Challenges in Plant Sciences – PSC Colloquium
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 a publication on a new method in the field. After the first day, the students work in groups to design an experiment on the chosen topic following the scientific method. They receive feedback from the tutor during the preparation phase. On the second day, the students present how they would approach the chosen challenge in the field, including the hypothesis, method, and interpretation of the hypothetically generated data. Students gain knowledge on topics beyond their own research area while gaining a better understanding of the scientific method and practicing presentation and discussion skills.
Main objectives
- Introduce PhD and Master students to the broad field of plant sciences
- Promote active participation and independent student work
- Practice the scientific method and experimental design
- Enhance creative thinking, presentation and discussion skills
- Increase interactions among students and PSC members
- Promote an interdisciplinary and integrative teaching program
Date and Venue: Fall Semester 2024
- Monday, 28 October 2024, 13:15 – c. 17:00h. Room TBA, ETH Zurich. ► Kick-off talks held by PSC lecturers; and
- Monday, 2 December 2024, approx. 9:15-16:00. Room ML H 37.1: ETH Zurich. ► Group presentations held by students, exact schedule will be available below.
Lecturers
Johan Six (ETHZ), Johanna Jacobi (ETHZ), Sebastian Dötterl (ETHZ), Janneke Hille Ris Lambers (ETHZ), Kirsten Bomblies (ETHZ), Stefanie Lutz (UZH, Agroscope), Cyril Zipfel (UZH), Sabine Rumpf (Unibas), Jelena Rajkov (Unibas, moderator)
All lecturers are members of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center.
Program, Monday, 28 October 2024 (kick-off talks)
The detailed program for day 1 is now available.
Program, Monday, 2 December 2024 (student group talks)
The detailed program will be available in November.
Course structure and timetable
- Students register with PSC and choose a topic (through nuudel, tba).
- During the first colloquium day, selected PSC lecturers hold short talks on their research field. Afterwards, student groups meet with their lecturer to plan the student teamwork: preparing the talk for the second course day.
- Between first and second colloquium day: Each student group prepares a colloquium presentation. They receive feedback from the lecturer during the preparation phase.
- During the second course day, each student group gives a talk, (check the exact schedule on this website). Each student receives feedback on their performance.
Grading and Credit Points
2 Credit Points for PhD and Master students. Based on 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.
Registration
Please register here.
Please note: students form University of Basel should also register via Unibas services (MoNA) to have the credit points automatically included in their transcripts.