plenary afterwards- At the end of the course, students have to complete a learning assessment in the form of a short multiple-choice exam.

Registration & Places

Max Places
30
Signup End
27.02.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 16.02.2026 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Environmental and Agricultural Regulation: Law and Governance
  • Mon 16:15-18:00 (LFW C 1)
  • 09.03 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.1)
  • 25.05 Date 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
1 h weekly

Offered In