VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Interdisciplinary project
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:18
Abstract
Capstone course to solve a complex “real-world” land-use development problem. Students work in project teams and have to apply good systems analysis and judgment borne of co-operative work, knowledge acquired during previous studies, and state-of-the-art tools. The project addresses an open-ended problem that has no "answer in the back of a book".
Objective
The project-based learning context aims at developing and sharpening the following skills: - Solve problems methodologically sound by following a step by-step-problem-soving cycle, - applicate and integrate information and knowledge from several disciplines adequately, - Use state-of-the-art tools for the analysis of spatial and scalar data, - work and solve conflicts collaboratively in a project team.
Content
Real-world case, based on a catchment area on the northern slopes of the Swiss Alps. Stu-dent work collaboratively in project teams by addressing the early phases of a project life-cycle: - Strategy: formulation of problem statements and specifications, identification of goals for land-use development, formulation of realistic constraints (such as economic fac-tors, environmental and social impacts). - Preliminary development plan: refinement of goals and formulation of objectives, quan-titative description of selected system components, consideration of alternative solu-tions, feasibility analysis, recommendation and proposal for next steps. There are four preparatory days during the semester, followed by a two week time block at the beginning of the semester break. Decisive date are made available on a geo-database that can be accessed through a local-area network.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course |
Interdisciplinary project
und nV
|
|
8 h weekly |