Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020
Integrated Building Systems Master  | ||||||
 GESS Science in Perspective | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| » see Science in Perspective: Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Capability | ||||||
| » Recommended Science in Perspective (Type B) for D-ARCH. | ||||||
| » see Science in Perspective: Language Courses ETH/UZH | ||||||
| 851-0107-00L | Science and the Public: A Problem of Mediation that the Media Have to Solve?  | W | 3 credits | 2S | U. J. Wenzel | |
| Abstract | What can, what should, what do "laymen" want to know and understand from scientific findings? How and what is "conveyed" in reporting on science? Does science journalism have to follow scientific criteria? How do the natural sciences differ from the humanities and social sciences in terms of "comprehensibility" and public visibility? | |||||
| Objective | Gaining insights into the relationship between the sciences, the public and the media, into their historical development and current problems - with particular reference to the "Wissenschaftsfeuilleton". | |||||
| Content | The feuilleton of the «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung» of 27 June 2000 has gone down in the annals of recent media history. The last sequences of the fully mapped human genetic code were printed on six large-format pages: the letters A, G, C and T in various combinations and sequences - a «readable » but incomprehensible jumble of letters. What at the time was astounding journalistic coup and met with enthusiasm as well as head shaking can (also) be read as an allegory of the tense relationship between science and the public. What can, what should, what do «laymen» want to know and understand from scientific findings? What role do the media play, does science journalism play in this? How and what is «conveyed» in reporting on scientific findings? And does science journalism have to follow scientific criteria in such reporting? How do the natural sciences, medicine and technology differ from the humanities and social sciences in terms of «comprehensibility» and public awareness? Are we really dealing with two diverging «science cultures» - and two different ways of presenting them in the media? These questions will be explored on some excursions into recent and also older media, scientific and cultural history. | |||||
| 851-0006-00L | Water in the Early Modern Period: A Material and Environmental History | W | 3 credits | 2S | T. Asmussen | |
| Abstract | The seminar deals with questions of how water was perceived, used and appropriated in medieval and early modern societies. We examine water as a livelihood (drinking water, irrigation resource), energy source, transport medium, infrastructure and threat between 1400 and 1800. | |||||
| Objective | The students acquire historical knowledge of how pre-modern societies appropriated the natural substance water and how they themselves were formed and changed by the interactions with the liquid element. Students are expected to read original German, French and English sources. | |||||
| Content | The seminar examines the history of the substance and uses of water from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century. Using text and image sources, we will examine the physical, cultural, economic and scientific-technical implications of the relationship between man and water in plenary sessions and groups. We deal with (al-)chemical analyses of water in the context of medical treatises and spas, the expansion and challenges of the water infrastructure ( fountains, sewage canals, irrigation canals, inland waterways), the associated changes of landscapes as well as with water as a threat (floods). | |||||
| 851-0109-00L | Public Images of Science | W | 3 credits | 2V | M. Bucchi | |
| Abstract | The course will analize in a historical and sociological approach the public images of science and scientists and their major changes. | |||||
| Objective | In particular, we will explore the following subjects: the role of the visual element in the communication of science and its public representation; the role of ‘visible scientists’, with particular consideration of Nobel Prize winners; events and affairs that have shaped the public perception of science and the relationship between science and society. | |||||
| Content | The course will analize in a historical and sociological approach the public images of science and scientists and their major changes. In particular, we will explore the following subjects: the role of the visual element in the communication of science and its public representation; the role of ‘visible scientists’, with particular consideration of Nobel Prize winners; events and affairs that have shaped the public perception of science and the relationship between science and society. Various examples will be quoted and discussed, and will illustrate the Italian science and its relationship to society and to the various cultural fields (literature, visual arts, gastronomy), with particular reference to the period from the second half of the 19th century until the end of the 20th century. | |||||
| 851-0521-00L | Computer History. An Introduction | W | 3 credits | 2V | D. Gugerli | |
