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78084-01 - Seminar: Challenges in Environmental Sciences (2 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers |
Christine Alewell (christine.alewell@unibas.ch)
Jelena Rajkov (jelena.rajkov@unibas.ch, Assessor) Oliver Schilling (oliver.schilling@unibas.ch) Klaus Schläppi (klaus.schlaeppi@unibas.ch) Patrick Tschopp (patrick.tschopp@unibas.ch) |
| Content | This dynamic seminar is a cornerstone of the Environmental Sciences PhD program at the University of Basel, designed to expose new PhD students to the full breadth and interdisciplinary nature of research within the Department of Environmental Sciences (DUW), ranging from integrative biology to earth and archaeological sciences. The course kicks off with a half-day session where professors from across DUW present their fields of expertise, spotlighting the key challenges they are tackling. Students will then work in small teams to dig deeper into selected topics, guided by the provided literature and expert mentorship. The results of their work will be presented and discussed in a series of interactive lunch seminars. The format broadens scientific horizons and sharpens essential skills in research communication, collaboration, and interdisciplinary thinking. |
| Learning objectives | • A comprehensive introduction to the diverse landscape of environmental science research at DUW • Mentored group work fostering independent learning and peer collaboration • Development of presentation and discussion skills • Enhanced interaction with fellow PhD candidates and faculty |
| Bibliography | Key publications for each group will be distributed one month before the course begins. |
| Admission requirements | Primarily for PhD students at the Department of Environmental Sciences (Master’s students may join with permission). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 13.04.2026 | 13.00-17.00 | Geographie, Seminarraum EG 0-09 |
| Thursday 07.05.2026 | 12.00-13.00 | Geographie, Seminarraum EG 0-09 |
| Tuesday 12.05.2026 | 12.00-13.00 | Vesalianum, Praktikumsraum (O1.20) |
| Tuesday 19.05.2026 | 12.00-13.00 | Vesalianum, Praktikumsraum (O1.20) |
| Friday 29.05.2026 | 12.00-13.00 | Geographie, Seminarraum EG 0-09 |
| Modules |
Doctorate Botany: Recommendations (PhD subject: Botany) Doctorate Environmental Sciences: Recommendations (PhD subject: Environmental Sciences) Doctorate Geography: Recommendations (PhD subject: Geography) Doctorate Geosciences: Recommendations (PhD subject: Geosciences) Doctorate Prehistory and Archaeological Science: Recommendations (PhD subject: Prehistory and Archaeological Science) Doctorate Zoology: Recommendations (PhD subject: Zoology) Geography: Recommendations (PhD subject: Geography) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Pass/fail based on full attendance and active participation during: • 1 introductory afternoon session • 4 lunch seminar presentations (total 8 contact hours) • Approx. 7 days of group-based independent work |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |