Back
| Semester | spring semester 2023 |
| 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; - know about the difference between (I) empiricism and rationalism , (II) induction and deduction, (III) an observation and an experiment, (IV) descriptive and experimental approaches; - understand the influence of observer, equipment, and experimental design on the outcome of an experiment; - understand the importance of positive / negative controls and standards; - know natural science methods from fields that are important in the context of sustainability, such as molecular species identification, characterising air pollution, microplastics pollution, ecotoxicological assays, obtaining palaeoenvironmental data, 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 | All MSD students have to attend a methods course in natural science within the IRS module. By default they have to attend this course (48995: Tools and Methods of Natural Sciences Research). Students with a natural science background who can demonstrate that they already have the knowledge taught in this course may take an alternative class according to the details recorded in the medium-term syllabus/spring semester 2023. No other module allocation possible. 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. MSD preparation semester). NO other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Friday | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Praktikumsraum (O1.20) |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 24.02.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 10.03.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 17.03.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 24.03.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 31.03.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Friday 14.04.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Praktikumsraum (O1.20) |
| Friday 21.04.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Friday 28.04.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 05.05.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 12.05.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 26.05.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Friday 02.06.2023 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| 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 |