| Abstract | The lecture will explore the question of how the world got into the computer. The history of this great move in the second half of the 20th century is told by focusing on bottlenecks, the overcoming of which has created new difficulties. | |||||
| Objective | The students learn to understand the effects of techno-historical narratives and arguments. | |||||
| Lecture notes | The exact programme will be presented at the beginning of the semester. | |||||
| 851-0609-04L | The Energy Challenge - The Role of Technology, Business and Society Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in economics. | W | 2 credits | 2V | R. Schubert, T. Schmidt, B. Steffen | |
| Abstract | In recent years, energy security, risks, access and availability are important issues. Strongly redirecting and accelerating technological change on a sustainable low-carbon path is essential. The transformation of current energy systems into sustainable ones is not only a question of technology but also of the goals and influences of important actors like business, politics and society. | |||||
| Objective | In this course different options of sustainable energy systems like fossile energies, nuclear energy or all sorts of renewable energies are explained and discussed. The students should be able to understand and identify advantages and disadvantages of the different technological options and discuss their relevance in the business as well as in the societal context. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Materials will be made available on the electronic learning platform: www.vwl.ethz.ch | |||||
| Literature | Materials will be made available on the electronic learning platform: www.vwl.ethz.ch | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Various lectures from different disciplines. | |||||
| 363-0532-00L | Economics of Sustainable Development | W | 3 credits | 2V | L. Bretschger | |
| Abstract | Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability; neoclassical and endogenous growth models; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve; sustainability policy. | |||||
| Objective | The aim is to develop an understanding of the implications of sustainable development for the long-run development of economies. It is to be shown to which extent the potential for growth to be sustainable depends on substitution possibilities, technological change and environmental policy. After successful completion of this course, students are able to 1. understand the causes of long-term economic development 2. analyse the influence of natural resources and pollution on the development of social welfare 3. to appropriately classify the role of politics in the pursuit of sustainability goals. | |||||
| Content | The lecture introduces different concepts and paradigms of sustainable development. Building on this foundation and following a general introduction to the modelling of economic growth, conditions for growth to be sustainable in the presence of pollution and scarce natural resources are derived. Special attention is devoted to the scope for substitution and role of technological progress in overcoming resource scarcities. Implications of environmental externalities are regarded with respect to the design of environmental policies. Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability, sustainability optimism vs. pessimism; introduction to neoclassical and endogenous growth models; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution possibilities and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve: concept, theory and empirical results; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources, Hartwick rule, resource saving technological change. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Will be provided successively in the course of the semester. | |||||
| Literature | Bretschger, F. (1999), Growth Theory and Sustainable Development, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Bretschger, L. (2004), Wachstumstheorie, Oldenbourg, 3. Auflage, München. Bretschger, L. (2018), Greening Economy, Graying Society, CER-ETH Press, ETH Zurich. Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray and M. Common (2011), Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Longman , 4th ed., Essex. Neumayer, E. (2003), Weak and Strong Sustainability, 2nd ed., Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. | |||||
| 364-0576-00L | Advanced Sustainability Economics PhD course, open for MSc students | W | 3 credits | 3G | L. Bretschger | |
| Abstract | The course covers current resource and sustainability economics, including ethical foundations of sustainability, intertemporal optimisation in capital-resource economies, sustainable use of non-renewable and renewable resources, pollution dynamics, population growth, and sectoral heterogeneity. A final part is on empirical contributions, e.g. the resource curse, energy prices, and the EKC. | |||||
| Objective | Understanding of the current issues and economic methods in sustainability research; ability to solve typical problems like the calculation of the growth rate under environmental restriction with the help of appropriate model equations. | |||||
| 351-0578-00L | Introduction to Economic Policy Does not take place this semester. | W | 2 credits | 2V | ||
