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701-0340-00L 7 Credits BSC D-USYS

Practical Course in Environmental Biology (Block Days)

Praktikum Umweltbiologie (Blocktage)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jukka Jokela, Prof. Dr. Christoph Vorburger, Prof. Dr. Janneke Hille Ris Lambers, Dr. Oliver Reutimann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:54

Abstract

This course aims at developing research skills in environmental biology. Students carry out small research projects in terrestrial and aquatic ecology, ecological genetics, and population biology. Students analyse their data statistically and present the results both orally and in written reports.

Objective

Students learn how to carry out ecological research projects. They obtain a thorough understanding of selected research topics, and they gain practical experience in handling a wide range of organisms in various types of ecosystems. After the course, successful participants can: - formulate precise research questions and testable hypotheses - design and set up experiments - measure appropriate variables (for the studied organisms and hypotheses) - analyse data statistically and draw conclusions from statistical outputs - present their results according to scientific standards in the research field

Content

The semester starts with an introduction to research questions and hypotheses, experimental design and data analysis. During the semester, students carry out several small research projects in aquatic and terrestrial ecology as well as ecological genetics. Projects address specific research questions related to general topics such as: - resource acquisition - competition, grazing, predation, parasitism - population structure (demography, spatial patterns) - community composition, species diversity - species differentiation and hybridisation During the field course (one full week after the semester), students carry out their individual project in population biology. They choose the topic, organism and system they want to study and develop their own research questions. They conduct the entire research project by themselves and present their results orally and in a report.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Anforderungen:- obligatorische und aktive Teilnahme- zwei mündliche Präsentationen (Vorträge im Mini-Symposium zu ökologischer Genetik sowie am Ende des Feldkurses) und- ein schriftlicher Bericht über eines der Projekte in terrestrischer oder aquatischer Ökologie.Jede dieser Aufgaben wird in kleinen Gruppen bearbeitet und muss mindestens als „genügend“ bewertet werden.Requirements:- obligatory and active participation- two oral presentations (presentation in the mini-symposium on ecological genetics and at the end of the field course and- a written report on one of the projects in terrestrial or aquatic ecology.Each of these tasks is completed in small groups and must be graded at least ‘sufficient’.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Praktikum Umweltbiologie (Blocktage)
Praktikum nach speziellem Programm. Praktikumsbeginn am 19. 02. 2026 an der ETH Hönggerberg (HPW) um 09.00 h. Während des Semesters Termine am Donnerstag und Freitag mit Veranstaltungen am Hönggerberg (Terrestrische Ökologie), Forschungsstation Lindau (Ökologische Genetik), an der EAWAG (Aquatische Ökologie) und im Feld. Im Anschluss ans Semester findet der populationsbiologische Feldkurs statt. Dieses Praktikum ist NICHT kompatibel mit anderen Lehrveranstaltungen, die donnerstags oder freitags stattfinden.
  • 29.05 Date 08:15-17:00 (CHN G 46)
14 h weekly

Offered In

  • Environmental Sciences Bachelor
    • Specialization in an Environmental System
      • Environmental Biology (The following courses are highly recommended as preparation for the Specialization in Environmental Biology: 227-0399-10L Physiology and Anatomy for Biomedical Engineers I (Autumn semester) 551-0448-00L Zoologie (Spring semester) 701-0360-00L Systematische Biologie: Pflanzen (Spring semester) 227-0398-10L Physiology and Anatomy for Biomedical Engineers II (Spring semester) These courses should be successfully completed during the second year.)