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n.BA.UI.SyMo1.24HS (Systems and Models 1) 
Module: Systems and Models 1
This information was generated on: 11 June 2026
No.
n.BA.UI.SyMo1.24HS
Title
Systems and Models 1
Credits
3

Description

Version: 3.0 start 01 August 2025

 

Study Programme Natural Resource Sciences
Regulations Applicable RPO, 29 January 2008, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Academic Regulations, 15 Dec. 2009, Annex for the Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences degree programme
Module Type  
X Compulsory Module    Elective Module    Optional Module
Planned Semester 1st Semester
Module Coordinator Hanna Kröhnert
Telephone / E-Mail +41 (0)58 934 57 21 / hanna.kroehnert@zhaw.ch
Lecturer(s),
Speaker(s),
Associate(s)		 Hanna Kröhnert and various internal lecturers
Entrance Requirements -
Learning Outcomes and Competencies The students will ...
  • understand the basic principles of systems, and be able to integrate systems they are familiar with into broader system contexts.
  • develop skills in networked thinking.
  • acquire knowledge of systems from various fields.
  • learn to visually represent systems using diagrams and employ tools for this purpose.
  • be able to present issues in a manner that establishes shared understanding for problem-solving within projects.
  • gain expertise in conducting targeted interviews and know where different questioning techniques can be applied.
  • be able to identify all stakeholders involved in a system and accurately define system boundaries relevant tospecific inquiries.
  • be able analyse systems and make suggestions for improvements.
  • learn to use future-orientated thinking to generate new ideas.
  • be able to describe different methods for evaluating sustainability.
Module Content Basic understanding of systems and models:
  • Elements of systems and system boundaries
  • Transitioning from systems to models
  • Fundamental principles of environmental systems
  • System representations
  • Using tools to create system representations
  • Temporal and spatial models, units and dimensions
Introduction to specific systems:
  • Energy systems
  • Social systems from a multi-level perspective  
  • Material cycles
  • Analysis of the Wädenswil food system
Survey and interview techniques:
  • Stakeholder analysis
  • Scenario techniques
Systems and sustainability:
  • Overview of sustainability assessments
  • Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Follow-up Modules See Digital Study Planner
Methods of Instruction 
  • Lectures
  • Exercises
  • Group work
  • Excursions
Digital Resources
  • Moodle
  • Hybrid lectures offered
  • Various AI tools
Lesson Structure / Workload  
 Contact Hours 28
 Guided Self-Study 14
 Independent Self-Study 48
 Total Workload 90
Classroom Attendance Participation in the exercises
Assessment Written exam at the end of the semester (100%) / e-assessment

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  German
Comments -

 

Note

Course: Systems and Models 1
No.
n.BA.UI.SyMo1.24HS.V
Title
Systems and Models 1

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 11 June 2026.