| Abstract | First approach to the theory of economic policy. | |||||
| Objective | First approach to the theory of economic policy. | |||||
| Content | Wirtschaftspolitik ist die Gesamtheit aller Massnahmen von staatlichen Institutionen mit denen das Wirtschaftsgeschehen geregelt und gestaltet wird. Die Vorlesung bietet einen ersten Zugang zur Theorie der Wirtschaftspolitik. Gliederung der Vorlesung: 1.) Wohlfahrtsökonomische Grundlagen: Wohlfahrtsfunktion, Pareto-Optimalität, Wirtschaftspolitik als Mittel-Zweck-Analyse u.a. 2.) Wirtschaftsordnungen: Geplante und ungeplante Ordnung 3.) Wettbewerb und Effizienz: Hauptsätze der Wohlfahrtsökonomik, Effizienz von Wettbewerbsmärkten 4.) Wettbewerbspolitik: Sicherstellung einer wettbewerblichen Ordnung Gründe für Marktversagen: 5.) Externe Effekte 6.) Öffentliche Güter 7.) Natürliche Monopole 8.) Informationsasymmetrien 9.) Anpassungskosten 10.) Irrationalität 11.) Wirtschaftspolitik und Politische Ökonomie Die Vorlesung beinhaltet Anwendungsbeispiele und Exkurse, um eine Verbindung zwischen Theorie und Praxis der Wirtschaftspolitik herzustellen. Z. B. Verteilungseffekte von wirtschaftspolitischen Massnahmen, Kartellpolitik am Ölmarkt, Internalisierung externer Effekte durch Emissionshandel, moralisches Risiko am Finanzmarkt, Nudging, zeitinkonsistente Präferenzen im Bereich der Gesundheitspolitik | |||||
| Lecture notes | Nein. | |||||
| 701-0758-00L | Ecological Economics: Introduction with Focus on Growth Critics | W | 2 credits | 2V | I. Seidl | |
| Abstract | Students become acquainted with the basics / central questions / analyses of Ecological Economics. Thereby, central will be the topic of economic growth. What are the positions of Ecological Economics in this regard? What are the theories and concepts to found this position in general and in particular economic areas (e.g. resource consumption, efficiency, consumption, labour market, enterprises)? | |||||
| Objective | Become acquainted with basics and central questions of Ecological Economics (EE): e.g. 'pre-analytic vision', field of discipline, development EE, contributions of involved disciplines such as ecology or political sciences, ecological-economic analysis of topics such as labour market, consumption, money. Critical analysis of growth and learning about approaches to reduce growth pressures. | |||||
| Content | What is Ecological Economics Field of the discipline and basics Resource consumption, its development and measurements Measurement of economic activity and welfare Economic growth, growth critics and post-growth society Consumption, Money, Enterprises, labour market and growth pressures Starting points for a post-growth society | |||||
| Lecture notes | No Script. Slides and texts will be provided beforehand. | |||||
| Literature | Daly, H. E. / Farley, J. (2004). Ecological Economics. Principles and Applications. Washington, Island Press. Seidl, I. /Zahrnt A. (2010). Postwachstumsgesellschaft, Marburg, Metropolis. Ausgewählte wissenschaftliche Artikel. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Participation in a lecture on environmental economics or otherwise basic knowledge of economics (e.g. A-Level) | |||||
| 751-1500-00L | Development Economics | W | 3 credits | 2V | I. Günther, K. Harttgen | |
| Abstract | Introduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction. | |||||
| Objective | The goal of this lecture is to introduce students to basic development economics and related economic and developmental contexts. | |||||
| Content | The course begins with a theoretical and empirical introduction to the concepts of poverty reduction and issues of combating socioeconomic inequality. Based on this, important external and internal drivers of economic development and poverty reduction are discussed as well as economic and development policies to overcome global poverty. In particular, the following topics are discussed: - measurement of development, poverty and inequality, - growth theories - trade and development - education, health, population and development - states and institutions - fiscal,monetary- and exchange rate policies | |||||
| Lecture notes | None. | |||||
| Literature | Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2020): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Voraussetzungen: Grundlagenkenntisse der Mikro- und Makroökonomie. Besonderes: Die Veranstaltung besteht aus einem Vorlesungsteil, aus eigener Literatur- und Recherchearbeit sowie der Bearbeitung von Aufgabenblättern. Die Vorlesung basiert auf: Günther, Harttgen und Michaelowa (2019): Einführung in die Entwicklungsökonomik. Einzelne Kapitel müssen jeweils vor den Veranstaltungen gelesen werden. In den Veranstaltungen wird das Gelesene diskutiert und angewendet. Auch werden offene Fragen der Kapitel und Übungen besprochen. | |||||
| 860-0032-00L | Principles of Macroeconomics Prerequisite: An introductory course in Economics is required to sign up for this course. Number of participants is limited to 20 STP students have priority | W | 3 credits | 2V | S. Sarferaz | |
| Abstract | This course examines the behaviour of macroeconomic variables, such as gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation rates. It tries to answer questions like: How can we explain fluctuations of national economic activity? What can economic policy do against unemployment and inflation? | |||||
