Applied ecology

ENV-422

This file is part of the content downloaded from Applied ecology.

General Overview

Summary
The course will provide the ecological systems' knowledge needed to question applied sustainability solutions. We will critically assess the complexity of current environmental issues, illustrating basic ecological concepts and principles.

The course combines elements of a classic lecture, group presentations, case studies, problem-based learning, and field- and lab-work. Our central aim is to balance participants' respect for complexity with a sense of possibility by providing examples from the vast solution space offered by ecological systems, such as e.g. green infrastructure to manage water. The class will include three excursions where the students will have the opportunity to discuss critical ongoing problems faced by environmental managers.

Keywords

applied ecology, resource management, forest ecosystems, trees, community ecology, species interactions, ecosystem functions and services, biodiversity, climate change

Evaluation

50% (50/50 ratio for individual/group grades): 15 min oral presentation and discussion of a case study in a group (only presentation, no report)
50% (50/50 ratio for individual/group grades): 7 pages written report of a field study in the same group

09/09/25 - Introduction (CHB330)

Introduction (File)

16/09/25 - Cases 1, 2 and 3 (CHB330)

We will present three case study examples that you can use as inspiration and guidance when developing your own.

23/09/25 Fieldwork (Yens)

Please come prepared to work in the field. Read the documents provided on Moodle regarding the fieldwork.

We meet at 7h45 at the bus stop on Avenue Piccard. We plan to be back at EPFL at 12h.

30/09/25 Fieldwork (Yens)

Please come prepared to work in the field. Read the documents provided on Moodle regarding the fieldwork.

We meet at 7h45 at the bus stop on Avenue Piccard. We plan to be back at EPFL at 12h.

07/10/25 Excursion in Lausanne

We meet in Lausanne, Plaine du Loup, Station Bois-Gentil at 08:30. The excursion ends at the Plaine du Loup at 11:30

14/10/25 Laboratory work (GR B2 423)

Each group will be assigned a time slot to come to GR B2 423 to conduct their lab work.

The time slots will be available on Moodle in week 3 (once all groups are formed).

Holidays (no lectures)

28/10/25 Guest presentation by Spaak Piet (Eawag) + Data and report (CHB330)

At 9h15, Prof. Spaak Piet will give a guest presentation on invasive mussels. Then you have dedicated time in CHB330 to work on your reports.

Data analyses and report (File)

04/11/25 - Excursion in Suchy

We meet at 8h45 at the bus stop on Avenue Piccard.... (Text and media area)

11/11/25 Cases 4, 5 and 6 (CHB330)