n.BA.AD.EnSy1.23HS (Environmental Systems 1) 
Module: Environmental Systems 1
This information was generated on: 13 May 2024
No.
n.BA.AD.EnSy1.23HS
Title
Environmental Systems 1
Credits
4

Description

Version: 1.0 start 01 August 2023

 

Study Programme Applied Digital Life Sciences
Regulations Applicable RPO, 29 January 2008, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Academic Regulations, 15 Dec. 2009, Annex for the Bachelor of Applied Digital Life Sciences degree programme
Module Type  
X Compulsory Module    Elective Module    Optional Module
Planned Semester 4th Semester
Module Coordinator Dominik Refardt
Telephone / E-Mail +41 (0)58 934 53 65 / dominik.refardt@zhaw.ch
Lecturer(s),
Speaker(s),
Associate(s)		 Dominik Refardt, Fridolin Tschudi, Victor Garcia, further teachers (also external) as required
Entrance Requirements None
Learning Outcomes and Competencies Technical Skills:
Students…
  • acquire the knowledge of fundamental concepts in ecology (also applied ecology) and environmental sciences.
  • are proficient in applied topics in ecology and environmental sciences.
  • can apply quantitative methods to describe or solve issues related to the above.
  • students can model simple environmental systems using the tools of system analysis.
  • can research the relevant scientific literature and extract key information.
Transferrable skills:
Students…
  • are versed in environmental research and can understand and use the scientic jargon.
  • can extract and criticize scientific data.
  • can convey scientific topics to an audience outside of the subject area.
  • understand the chances and limits of applying mathematical models to environmental systems.
Module Content Introduction of selected topics in ecology and environmental sciences that are either essential or of particular relevance for data scientists:
  • Ecology: abiotic factors and resources, climate and biomes, population ecology, molecular ecology, biodiversity, energy and matter, biogeochemistry, conservation, and human ecology.
  • Environmental sciences: atmospheric sciences, environmental chemistry, geosciences, and environmental engineering.
Introduction to systems analysis, covering an introduction to mathematical modeling in environmental sciences, static models and linear models with one or several variables and substance flow analysis.
Practical applications of data science in the above-mentioned topics are provided as exercises.
Scientific writing includes an introduction to literature search, citation practices, plagiarism, and writing style in environmental sciences. Students then select an appropriate scientific publication, which must be presented and critized. The assignment includes a peer-review process.
Follow-up Modules Environmental Systems 2
Methods of Instruction  Lectures, classroom exercises, online resources, assignments, coaching, peer-reviewing.
Digital Resources
  • Begon, Howarth & Townsend, 2014, Essentials of Ecology, 4th edition, Wiley.
  • Imboden & Pfenninger, 2013, Introduction to Systems Analysis, Springer.
Lesson Structure / Workload  
 Contact Hours 40
 Guided Self-Study 40
 Independent Self-Study 40
 Total Workload 120
Classroom Attendance Lectures will also be recorded and can be used for asynchronous learning. Physical or online presence during lectures is not mandatory but recommended.

Exercises and assignments are compulsory.
Assessment
  • Coursework 33.3%: scientific essay/presentation
  • Written exam at the end of the semester 66.7%
 
If there is a low number of participants, the lecturer may change the form of a repeat examination after consultation with the head of the study programme: e.g. an oral examination can be used to replace a written one. Please report any changes to the form of examinations by e-mail to pruefungsadmin.lsfm@zhaw.ch and Cc. Head of study programme.
Language of Instruction  English
Comments -

 

Course: Environmental Systems 1
No.
n.BA.AD.EnSy1.23HS.V
Title
Environmental Systems 1

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 13 May 2024.