| Objective | This lecture will introduce the fundamentals of macroeconomic theory and explain their relevance to every-day economic problems. | |||||
| Content | This course helps you understand the world in which you live. There are many questions about the macroeconomy that might spark your curiosity. Why are living standards so meagre in many African countries? Why do some countries have high rates of inflation while others have stable prices? Why have some European countries adopted a common currency? These are just a few of the questions that this course will help you answer. Furthermore, this course will give you a better understanding of the potential and limits of economic policy. As a voter, you help choose the policies that guide the allocation of society's resources. When deciding which policies to support, you may find yourself asking various questions about economics. What are the burdens associated with alternative forms of taxation? What are the effects of free trade with other countries? How does the government budget deficit affect the economy? These and similar questions are always on the minds of policy makers. | |||||
| 701-0701-00L | Philosophy of Science | W | 3 credits | 2V | C. J. Baumberger | |
| Abstract | The lecture explores various strands in philosophy of science in a critical way, focusing on the notion of rationality in science, especially with regards to environmental research. It addresses the significance and limits of empirical, mathematical and logical methods, as well as problems and ethical issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
| Objective | Students learn to engage with problems in the philosophy of science and to relate them to natural and environmental sciences, thus developing their skills in critical thinking about science and its use. They know the most important positions in philosophy of science and the objections they face. They can identify, structure and discuss issues raised by the use of science in society. | |||||
| Content | 1. Core differences between classical Greek and modern conceptions of science. 2. Classic positions in the philosophy of science in the 20th century: logical empiricism and critical rationalism (Popper); the analysis of scientific concepts and explanations. 3. Objections to logical empiricism and critical rationalism, and further developments: What is the difference between the natural sciences, the social sciences and the arts and humanities? What is progress in science (Kuhn, Fleck, Feyerabend)? Is scientific knowledge relativistic? What is the role of experiments and computer simulations? 4. Issues raised by the use of science in society: The relation between basic and applied research; inter- and transdisciplinarity; ethics and accountability of science. | |||||
| Lecture notes | A reader will be available for students. | |||||
| Literature | A list of introductory literature and handbooks will be distributed to the students. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Oral examination during the session examination. Further optional exercises accompany the lecture and offer the opportunity for an in-depth discussion of selected texts from the reader. Students receive an additional credit point. They have to sign up separately for the exercises for the course 701-0701-01 U. | |||||
| 851-0125-65L | A Sampler of Histories and Philosophies of Mathematics Particularly suitable for students D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MATH, D-PHYS | W | 3 credits | 2V | R. Wagner | |
| Abstract | This course will review several case studies from the ancient, medieval and modern history of mathematics. The case studies will be analyzed from various philosophical perspectives, while situating them in their historical and cultural contexts. | |||||
| Objective | The course aims are: 1. To introduce students to the historicity of mathematics 2. To make sense of mathematical practices that appear unreasonable from a contemporary point of view 3. To develop critical reflection concerning the nature of mathematical objects 4. To introduce various theoretical approaches to the philosophy and history of mathematics 5. To open the students' horizons to the plurality of mathematical cultures and practices | |||||
| 851-0090-00L | The Philosophy of Complex Systems | W | 3 credits | 2S | O. Del Fabbro | |
| Abstract | Today complexity research has found an enormous expansiveness in heterogenous areas, such as physics, biology, medicine, urban complexity, environment sustainability, public policy, economics, sociology, education, computer science, robotics, AI, etc. Furthermore, we will look at historical advancements like cybernetics, and how complexity research influenced philosophical theories. | |||||
| Objective | Students should learn about the different types of argumentative texts and scientific theories. They should learn to understand the descriptive and critical value of texts that operate at the boarder between philosophy and science. | |||||
| 860-0001-00L | Public Institutions and Policy-Making Processes Number of participants limited to 25. Priority for MSc Science, Technology, and Policy. | W | 3 credits | 2.8G | T. Bernauer, S. Bechtold, F. Schimmelfennig | |
| Abstract | Students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. | |||||
| Objective | Public policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations. | |||||
| Content | Public policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Reading materials will be distributed electronically to the students when the semester starts. | |||||
| Literature | Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens (2014): The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Caramani, Daniele (ed.) (2014): Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gilardi, Fabrizio (2012): Transnational Diffusion: Norms, Ideas, and Policies, in Carlsnaes, Walter, Thomas Risse and Beth Simmons, Handbook of International Relations, 2nd Edition, London: Sage, pp. 453-477. Hage, Jaap and Bram Akkermans (eds.) (2nd edition 2017): Introduction to Law, Heidelberg: Springer. Jolls, Christine (2013): Product Warnings, Debiasing, and Free Speech: The Case of Tobacco Regulation, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics 169: 53-78. Lelieveldt, Herman and Sebastiaan Princen (2011): The Politics of European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lessig, Lawrence (2006): Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Version 2.0, New York: Basic Books. Available at http://codev2.cc/download+remix/Lessig-Codev2.pdf. Schimmelfennig, Frank and Ulrich Sedelmeier (2004): Governance by Conditionality: EU Rule Transfer to the Candidate Countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in: Journal of European Public Policy 11(4): 669-687. Shipan, Charles V. and Craig Volden (2012): Policy Diffusion: Seven Lessons for Scholars and Practitioners. Public Administration Review 72(6): 788-796. Sunstein, Cass R. (2014): The Limits of Quantification, California Law Review 102: 1369-1422. Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein (2003): Libertarian Paternalism. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 93: 175-179. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This is a Master level course. The course is capped at 25 students, with ISTP Master students having priority. | |||||
| 851-0252-01L | Human-Computer Interaction: Cognition and Usability Number of participants limited to 30. Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET | W | 3 credits | 2S | C. Hölscher, I. Barisic, H. Zhao | |
| Abstract | This seminar introduces theory and methods in human-computer interaction and usability. Cognitive Science provides a theoretical framework for designing user interfaces as well as a range of methods for assessing usability (user testing, cognitive walkthrough, GOMS). The seminar will provide an opportunity to experience some of the methods in applied group projects. | |||||
| Objective | This seminar will introduce key topics, theories and methodology in human-computer interaction (HCI) and usability. Presentations will cover the basics of human-computer interaction and selected topics like mobile interaction, adaptive systems, human error and attention. A focus of the seminar will be on getting to know evaluation techniques in HCI. Students will work in groups and will first familiarize themselves with a select usability evaluation method (e.g. user testing, GOMS, task analysis, heuristic evaluation, questionnaires or Cognitive Walkthrough). They will then apply the methods to a human-computer interaction setting (e.g. an existing software or hardware interface) and present the method as well as their procedure and results to the plenary. Active participation is vital for the success of the seminar, and students are expected to contribute to presentations of foundational themes, methods and results of their chosen group project. In order to obtain course credit a written essay / report will be required (details to be specified in the introductory session of the course). | |||||
| 851-0232-00L | Social Psychology of Effective Teamwork | W | 2 credits | 2V | R. Mutz | |
| Abstract | The lecture covers the main topics of social interactions in groups as a basis for effective teamwork in organisations: group; group structure; group dynamics and performance; group analysis; examples of applications. | |||||
| Objective | Teamwork is of growing importance in business and administration. The aim of this lecture / exercise is to provide a scientific understanding of social interactions in groups as a basis for effective teamwork in organisations. | |||||
| Content | Inhalte der Lehrveranstaltung sind: - Gruppe: Definition und Typen - Gruppenstruktur: Rollen und Führung - Gruppenprozesse: Konformität und Konflikte in Gruppen - Gruppenleistung: Leistungsvorteile von Gruppen - Gruppenanalyse: Interaktionsprozessanalyse und Soziometrie - Anwendungsbeispiele: Assessment-Center, teilautonome Gruppen | |||||
| Lecture notes | Es können Folien, die in der Vorlesung verwendet werden, im Anschluss an die Veranstaltung von einer Austauchplattform heruntergeladen werden. | |||||
| Literature | Die Literatur wird in Form eines Readers mit für die Themen der Vorlesung relevanten Textauszügen aus Fachbüchern angeboten. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Die Übungen dienen dazu, einzelne Themenbereiche der Vorlesung an praktischen Beispielen exemplarisch zu vertiefen. | |||||
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