We teach undergraduate and graduate courses, offer research internships, and coordinate the Ecology Master programme at UZH. Our teaching covers theoretical and applied topics in quantitative population ecology and includes analytical methods that can be used for conservation management of wildlife populations.
Courses and practical training
BIO311 Population Ecology (fall semester, 6 ECTS): This course is designed to expose students to concepts and models in population ecology, and their application to conservation and management of wildlife populations.
UWW231 Analysis and Management of Biological Populations (fall semester, 2 ECTS): This course teaches the theoretical background of conservation biology and its application in different sub-fields. The course covers the theory underlying the analysis and management of wildlife populations, and its application to different areas such as invasive species, re-wilding, rare species management, and ecological restorations.
BIO141 / EEE102 Ecology and Biodiversity (spring semester, 4 ECTS): This course covers all levels of ecological complexity, from responses of individual organisms to the biotic and abiotic environment via the impact of resources and competition on the structure and dynamics of populations through to interactions among species and the fluxes of energy and matter in ecosystems.
EEE220 Practical Population Ecology – Studying Snow Voles in the Alps (early and late summer, 2 ECTS): This is a hands-on field experience with an Alpine snow vole population study through two four-day field trips to Churwalden. Students learn capture-mark-recapture techniques, write reports on field methodology, and have the option to analyse long-term data for personal projects. Transportation and accommodation are arranged and costs covered by the course.
ECO343 Spatial Dimension in Animal Management and Conservation (1-week workshop, 2 ECTS): Understanding how animals respond to human-induced degradation and fragmentation of suitable habitats is critical for developing appropriate management and conservation plans. New technologies have made it possible to collect animal location data and remotely sensed environmental data at finer spatial and temporal scales. This workshop provides participants with a quantitative toolset to leverage these data sources so that they can address emerging questions in the field of animal movement ecology.
BIO357 Research Internship in Ecology (year-round, 4–12 weeks, 1 ECTS per week): This practical training gives students the opportunity to carry out a research project in our group. If interested, please contact us.
Ecology MSc programme
BIO510 Master Thesis in Ecology (year-round, 60 ECTS): The Master Thesis in Ecology comprises 52 weeks of practical scientific research, in which a question in the field of ecology is tackled independently, under the guidance of a Master Supervisor. A written thesis documents the research and is the basis of assessment. For more information on this MSc programme, please check the “Ecology Master” info page.
Journal club
Our group holds a journal club on a bi-weekly basis, where we discuss recent articles in ecology, evolution, and biological conservation. If you are interested in joining our journal club, please contact us.