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11670-01 - Lecture: Challenges in Plant Sciences (2 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers |
Janina Grabs (janina.grabs@unibas.ch)
Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (alejandra.moranordonez@unibas.ch) Jelena Rajkov (jelena.rajkov@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The colloquium “Challenges in Plant Sciences” is a core class of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center's PhD program and the MSc module. The colloquium introduces participants to the broad spectrum of plant sciences within the network. The topics encompass integrated knowledge on current plant research, ranging from the molecular level to the ecosystem level, and from basic to applied science while making use of the synergies between the different research groups within the PSC. The course offers the opportunity to approach interdisciplinary topics as challenges in the field of plant sciences. During the first course day, each involved PSC lecturer gives a short talk as a general introduction to their research field highlighting current challenges and provides several publications. After the first day, the students work in groups to prepare a presentation chosen from a variety of proposed themes. They receive feedback from the tutor during the preparation phase. On the second day, the students present the topic they chose. Students gain knowledge on topics beyond their own research area while practising presentation and discussion skills. |
| Learning objectives | - Introduce PhD and Master students to the broad field of plant sciences - Promote active participation and independent student work - Enhance presentation and discussion skills - Increase interactions among students and teachers - Promote an interdisciplinary and integrative teaching program |
| Comments | Lecturers: Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center members from University of Basel, University of Zurich and ETHZ: Alex Widmer (ETHZ), Monika Mauerhofer (ETHZ), Barbara Pfister (ETHZ), Jelle Spooren (ETHZ), Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (Unibas), Janina Grabs (Unibas), Kentaro Shimizu (UZH). Please register for the course at least two weeks before the start date. |
| Weblink | https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch |
| Admission requirements | For PhD and Master students of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. Priority is given to PhD students enrolled in the Plant Sciences PhD Program. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | The seminar takes place at ETH Zurich. |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 26.10.2026 | 13.00-16.30 | ETH Zürich, -- |
| Monday 23.11.2026 | 09.30-16.00 | ETH Zürich, -- |
| Modules |
Courses: Master's Studies Ecology (Master's Studies: Ecology (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Courses: Master's Studies Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Doctorate Botany: Recommendations (PhD subject: Botany) Module: Courses for Master's Studies in Ecology (Master's Studies: Ecology) Module: Courses for Master's Studies in Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | 8 days of work (= 60 learning hours) consisting of 1.5 days block course and 6.5 days of independent preparation time for the talk. |
| 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 | Integrative Biologie |