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| Semester | spring semester 2021 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Gabriel Erni Cassola (gabriel.ernicassola@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | We will mix lectures, case studies, and self-organized work shadowing to gain knowledge about selected methods and approaches of the natural sciences. G. Erni Cassola will provide input on the scientific method in general and on specific methods, occasionally with the help of guest speakers. In addition, students will collect methodological expertise during work shadowing and literature work. The seminar will focus on methods which are relevant for sustainable development topics. |
| Learning objectives | The students - understand the difference between a scientific and a non-scientific approach to a question; - can formulate scientific hypotheses and can distinguish them from a question or idea; - and know about the difference between an observation and an experiment, induction and deduction, empiricism and rationalism, descriptive and experimental approaches. The students - understand the influence of observer, equipment, and experimental design on the outcome of an experiment; - know about sample sizes, research design, and error types; - understand the importance of positive / negative controls and standards. The students - know natural science methods that are important in the context of sustainability, such as molecular species identification, water quality parameters, behavioral assays, community assessments, assays for chemical contaminants, and others; - and know what kind of information these methods can provide and are aware of their limitations. |
| Bibliography | Optional reading: Godfrey-Smith, Peter (2003): Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. The University of Chicago Press: Chicago and London. Material handed out during the semester/seminar. |
| Comments | Mandatory seminar for all MSD students. This seminar is offered by MSD. Dr. Gabriel Erni Cassola is a staff member of MGU (Mensch-Gesellschaft-Umwelt), Dep. of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences. |
| Admission requirements | Only for MSD students (incl. preparation semester). No other students admitted. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Monday | 12.15-13.45 | - Online Präsenz - |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 01.03.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 08.03.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 15.03.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 22.03.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 29.03.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 05.04.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | Ostern |
| Monday 12.04.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 19.04.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 26.04.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 03.05.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 10.05.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 17.05.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Monday 24.05.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | Pfingstmontag |
| Monday 31.05.2021 | 12.15-13.45 | --, -- |
| Modules |
Module: Interdisciplinary Research in Sustainability (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance, active participation. Oral presentation and written report. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |