Einleitung
Der Modulkatalog hilft Ihnen bei der Planung Ihres Studiums, indem er Ihnen eine Übersicht über alle Module Ihres Studienprogramms bietet. Das Dokument enthält folgende Rubriken:
- Übersicht über die Modulgruppen Ihres Studienprogramms
- Übersicht über die Module in den Modulgruppen
- Katalog der Pflichtmodule, Wahlpflichtmodule und Wahlmodule
Der Modulkatalog ist ein Informationsdokument und nicht rechtsverbindlich. Zu Beginn jedes Semesters wird eine aktuelle Version auf der Website der Philosophischen Fakultät publiziert.
Übersicht über die Modulgruppen
- 06M-7274i01
- Foundations and Methods
- 06M-7274i02
- Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication
- 06M-7274i03
- Language Change over Millennia
- 06M-7274i04
- Ontogenesis of Language
- 06M-7274i05
- Language Processing within Seconds
- 06M-7274i06
- Language in the Future
- 06M-7274i07
- Mathematical and Scripting Methods
- 06M-7274i08
- Research Related Competences
Übersicht über die Module in den Modulgruppen
06M-7274i01Foundations and Methods
| 06SM274-501 | Interdisciplinary Primer on Language Evolution Research | Pflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM274-502 | Introduction to Evolutionary Language Science | Pflicht | 3 ECTS |
| 06SM274-503 | Statistical Methods for Evolutionary Language Science | Pflicht | 6 ECTS |
06M-7274i02Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication
06M-7274i03Language Change over Millennia
06M-7274i04Ontogenesis of Language
| 06SM272-507 | Mechanisms in Child Language Development | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM272-509 | Variation in Child Language Development | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
06M-7274i05Language Processing within Seconds
| 06SM272-006 | Phonologie und Phonetik | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM272-522 | Practical Exercises in Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM272-524 | Language and Cognition | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM272-525 | Cognitive Neuroscience of Language | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM523-519 | Fundamentals of speech sciences and signal processing | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM523-520 | Instrumental techniques of phonetic research | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM523-526 | Experiments with speech | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM523-527 | Voice Analysis | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 07SMBIO344 | BIO 344 Development of the Nervous System | Wahlpflicht | 3 ECTS |
| 07SMBME323 | BME 323 Brain Disorders | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 07SMINI401 | INI 401 Introduction to Neuroinformatics | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 07SMINI435 | INI 435 Neural Systems | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
06M-7274i06Language in the Future
| 03SM22BI0010 | Social Computing (L+E) | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 06SM523-112 | Language Technology with Multilingual and Multimodal Data | Wahlpflicht | 6 ECTS |
| 10SMSTS-602 | Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) | Wahlpflicht | 3 ECTS |
| 10SMSTS-603 | Advanced Text Analysis Using Natural Language Processing | Wahlpflicht | 1 ECTS |
| 10SMSTS-604 | ChatGPT and Beyond: Interdisciplinary Approaches to AI Literacy | Wahlpflicht | 2 ECTS |
06M-7274i07Mathematical and Scripting Methods
06M-7274i08Research Related Competences
| 06SM274-600 | Research Related Competences | Pflicht | 30 ECTS |
Abschlussarbeit
| 06SM274-MA | Master's Thesis | Pflicht | 30 ECTS |
Katalog der Pflichtmodule, Wahlpflichtmodule und Wahlmodule
Der Katalog enthält Informationen zu jedem Pflicht- und Wahlpflichtmodul.
Zum Teil finden Sie auch Informationen zu Wahlmodulen (Modultitel in eckigen Klammern). Beachten Sie, dass die Titel von Wahlmodulen semesterweise wechseln können und dass oft weitere, nicht im Modulkatalog enthaltene Wahlmodule angeboten werden. Diese und alle anderen semesterbezogenen Informationen (wie Veranstaltungstitel, Termine, Dozierende, Informationen zur Buchung) entnehmen Sie dem aktuellen Vorlesungsverzeichnis.
06SM274-501 Interdisciplinary Primer on Language Evolution Research
| Modulgruppe | Foundations and Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Pflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module includes lectures by experts in the disciplines participating in the study of language evolution, including linguistics and psycho/neuro-linguistics, biology/anthropology, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, neuroinformatics, computer science/computational linguistics, and mathematics. In addition to the lectures, practical sessions reinforce students' knowledge and deepen their understanding through an interdisciplinary approach. |
| Lernziel | Students will acquire grounding knowledge in all relevant disciplines in the study of language evolution, with particular foci on theories, concepts and terminology used in evolutionary language science and the conceptual foundations of empirical research in the relevant disciplines. Students will familiarize themselves with key literature in the field. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | written exam |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM274-502 Introduction to Evolutionary Language Science
| Modulgruppe | Foundations and Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Pflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The lecture introduces to the key questions in interdisciplinary research on language evolution, focusing on the empirical study of the origins of language and its ongoing dynamic. |
| Lernziel | Familiarity with central questions and findings in interdisciplinary research on the evolution of language. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Familiarity with basic terms and concepts in at least one of the following disciplines: biology, linguistics, neuroscience, psychology, computer science/ mathematics, acquired during BA studies or in tutorials and pre-courses preliminarily provided within the Master's program. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | written exam |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM274-503 Statistical Methods for Evolutionary Language Science
| Modulgruppe | Foundations and Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Pflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course explores advanced statistical methods and their underlying concepts, equipping students with the skills necessary for research in evolutionary language science. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the main statistical methods to model language evolution; ability to critically evaluate the results when methods are applied to suitable data. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | A solid foundation in Bachelor's-level statistics is required, with some prior exposure to statistical techniques recommended. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor'sstudents as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: four written exercises throughout term (20%), final written exam (80%). All elements of the portfolio must be completed. If an element is not completed, the entire portfolio is considered not completed and the module is therefore failed. |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-510 Linguistic Theory in Evolutionary Perspective
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | By identifying the key components of human language, this course determines what exactly makes human language unique. Key theories about the evolutionary genesis of language will be addressed and complemented with an analysis of core theories of linguistics and their implications for the evolution of language. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of components that distinguish language from other communication systems; analysis of core linguistic theories within an evolutionary framework. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic concepts of key concepts in linguistic analysis. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 50% Referat (mehrere Kurzreferate oder ein grössres Referat), 50% schriftliche Arbeit |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
07SMBIO133 BIO 133 Evolutionäre Anthropologie
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Praktikum, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Genetik, Fossilreste, vergleichende Anatomie und Verhaltensforschung belegen die Zugehörigkeit des Menschen zu den Primaten. Diese Säugetierordnung stellt Variationen desselben Themas dar. Die wichtigsten Anpassungen und die entscheidenden Etappen der Stammesgeschichte werden vorgestellt. Damit sollen Antworten auf die Fragen: "Wo steht der Mensch im Rahmen der belebten Natur und wie ist er geworden?" gegeben werden. |
| Lernziel | Nach erfolgreicher Teilnahme am Modul können die Studierenden - die wichtigsten Merkmale von Primaten und insbesondere von fossilen Hominiden im evolutionären und funktionalen Kontext interpretieren; - die genetische, phänetische und kulturelle Diversität moderner menschlicher Populationen als das Resultat evolutionärer Prozesse erklären; - Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede im Verhalten und den Kognitionsleitungen von Menschen und Tieren, insbesondere Affen, erkennen; - erklären, warum kulturelle Evolution nur bei Menschen vorkommt; - die Frage "Was ist der Mensch?" evolutionsbiologisch fundiert diskutieren. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO201 BIO 201 Primate Evolutionary Biology
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course integrates evolutionary and ecological approaches to explore the diverse order of the Primates. We will cover anatomy and taxonomy, primate evolution, reproductive strategies, food and foraging, communication, cognition, and conservation. Examples are presented from "the classic" field studies as well as recent studies to illustrate the variation of behaviour across primates. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this course, students should be able to: -interpret primate socioecology, social behaviour and cognition within an evolutionary framework -understand the significance of these insights for primate conservation |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge in evolution and behaviour, e.g. BIO 113, BIO 115, and BIO 122 |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO202 BIO 202 Comparative Communication and Cognition
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course will give students the opportunity to gain insight into the practicalities of comparative research through working directly with observational and experimental animal data sets collected in the field or in captivity. Students will embark upon self-contained projects where they will generate a research question, process data, conduct analyses and interpret the results within a broader comparative and evolutionary context. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this course students should: -Have a thorough understanding of the comparative approach and its relevance in unpacking the evolutionary history of human cognitive and communicative skills. -Have an understanding of the scientific method and how it can be used to address questions in the field of animal communication and cognition -Gain competence using various research methods and approaches vital to the study of animal communication and cognition -Gain experience working collaboratively and disseminating research to peers in groups |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO203 BIO 203 Great Ape Behaviour
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This hands-on primatology course provides the opportunity to study current hot topics related to great ape behavioural research, such as communication, culture and conservation. The course is highly interactive and involves Journal Clubs, Meet the Expert sessions (invited speakers), a research project on great ape behaviour (group work in Zoo Zurich), ‘How to’ sessions (guiding your research project), a written final report, and a final presentation in a student symposium. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course students should: - have a grasp of key scientific literature - be able to design and execute a basic research project - have acquired an advanced level of written and oral communication - be able to produce reports according to scientific standards |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed; course BIO 201 highly recommended (can be taken before or in the same semester as BIO 203) |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO207 BIO 207 Comparative Systematics and Evolution of Primates
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 2 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The order Primates comprises many very diverse families, but also peculiar species with multiple unique adaptations, such as aye-ayes, tarsiers, gibbons, or humans. In this course, we will explore the adaptive radiation of living primates and the distinguishing traits of taxonomic groups and representative species. Morphological characteristics are set in relation to behavioural traits such as activity period, locomotion, diet, ranging patterns, social structure and life history. Complementing the lectures, short videos and skeletal material are shown. Following an introduction in comparative phylogenetic studies in R, we will investigate relationships between various traits and test hypotheses about primate and human evolution (code provided). |
| Lernziel | By the end of this course students should be able to: -recognize typical primate taxa from pictures and skulls -identify distinguishing traits of primate taxa groups -interpret primate morphology, behaviour and life history traits within a comparative evolutionary framework -test hypotheses using phylogenetic comparative analyses in R -explain correlates of primate brain size evolution |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge in evolution, e.g. BIO 113 or BIO 115 |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (einmalig) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO208 BIO 208 Current Debates in Evolutionary Biology and Human Evolution
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module introduces students to the fundamental theories, methods and findings in evolutionary biology and evolutionary anthropology. It covers the main controversies and current debates in the field including: the role of natural selection vs. mutation in evolution; kin vs. group selection; contingency vs. convergence; selective vs. mechanistic theories of ageing and menopause; sex and sexual selection; animal vs. human culture; recent vs. ancient origins of language; among others. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the module, students will be able to identify the main topics of debate and research in the fields of evolutionary biology and human evolution. The journal clubs and presentations will develop their ability to critically assess competing theories and produce synthetic evaluations. Two essay-based tutorials will provide individual-level feedback on the highly valuable skills of essay structuring, literature reviewing, and argument presentation in writing. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO210 BIO 210 Human Behavioural Ecology and Cultural Evolution
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | We will explore the evolution of human behavioural diversity, particularly focusing on the evolution of human cooperation, life history, social structure, mate systems and the origins of culture. We will use a comparative approach between humans and other mammals, and will explore hunter-gatherers case studies. The practical's will involve group experiments on cooperation, competition, problem solving, social learning. The students will work together on research projects that should be presented as a seminar. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this module students should be able to develop a basic research project, designing the research question, data collection and analyses and deliver this in the form of a seminar. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO211 BIO 211 Primate Behavior and Cognition: Concepts, Methods and Tools
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | In this course, you will be introduced to current topics and debates in primate behavior and cognition, with particular emphasis on how studying nonhuman primates can help understand human evolution. You will learn how to empirically approach and implement such ideas via demonstrations and hands-on experience with state of the art methods (e.g. systematic behavioral observations, experimental approaches, data preparation and analysis) and tools (e.g. thermography as non-invasive measure of arousal, automated audio and video recordings, endocrinology). The course will be a mix of lectures, demonstrations and exercises and also includes several excursions to zoo's and the Institute's Primate Stat for the practical parts. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course you should be able to (i) identify timely questions in primate behavior and cognition, and (ii) operationalize such questions using state-of-the art observational and experimental methods and technologies. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | BIO216 is a pre-requisite for this course, or equivalent knowledge or the motivation to acquire it during the course. Please contact the module leader if you are not sure regarding the pre-requisites. BIO 216 can be taken in the same semester as BIO211. Basic studies in Biology or Biomedicine should be completed. Students who completed Bio 133 "Antrhopologie" are given priority. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO212 BIO 212 Language evolution: insights from animal communication
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module examines the extent to which cognitive and communicative components of human language exist in non-human animal species. Comparative studies of both wild and captive, as well as closely and distantly related animal species are summarized and placed in a broad framework to examine the phylogenetic age of human language abilities and the socio-ecological conditions underlying the emergence of language. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course students should: -Have a thorough understanding of how the comparative approach can be used to reconstruct the evolution of human language -Have detailed knowledge on the key hallmarks of language and what evidence exists for similar abilities in animals -Develop independent and critical thinking and hone presentation skills |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basics in evolutionary biology and animal behaviour (e.g. BIO 115, BIO 113, and BIO 122) |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO215 BIO 215 Evolution of Human Life History
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course examines the evolution of human development and reproduction through the lens of life history theory. We will begin by outlining the key components of mammalian and primate life histories and identifying the distinctive features of the human pattern, including prolonged childhood, delayed reproduction and extended lifespan. A central focus of the course will be on hominin fossil evidence: for each major hominin species, we will explore what is currently known about its life history profile and integrate this with archaeological and morphological evidence related to diet, behavior, and ecology. Special attention will be given to the role of cooperative breeding in shaping the human life history strategy and its deep connections to the evolution of our uniquely social cognition and complex cooperative behavior. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Describe the key elements of life history theory and compare life history traits across mammals, great apes, and humans - Critically evaluate the evidence used to reconstruct life history profiles in extinct hominines, including dental development, skeletal growth, and other fossil indicators - Integrate fossil, archaeological, and comparative data to infer patterns of diet, behavior, and morphology in extinct hominin species - Explain how cooperative breeding and extended juvenile dependency are linked to the evolution of human sociality and cognition - Assess major hypotheses about the evolution of the human life history strategy and evaluate them in light of empirical evidence - Apply life history theory and comparative data to broader questions about human evolution and adaptive niche |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | BIO133 |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO216 BIO 216 Primate origins of human sociality, cognition, and mind
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course aims at exploring the current state of the art of research in primate cognition. To do so, we will first provide an overview over the fastly growing field of comparative psychology, identifying cognitive capacities across primates in various social and non-social domains, with data from both the wild and captivity. Based on the comparative approach, we will then discuss various hypotheses of primate cognitive evolution that have been proposed to explain this pattern, and ultimately ask whether and how this approach can help us to understand the evolutionary pathways that have led to our own cognitive capacities, but also more complex features of the human mind including general intelligence, language, normativity and morality. |
| Lernziel | After the course, students should be able to - Provide an overview of cognitive performance of the different primate taxa across different domains - Critically evaluate cognitive task performance: - Do tasks really measure what they are supposed to measure? - Can results be explained by alternative mechanisms? - Summarize the most prominent hypotheses on primate cognitive evolution, and critically evaluate them based on the available body of empirical data - Explain how data on primate cognitive performance can be used to test hypotheses about the evolution of cognition - Be able to apply this knowledge to human evolution |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO219 BIO 219 Evolution of the Human Brain, Cognition, and Language
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The module offers a new perspective on human cognition in the light of advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence. It starts by contrasting brains in humans and other species. Next we compare ecological, social and cultural models of cognitive evolution in primates. Finally we address language evolution by examining the views of Skinner and Chomsky; fossil, comparative and genetic evidence; and the impact of Large Language Models. The module offers a fresh view of cognitive studies based on Turing’s concept of machine intelligence, models of cultural intelligence, and the role of gene-culture coevolution in our species. |
| Lernziel | The main objective of the module is to introduce students to current debates on the evolution of human brain and cognition. By the end of the module, students whould be able to: 1. Understand the fundamental problems and concepts of cognitive science 2. Understand current evolutionary theories of language 3. Critically assess contrasting theories describing human unique cognitive features |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Advanced BSc and MSc students |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO262 BIO 262 Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates - Issues and Methods
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course presents an overview of many of the comparative approaches to study organismic evolution of vertebrates in an evolutionary and ecological framework. Although the course deals with vertebrates in examples and case studies, many of the issues apply to other organisms as well. The main topics covered are: introduction to systematics and the analysis of morphological characters, morphometrics, the development and evolution of several organ systems (e.g., teeth, guts) or embryological structures (e.g., neural crest), growth, allometry, heterochrony, modularity and integration, comparative embryology, the importance of the fossil record, and the study of patterns of vertebrate evolution and palaeobiology. Activities include talks by the course directors and associates, projects and presentations for participants, and many practical exercises involving study of specimens of different kinds (skeletons, embryos). Computer-based activities include those introducing basic systematic methods and 3D reconstructions of images generated by computer tomography scans or of embryological structures based on histology. |
| Lernziel | On completion of this module, the students should be able to - discuss the basic principles and terminology of the evolutionary morphology methods to study character evolution, developmental evolution, and morphometrics. - understand the main changes that characterise the evolution in vertebrates of the following character complexes: limbs, teeth, ear, digestive system (mammals), muscle and bone. Key skills On completion of this module, the students should be able to - acquire and analyse data from a short investigation concerning the evolution of a character complex of a vertebrate group - present the results effectively in both written and oral forms |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Abgeschlossenes Grundstudium Biologie |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO266 BIO 266 Fieldwork in Swiss Palaeontology and Natural History Museums: Ice Age
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 2 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | After lectures and demonstrations in Zürich (at the Department of Paleontology), excursions and visits to local Swiss museums, research collections and field sites aim at developing an understanding of the evolution of biotic communities. Diverse geological sites are visited, including collection and identification of fossils (vertebrates). Practical activities include introduction to fossil preparation and museum curatorial tasks. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this module students should be able to 1 recognize the most relevant events and issues in the paleontological history of Switzerland 2 describe the major features of the geological formations and fossil biotas explored during fieldwork and museum visits 3 Examine the use of geological, paleontological, and cartographic databases for quantitative studies of the fossil record and planning of field trips and activities. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | BIO 113, other course(s) in one or all of these disciplines: Zoology / Evolution / Palaeontology |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO267 BIO 267 Paleobiology and Evolution of Vertebrates
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The vertebrate fossil record encompasses roughly 520 million years, with the first representatives appearing during the Cambrian explosion. In this long time period, they have produced an enormous variety of forms documented mostly by bones and teeth, but also by traces and soft tissue preservation. Course content: Body plans of important chordate groups; systematic history of vertebrates; transitional forms; comparative anatomy; key features. Aspects of functional and constructional morphology, biomechanics, locomotion, reproduction and nutritional aspects will be discussed and enriched by exercises on fossil and extant material. |
| Lernziel | At the end of the module, the course participants can - demonstrate the diversity of fossil and extant vertebrates - analyze vertebrate fossils - reconstruct the biology of extinct vertebrates Comprehensive competences At the end of the module, participants are able to - take scientific information from the literature and synthesize it - present scientific information in form of public presentation |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | abgeschlossenes Grundstudium |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO280 BIO 280 Animal Domestication and Human/non-human animal interactions
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Domestication is a prime example of evolution. The divergent morphology produced by domestication is similar in its extent to that of large groups of organisms that have evolved over millions of years. New conceptual and technical tools can lead to an understanding of the genetic and developmental bases of these morphological changes. This course will address how comparative and quantitative approaches to document the evolution of the phenotype, in parallel to experimental approaches, can provide novel information to understand morphological diversification, also as it relates to evolution in urban environments. The study of the origins and multidimensional consequences of domestication requires contributions from different disciplines, including zooarcheology, ethnology, molecular biology and evolutionary morphology. We will critically integrate, summarize and discuss the latest research results that come from these perspectives. Some lectures and discussions concern the human cultural diversity across the world in relation to our relation to non-human animals beyond domestication. |
| Lernziel | On completion of the course, the students should be able to - name the species of mammals, birds, fish and insects that have been domesticated and the antiquity of domestication. - discuss some of the latest developments in organismal, zooarcheological and molecular studies of evolutionary phenomena associated with domestication and its origins. - understand the form-function relation by examples on the life history of domestic animals. - critically discuss ongoing studies on the developmental changes associated with the diversification that has occurred during domestications (e.g., from wolf to diverse dog breeds) - depict the changes in diverse organ systems – brain, guts, teeth, bone – brought about by domestication in diverse species. - be aware of the controversies about the use of domestication as a comparison to understand a phase of human evolution. - have an appreciation of the cross cultural diversity in modes of human/non-human animal interactions (including hunting) as related to diverse ontological perspectives. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | BIO 113, or modules on Evolution or Zooarchaeology for students in other faculties |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO353 BIO 353 Animal Behaviour Field Studies
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Do you enjoy watching the behaviour of animals? This course gives hands- on experience in behavioural studies of free-living animals. Students will be taught how to carry out small animal behaviour projects of their choice through a combination of lectures, practice outdoors, and project supervision. |
| Lernziel | Students will be able to formulate testable hypotheses about why animals behave as they do. They will be able to appropriately record and analyse animal behaviour, and interpret their results. Students will clearly communicate the results of a small project. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed, including Bio 122, curiosity about animal behaviour and patience in watching animals outside |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO386 BIO 386 Sociobiology of Communication
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | In this interactive lecture we identify commonalities and communication concepts expressing social behaviour across a diversity of taxa. Based on theoretical and empirical research we unveil both proximate and ultimate mechanisms shaping communication from microbes, to insect, vertebrate and human societies. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this module each student is able to: - describe proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying communication among and within organisms - recognize commonalities of communication across a wide range of systems - show how empirical research and theoretical models fit the conceptual framework - critically evaluate empirical evidence and interpretations - present scientific work in a written essay and present it orally |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed, passed in BIO 122 (Grundvorlesung in: Verhalten und Verhaltensphysiologie) |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO387 BIO 387 Sociobiology in Animals
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | In this practical course, students (in pairs of two) choose on a small project in which they collect preliminary empirical data on communication/socio-biology in social organisms and develop a research proposal for a MSc project. Students work in pairs and bring in their own idea of a topic or follow our suggestions. They are expected to work independently and produce a final report in form of a MSc research proposal. |
| Lernziel | By the end of this module each student is able to: - apply their knowledge from BIO 386 to a practical project on 'Sociobiology of animals' - identify and formulate a research question and to support it with empirical evidence or literature based arguments - write a scientific proposal (in the style of a MSc thesis proposal) based on preliminary data and / or literature review - perform extensive literature search on a specific topic |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | From 3rd year on. The lecture Bio 386 is compulsory to attend this module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO402 BIO 402 Philosophy of Science with a Focus on Biology
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The lecture starts with a reflection on the discipline of biology. We address questions such as: What is the aim and achievement of this discipline? What kind of question does it address? What methods does it use to address them? How do biological explanations work? What are the basic assumptions on which biological research builds? How is it different from other sciences such as physics? We will look at the particular role of the theory of evolution in biological explanations and analyse key concepts in biology such as 'life' or 'gene&apos of the lecture, we will also address the connection between biology and ethics in the contexts of the difference between facts and values, evolutionary ethics and the transition from science to technology. |
| Lernziel | On successful completion of the lecture, the students should: - Know central concepts and theories in the philosophy of science. - Understand the particular lens through which biology studies the world and be aware of background assumptions and limitations. - Understand the role of evolutionary theory for research and explanations in biology. - Understand the connection between biology and ethics. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO437 BIO 437 Human Adaptation
| Modulgruppe | Phylogenetic Origins of Human Communication |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Morphology and genetics of the human body are subject to ongoing evolution. Changes of the environment, disease burden or culture demand constant adaptation. This course consists of a series of different lectures on topics related to human adaptation and aims to cover a spectrum of influencing factors and resulting adaptations in humans. Particular emphasis is placed on physiological and pathological processes. A background in human anatomy, genetic analysis or pathophysiology is highly recommended |
| Lernziel | By the end of this module each student should be able to - describe some general mechanisms of evolution from the past to the present - explain examples of human adaptive responses - engage in a scientific discussion on the aetiology of physiological adaptations in humans |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Abgeschlossenes Grundstudium/ completed basic studies |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
06SM272-504 Conditions of Language Dynamics
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course introduces the current state of research on selected cognitive-biological and sociocultural conditions that constrain or shape language change. It teaches in particular how to conceive of theoretical approaches as well as how to choose appropriate methods. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the major cognitive-biological and socio-cultural conditions that constrain or shape language change; knowledge of the methods with which these conditions are researched; ability to formulate research questions to study these conditions. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis; knowledge of key concepts of language relatedness and language change. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 50% presentation (several short presentations or one longer presentation), 50% written paper |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-506 Statistical Modeling of Language Dynamics
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This exercise group treats the main statistical methods for modeling language dynamics in space and time. This includes teaching and developing the theoretical basis and assumptions of the models as well as the application of methods to suitable datasets and critical evaluation of the results. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the main statistical methods to model language dynamics in space and time; ability to apply these methods to suitable data and critically evaluate the results. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of statistics and probability theory; basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis; knowledge of key concepts of language relatedness and language change. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (20% written exercises, 80% written paper) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-513 Field Methods: Elicitation Techniques
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Participants learn and practice how to elicit and analyze language data in cooperation with native speakers. Various tools (e.g. questionnaires and production stimuli) are presented and their use practiced. |
| Lernziel | Participants are able to detect and analyze linguistic structures through elicitation. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% oral work, 50% written work) |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-515 Linguistic Analysis and Annotation – Practical Application
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Students analyze and gloss recordings, texts and/or corpora of a selected language with the help of word lists or dictionaries. In the process, they become acquainted with the structure of the language on all levels and acquire skills in handling raw linguistic data. |
| Lernziel | Ability to make linguistic raw data accessible and to annotate them on the basis of an analysis (glossing). |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | documented practical work in the form of glossed, analyzed data |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-517 Structures in Language Families and Areas
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course introduces the main structures of a selected language family and/or of a selected linguistic area. Students read relevant literature and work with different datasets, which they present orally and summarize in the form of a written paper. |
| Lernziel | Participants gain an overview of the main linguistic structures in a selected language family and/or a selected linguistic area and can apply that knowledge to the analysis of individual languages. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% oral work, 50% written work) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-518 Typologies of Linguistic Structures
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course introduces the typological diversity of selected linguistic structures. Students read relevant literature and work with different datasets, which they present orally and summarize in the form of a written paper. |
| Lernziel | Participants know the current state of the art in our understanding of the typological diversity of selected linguistic structures and can apply this knowledge to the analysis of individual languages. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% oral work, 50% written work) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-519 Diversity of Indo-European Languages
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 9 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course treats the diversity of Indo-European languages and the relevance of mechanisms that are responsible for diversity or uniformity. The course also teaches how the Indo-European language family and its member languages differ from other language families, how these profiles change through space and time, and how this can be interpreted to inform reconstruction. |
| Lernziel | Overview of the diversity of structures in Indo-European languages, and overview of the mechanisms of language change that are responsible for these structures. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch/Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | oral exam |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes 2. Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-521 Qualitative Reconstruction
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 9 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course treats methods of qualitative reconstruction within the Indo- European language family, and teaches the skills that are necessary to evaluate reconstructions and to conduct work on reconstructions. It foregrounds the relevance of different data types, reconstruction methods and principles. It covers single branches as well as the whole language family. |
| Lernziel | Ability to evaluate and discuss reconstructions of the protolanguage and internal protolanguages and to conduct work on qualitative reconstructions. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | documented practical work |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes 2. Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM273-501 Languages of the World
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The module provides in-depth knowledge of the diversity of languages in a global perspective. The aim is to gain a broader understanding of how languages can differ in their basic phonological, grammatical and lexical structures. |
| Lernziel | The module enables students to understand differences in linguistic structure and what is constant and what is variable in human language. This will provide a foundation for further study of the sociocultural, biological, historical and phylogenetic drivers of the diversification of languages, to generate hypotheses derived from them and to test them in practice using adequate methods. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | schriftliche Prüfung |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | keine Wiederholungsmöglichkeit |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM721-001 Einführung in die Ethnologie
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Die Vorlesung Einführung Ethnologie vermittelt ein Grundverständnis und einen Überblick über die Gegenstandsbereiche der Ethnologie. Sie dient Studierenden dazu, einen ersten Einblick in die thematische Breite des Faches sowie in seine Veränderungen im Laufe der letzten Jahrzehnte zu gewinnen. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei die kritische Auseinandersetzung mit zentralen Konzepten und wissenschaftlichen Traditionen im Fach, sowie die Frage, wie sich ihre Bedeutungen mit der Zeit verändert haben. Neben den zentralen Fragestellungen und Debatten findet auch eine kurze Einführung in die epistemologischen, theoretischen und methodischen Traditionen des Faches statt. |
| Lernziel | Die Vorlesung hat das Ziel Studierende in das Fach der Ethnologie einzuführen. Hierzu werden die zentralen Konzepte und Gegenstandsbereiche vorgestellt und diskutiert. Dies soll eine kritische Auseinandersetzung auch mit deren historischen Entwicklung ermöglichen. Die Vorlesung stellt die Grundlage für alle kommenden Module des Studiums dar. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch: siehe Sprache der Lehrveranstaltung(en) |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | schriftliche Prüfung |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Sozialanthropologie und Empirische Kulturwissenschaft |
06SM721-004 Fachgeschichte
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 9 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Die Vorlesung gibt einen Überblick darüber, wie die Ethnologie resp. Sozialanthropologie zu dem geworden ist, was sie heute ist, also über die Herausbildung und Entwicklung als eigenständige wissenschaftliche Disziplin in verschiedenen akademischen Traditionen. Studierende verstehen so einerseits, in welchen Schritten sich ethnologische Theorien herausgebildet haben, und zugleich in welchem "Diskursraum" gegenwärtiges ethnologisches Denken stattfindet. Die Beschäftigung mit der Fachgeschichte stellt damit kein Bearbeiten vergangener und irrelevant gewordener Sachverhalte dar, sondern hilft, gegenwärtiges Forschen auf den Erkenntnissen vergangenen Denkens aufzubauen. In der begleitenden Übung werden grundlegende Texte aus der Fachgeschichte diskutiert. |
| Lernziel | Studierende eignen sich im Rahmen des Moduls Wissen um die wesentlichen Vertreter, theoretischen Strömungen sowie die historische Entstehung und Entwicklung des Faches an. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch: siehe Sprache der Lehrveranstaltungen |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: schriftliche Prüfung 60%, schriftliche Arbeiten 30%, mündliche Beteiligung 10% |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Sozialanthropologie und Empirische Kulturwissenschaft |
07SMBIO115 BIO 115 Evolution der Menschen
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 2 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Grundlage des Kurses sind die Vermittlung von fundamentalen evolutionären Prinzipien und deren Beitrag zur Entstehung von anatomisch modernen Menschen (Homo sapiens). Hierbei wird das Hauptaugenmerk auf die wichtigsten Anpassungen, aber auch die entscheidenden Etappen der Stammesgeschichte gerichtet. |
| Lernziel | Am Ende des Kurses haben/können die Studierenden - einen umfassenden Einblick in wichtige evolutionäre Prinzipien. - Diversität moderner menschlicher Populationen als das Resultat evolutionärer Prozesse erklären. - generelle biologische Fragestellungen in einem evolutionären Framework angehen und interpretieren. die Frage «Was ist der Mensch?» evolutionsbiologisch fundiert diskutieren. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO373 BIO 373 Next Generation Sequencing for Evolutionary Functional Genomics
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Next-generation sequencers (NGS) are revolutionizing evolutionary and ecological studies as well as human medical research. Large projects including Human 1000 genomes projects and Arabidopsis 1001 genomes projects have enabled genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genes responsible for common disease and functional changes. Evolutionary biology using NGS is the focus of a University Research Priority Program since 2013. The course pvovide a broad overview of introductory bioinformatic analysis, theory of evolutionary and ecological genomics, including population genetics, population structure, and GWAS, experimental planning and sample preparation. Instruction for basic programming is provided. The script language R is used for processing sequence data, calculating data statistically, and plotting data. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the module you should be able to - design a research experiment involving biologically relevant issues affecting populations of plants or animals - explain concepts of NGS technologies - perform basic analysis of genome wide polymorphism data using bioinformatics and RNA-seq - translate genetic polymorphism data into meaningful ecological or evolutionary relevant results - identify both the capabilities and limitations of NGS Key skills By the end of the module you should be able to - identify key areas of contemporary research using NGS - use basic bioinformatics of large datasets for genetic analyses |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO395 BIO 395 Concepts in Evolutionary Biology
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 1 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Concepts in evolutionary biology are often used ambiguously, partly because the same terms may have different usage in other fields in biology. The course is designed for graduate students with interdisciplinary projects encompassing evolutionary biology and other disciplines, and provides lectures and simple calculation exercises in population and quantitative genetics. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMEEE326 EEE 326 Principles of Evolution
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | "Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution”. Evolutionary biology and its methods are essential in all branches of modern biology. This course builds on first year courses in evolutionary biology and deepens the students’ understanding of important evolutionary concepts, such as evolutionary change, adaptation, and speciation, underpinned by genetic change, in a combination of lectures and practicals. Most of these practicals will be computer-based. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course, the students will be able to: - describe important evolutionary theory and its applications - identify and discuss the core issues from ongoing debates in evolutionary biology - critically assess the presentation of evolutionary research in the popular media Key skills: - approach biological questions from an evolutionary perspective - apply theory and perform data analysis in evolutionary biology |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed. Basic knowledge in evolution (BIO113: mandatory, EEE103 and other courses on evolutionary biology: highly recommended), basic knowledge of R is required. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMEEE335 EEE 335 Human Evolutionary Genetics
| Modulgruppe | Language Change over Millennia |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course focuses on the evolution of modern humans, their genetic diversity, and their population history as inferred from modern and ancient genetic data. It also presents current knowledge on the role of natural selection and cultural practices in shaping human genetic variation. Besides providing theoretical foundations in population and evolutionary genetics, the course includes research practicals. Students will collect genomic data from public databases and use computational tools to reconstruct demographic histories and detect genetic adaptations. They will also present a scientific publication to the class and participate in group discussions, being encouraged to address not only the research but also its societal impact. |
| Lernziel | Students will learn how genetic variation is shaped by evolutionary forces such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and migration; how it can be used to reconstruct human population history and evolution; how to handle and process large genomic datasets; and how to test alternative models of population history and infer demographic parameters. They will also become familiar with the distribution of human genetic and cultural diversity across time and space, and reflect on how these diversity patterns have been interpreted historically and at present. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
06SM272-507 Mechanisms in Child Language Development
| Modulgruppe | Ontogenesis of Language |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course introduces different theories prevalent in research on language development, with special attention on the acquisition mechanisms (e.g. statistical learning, generalisation mechanisms) that individual theories postulate. Particular focus is put on the status of cognitive prerequisites in early childhood. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the cognitive-biological and socio-cultural foundations of child language development. In-depth understanding of the basic prerequisites and cognitive mechanisms that underlie language development during ontogeny. Knowledge of the factors (e.g. quantity and quality of the input) that can influence development mechanisms. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis; knowledge of the central aspects of language development in children and the main methods of their study (corresponding to the content of the BA module "Language Development") |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 50% presentation (several short presentations or one longer presentation), 50% written paper |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-509 Variation in Child Language Development
| Modulgruppe | Ontogenesis of Language |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course introduces selected topics of language development research, in particular with regard to variation and its reasons. This includes the causes of speaker-specific variation as well as the role of cross-linguistic variation in child language development. |
| Lernziel | Understanding of the role of individual and cross-linguistic variation in early childhood development, of the environmental factors that can influence individual variation, and of the relevance of research into language development for the understanding of language evolution. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge of key concepts in linguistic analysis; knowledge of the central aspects of child language development and the main methods of their study (according to the content of the BA module "Language Development"). |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 50% presentation (several short presentations or one longer presentation), 50% written paper |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-006 Phonologie und Phonetik
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Die Vorlesung führt in die Grundkonzepte der phonetischen und phonologischen Lautstruktur der Sprachen der Welt und in die wichtigsten Analysemethoden und theoretischen Modelle ein. |
| Lernziel | Kenntnis von phonologischen und phonetischen Strukturen in den Sprachen der Welt, den Methoden ihrer Analyse und den wichtigsten theoretischen Modellen |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch und/oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | schriftliche Prüfung |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-522 Practical Exercises in Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This exercise group teaches how to design and execute neurolinguistic or psycholinguistic research projects with experimental and/or observational paradigms. Students learn how to empirically analyze and operationalize research questions and how to present this research in scientific writing. |
| Lernziel | Ability to address a neurolinguistic or psycholinguistic research question empirically. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Knowledge of key concepts of neurolinguistic or psycholinguistic research; basic knowledge of statistic methods; basic knowledge of linguistic data science. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | documented practical work |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-524 Language and Cognition
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This seminar teaches the current state of the art on selected relationships between linguistic and cognitive processes and categories. Students familiarize themselves independently with the specialized literature on the topic. The focus is on the impact that language-specific grammatical and semantic particularities can have on non-linguistic conceptualization, as e.g. examined in research on linguistic relativity. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the main relationships between linguistic and cognitive processes and categories. Understanding how empirical research and theoretical models overlap with conceptual assumptions. Ability to critically evaluate empirical evidence and its interpretation. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Knowledge of the main (neuro-)cognitive processes of language processing and their interaction with non-linguistic cognition and perception; basic knowledge of the corresponding research methods (according to the content of the BA module "Language and Cognitive Processes") |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% oral work, 50% written work) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-525 Cognitive Neuroscience of Language
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course teaches the current state of the art on selected mechanisms of language production and comprehension. Students familiarize themselves with the specialized literature on the topic. |
| Lernziel | Knowledge of the main mechanisms of language production and language comprehension |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Knowledge of the main (neuro-)cognitive processes of language processing and their interaction with non-linguistic cognition and perception; basic knowledge of the corresponding research methods (corresponding to the content of the BA module "Language and Cognitive Processes"). This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% oral work, 50% written work) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (Beginn im Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM523-519 Fundamentals of speech sciences and signal processing
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Experience the captivating world of speech signal processing. Discover the essential techniques that enable us to decode, manipulate, and reproduce the human communication with speech. Learn about signal and system theory necessary for speech processing in both human interaction and cutting-edge technological applications. This lecture series will equip you with the fundamental knowledge needed to unravel the intricacies of speech communication and embrace the possibilities it holds. |
| Lernziel | (1) Fundamental skills in speech signal processing (2) Understanding of speech acoustics like signal types, signal transformations, acoustic systems, signal and system theory (3) Application of the signal processing techniques in research and industrial products. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | An interest in speech signal processing with computers is required. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: (a) weekly assignments, 40% (b) end of term exam, 60% |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-520 Instrumental techniques of phonetic research
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Since speech is a transient event, phoneticians regularly resort to the aid of technical devices in order to record, describe and analyse the production, the acoustics and the perception of speech sounds. Hence, in this module we look at the technical side of phonetic research and the students acquire and develop skills and techniques necessary for the successful deployment of such devices, ranging from sound recording equipment (especially recorders and microphones) to more specialized phonetic equipment (such as the laryngograph) to software solutions geared specifically towards the need of phoneticians (such as Praat or the R-package 'vowels'). |
| Lernziel | Students know how to make high-quality audio recordings for phonetic research purposes. They can annotate sound files, make reliable measurements in them (formants, pitch, intensity, etc.) and produce meaningful visualizations (wave forms, spectra, spectrograms, etc.) with suitable software. They also understand how to read spectrograms so as to draw informed conclusions about the temporal and spectral characteristics of speech events. Moreover, students understand the most important key notions and concepts in automatizing measurements and in making them replicable (scripting). |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Students are required to have attended an introductory module in phonetics at bachelor or master level. |
| Leistungsnachweis | During the semester students run guided analyses on spoken material both as part of the course but also as personal homework. In addition students are recquired to hand in a small-scale empiric study (7-10 pages) to be handed in a fortnight after the last meeting of the semester. Both their analyses during the semester and their final report form their portfolio and thus the basis for the evaluation of their performance. |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-526 Experiments with speech
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The media often reports that speech played backwards contains secret messages. Is that true? What does it sound like? Scientists showed that babies can extract information from the speech signal without even knowing anything about the linguistic system. In backward speech, such abilities may be lost. Other research showed that non-native speakers can be identified in speech even when it is played backwards. Why playing speech backwards? How is this done? In this seminar we will learn how to study speech communication using experimental techniques. Students will run their own experiments in which they will address a variety of questions, for example how we segment a continuous speech stream into words or syllables, how we identify different languages or different speakers or how we communicate in strong background noise. There are many fascinating things to discover about speech communication but most likely not that speech played backwards contains secret messages. |
| Lernziel | The course has the objectives to learn how to (a) design and execute experiments in speech; (b) formulate testable experimental hypotheses based on theoretical knowledge; (c) process and manipulate speech for experiments; (d) analyse quantitative data obtained from experiments; (e) interpret results; (f) compare and discuss the results with related research; (g) write up findings in a stat-of-the-art experimental report. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | The participation in «Fundamentals of Speech Sciences and Signal Processing» is highly recommended. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: (a) written assignments throughout term (20%), (b) oral presentation in class (20%), (c) written report (60%). |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-527 Voice Analysis
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The human voice is a highly complex instrument that produces intricate communicative signals (vocalising). Vocalising involves approximately 200 muscles working together within the vocal apparatus. Understanding how these signals are produced requires knowledge of both the anatomy and physiology of the vocal tract and larynx, as well as the role of articulatory muscles. In this course, you will explore various methods used to study voice production, including laryngography and laryngoscopy (examining vocal fold movement), electromagnetic articulography and ultrasound (tracking articulator movements), pharyngometry (analyzing vocal tract dimensions), myography (measuring muscle activity during vocalization), and respiratory tracing (monitoring breathing patterns while speaking). You will also examine how voice production relates to the acoustic signal and the communicative information it conveys and we will look at some use cases such as voice recognition. All these methods are available through the Linguistic Research Infrastructure (LiRI), with which we will collaborate closely. |
| Lernziel | Main objectives of this cross-disciplinary seminar are to understand (1) methods for measuring voice production (2) how different communicative information is encoded in voice (3) how the knowledge about information in voice can be applied in voice technology or forensic voice analysis, for example. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | The participation in "Fundamentals of Speech Sciences and Signal Processing" and "Experiments with speech" is highly recommended. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: (a) written assignments throughout the term (20%), (b) oral presentation (20%) and (c) written report (60%). |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
07SMBIO344 BIO 344 Development of the Nervous System
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The lecture will cover molecular and cellular processes underlying the development of the nervous system in health and disease. We will discuss different aspects of neural circuit formation, starting with neurogenesis, differentiation, cell migration, and cell death. A major focus will be on neural circuit formation (including axon growth and guidance, synapse formation and homeostasis). The importance of these processes in the context of developmental diseases will be discussed. |
| Lernziel | On successful completion of the module the student should be able to - relate structure and function of the nervous system to its development - apply principles of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology to the development of the nervous system - identify key steps in development underlying neurological syndromes and diseases Key skills On successful completion of the module the student should be able to - interpret and critically evaluate original research reports - apply knowledge and relate experimental approaches from molecular, cellular and developmental biology to the developing nervous system |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic knowledge in neurobiology is required, for instance successful completion of BIO143 or equivalent lecture |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBME323 BME 323 Brain Disorders
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | In a highly interactive manner, participants will learn about different neurological disorders ranging from developmental to degenerative disorders of the nervous system. Participants will select a disorder to work on in collaboration with a team consisting of a clinician and a basic scientist. They will present their work in an oral presentation and write a scientific proposal. |
| Lernziel | On successful completion of the module the student should be able to - relate basic knowledge to models and concepts of neuronal function - apply knowledge of some neurobiological techniques when discussing research publications and presentation - discuss the content of original research papers in the context of function and dysfunction of the nervous system - have an appreciation of the breadth of research in neuroscience Key Skills - present findings effectively and appropriately in oral presentations - work collaboratively within small groups under the guidance of experienced tutors - write a concise proposal - critically evaluate scientific data |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies in Biology or Biomedicine completed. Successful completion of BIO 143 "Neurobiologie" or equivalent course work is required. Participants need some expertise in experimental research gained in block courses or internships to benefit from this course. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMINI401 INI 401 Introduction to Neuroinformatics
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course provides an introduction to the functional properties of neurons. Particularly the description of membrane electrical properties (action potentials, channels), neuronal anatomy, synaptic structures, and neuronal networks. Simple models of computation, learning, and behavior will be explained. Some artificial systems (robot, chip) are presented. This course considers the structure and function of biological neural networks at different levels. The function of neural networks lies fundamentally in their wiring and in the electro-chemical properties of nerve cell membranes. Thus, the biological structure of the nerve cell needs to be understood if biologically-realistic models are to be constructed. These simpler models are used to estimate the electrical current flow through dendritic cables and explore how a more complex geometry of neurons influences this current flow. The active properties of nerves are studied to understand both sensory transduction and the generation and transmission of nerve impulses along axons. The concept of local neuronal circuits arises in the context of the rules governing the formation of nerve connections and topographic projections within the nervous system. Communication between neurons in the network can be thought of as information flow across synapses, which can be modified by experience. We need an understanding of the action of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, so that the dynamics and logic of synapses can be interpreted. Finally, the neural architectures of feedforward and recurrent networks will be discussed in the context of co-ordination, control, and integration of sensory and motor information in neural networks. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMINI435 INI 435 Neural Systems
| Modulgruppe | Language Processing within Seconds |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Neural Systems 2026 links biophysical neuron models to computation and behavior. It covers action potentials and dynamical systems, population and neural-mass models, memory and associative networks, birdsong and language learning, predictive coding, Bayesian inference and information theory, dimensionality reduction, intrinsic motivation, and neuroeconomic decision making. The course develops a multi-scale view of neural systems from membrane biophysics to cognition and decision making. It begins with ionic concentration gradients, Nernst potentials, and the membrane equivalent circuit, leading to conductance-based Hodgkin–Huxley dynamics and numerical simulation (Euler, Runge–Kutta). Reduced neuron models are derived and analyzed using dynamical-systems tools: phase portraits, fixed points, stability, basins of attraction, bistability, and bifurcations. Two-dimensional reductions introduce nullclines, limit cycles, and transitions to periodic spiking through saddle-node, SNIC, and Hopf bifurcations, explaining type I/type II excitability, integrator vs resonator behavior, resonance, rebound and inhibition-induced spiking, depolarization block, and the impact of noise near criticality. The course then bridges to population descriptions via density and mean-field ideas, neural mass models, and Wilson–Cowan excitatory–inhibitory circuits, including hysteresis and oscillations, and motivates large-scale brain simulations. Computational themes include synaptic potentials, firing-rate nonlinearities, integrate-and-fire and rate-based network models, and neural coding with tuning curves. Memory is covered through classic experimental findings (free recall scaling laws, forgetting, recognition capacity, clinical deficits) and computational accounts of associative retrieval and attractor-like network ideas (Hopfield-type networks). A major systems module uses birdsong as a model for speech learning: template formation, the role of auditory feedback and social context, performance-error measurement (including optimal-transport style matching), and the organization of the song system (HVC–RA motor pathway and AFP basal-ganglia loop with LMAN/Area X). Key experiments (population recordings aligned to song, lesions, cooling, stimulation, antidromic identification) motivate circuit functions such as timing sequences, variability injection, and reinforcement-driven plasticity, including dopaminergic performance-error/prediction-error signals from VTA to Area X and closed-loop optogenetic manipulations. Predictive models unify sensory and sensorimotor computation via forward models, corollary discharge, and prediction-error neurons, and extend to predictive coding as redundancy reduction in natural signals (spatial/temporal decorrelation; receptive fields in retina, LGN, and cortex; hierarchical predictive coding). Statistical foundations include Bayesian estimation and decision theory (priors/posteriors, MAP vs ML), causal inference in multisensory perception and vocal adaptation, estimation theory (bias–variance, Cramér–Rao), Fisher information and behavioral optimality, and Shannon entropy/conditional entropy and MDL with links to language modeling and information rates. Later modules connect these principles to modern learning and behavior: dimensionality reduction and representation learning, intrinsic motivation for exploration (softmax, bonuses, counters, E-values), curiosity via forward–inverse models and the noisy-TV problem, playfulness/manipulation drives revealed by sensory substitution, and empowerment as mutual-information-based control. The course concludes with neuroeconomics, relating utility and prospect theory to neural mechanisms and dopamine prediction-error responses. |
| Lernziel | - Explain ionic equilibrium potentials, membrane equivalent circuits, and conductance-based spiking (Hodgkin–Huxley) - Simulate neural dynamics with numerical schemes (e.g., Euler and Runge–Kutta) and interpret refractoriness, rebound spiking, and noise effects - Reduce high-dimensional neuron models to 1D/2D systems and analyze phase portraits, nullclines, fixed points, basins of attraction, and bistability - Classify neuronal excitability and oscillatory regimes via bifurcations (saddle-node, SNIC, super/subcritical Hopf) and relate them to type I/II neurons, integrators/resonators, and threshold manifolds - Connect single-neuron dynamics to population descriptions (Fokker–Planck intuition, mean-field and neural mass models) and analyze Wilson–Cowan excitatory–inhibitory circuits, hysteresis, and limit cycles - Describe synaptic potentials, rate nonlinearities, integrate-and-fire models, and rate-based network equations - Interpret classic behavioral memory phenomena (free recall, forgetting curves, recognition capacity, amnesia) and relate them to computational accounts - Understand associative memory and attractor-network ideas (Hopfield-type networks) and their link to retrieval dynamics and scaling laws - Explain birdsong development as sensorimotor learning: templates, auditory feedback, social context, and separation of phonology and syntax learning - Describe song-system circuitry (HVC, RA, LMAN, Area X, VTA) and experimental methods (aligned population recordings, lesions, cooling, stimulation, antidromic identification) - Formulate forward models, corollary discharge, and prediction-error signaling in sensory cortex; relate these to predictive coding principles - Apply Bayesian estimation concepts (priors/posteriors, Bayes’ rule, decision theory, MAP vs ML) and causal inference in multisensory and sensorimotor settings - Use estimation theory tools (bias–variance trade-off, Cramér–Rao bound, Fisher information) to assess limits of neural and behavioral estimation - Apply Shannon entropy, conditional entropy, and MDL/model selection to neural coding and to information in language and vocal sequences - Understand predictive coding as redundancy reduction (spatial/temporal decorrelation; receptive fields in retina/LGN/cortex; hierarchical predictive coding) - Compare intrinsic-motivation mechanisms for exploration (softmax, exploration bonuses, counters, E-values) and curiosity via forward–inverse models; diagnose the “noisy TV” failure mode - Distinguish curiosity from playfulness/manipulation drives; interpret sensory substitution and empowerment as mutual-information-based control - Relate economic choice behavior to utility theory, marginal utility, dopamine prediction errors, and cumulative prospect theory |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Before taking this course, students are encouraged to gain familiarity with the topic by taking Introduction to Neuroinformatics (227-1037-00L) that covers less mathematical depth than Neural Systems. Another suitable preparatory course is Bioelectronics and Biosensors (227-0393-10L) that teaches students about signals and measurements at bioelectronic interfaces. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
03SM22BI0010 Social Computing (L+E)
| Modulgruppe | Language in the Future |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Social computing studies the intersection of social behavior and computing systems. This intersection is not static: social behavior affects how computing systems are designed and computing systems affect how humans interact. Traditionally, social computing was more concerned with the first direction, how social norms and individual behavior affect the growth, success, and usage of online platforms. In recent years however, it is increasingly recognized that online platforms affect how people perceive the world, interact with each other, and ultimately how societal norms develop. Today, online platforms affect people's daily lives in essentially all domains: in healthcare, the labor market, social and family lives, education, information access, etc, and thus have a growing social, economical, and political impact. Regulatory action tries to react to changes in technology (GDPR, online discrimination law, competition law, etc) but as argued in this course, still much power and social responsibility remains in the hands of online platform providers. |
| Lernziel | Studying the ecosystem of online platforms and their users poses a multitude of challenges, given their complexity and how quickly they evolve. Understanding them requires the combination of technical skills (platform design, digital trace data collection, software tools), social science knowledge (from political science, social science, economics, law), and research design knowledge. Throughout the semester we will discuss the evolution of online platforms and smart phone apps, their use, structure, and purpose in society. We will learn about the underlying data and algorithmic eco- systems. The students will learn to scrape digital trace data and use this data to answer societally relevant research questions. By the end of the course students will be able to a) summarize the most important papers addressing societal problems from different domains related to online platforms, b) design an empirical research project bringing together research questions and technical/societal background, and c) identify and critically discuss ethical and bias-related issues with their research design. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät |
06SM523-112 Language Technology with Multilingual and Multimodal Data
| Modulgruppe | Language in the Future |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module introduces key methods for multilingual and multimodal modeling in language technology. It examines longstanding tasks such as transforming text between languages in machine translation and converting audio recordings into text in speech recognition, and shows how multilingual and multimodal approaches can be beneficial even for tasks confined to a single language or modality, particularly in low-resource settings. The module discusses methods developed for mapping between languages and modalities and explains how shared internal representations support cross-lingual and cross-modal transfer. In addition, students analyze the practical consequences of these approaches, including positive transfer effects as well as undesirable biases that can arise from multilingual or multimodal systems. |
| Lernziel | Students can: 1. build multilingual and multimodal language technology applications. 2. explain common methods for mapping between languages and modalities, such as those used in machine translation and related tasks. 3. describe how shared internal representations enable cross-lingual and cross-modal transfer. 4. analyze benefits and limitations of multilingual and multimodal modeling, including transfer effects and biases. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch und/oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Successfully completed modules "Machine Learning for Language Technology" and "Programming in Language Technology" or equivalent knowledge. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
10SMSTS-602 Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
| Modulgruppe | Language in the Future |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | OSINT, short for Open-Source Intelligence, enables you to gather crucial information from a variety of publicly available sources, including social media, news articles, government websites, and much more. The capacity to gather, examine, and validate open‑source information has never been more crucial - particularly as powerful LLMs both amplify the speed of data processing and raise new challenges around disinformation that must be rigorously detected and mitigated. Throughout this course, students will learn how to (a) use OSINT tools and techniques to gather information, (b) apply Operational Security measures to minimize their own digital footprint, (c) adopt best practices to document, assess, and effectively report findings, and (d) recognize and navigate legal and ethical considerations to ensure proper conduct within the permitted scope. |
| Lernziel | 1. Understanding the concept and scope of OSINT; 2. Developing awareness of ethical and legal considerations when using OSINT methods; 3. Understanding the limitations and challenges of OSINT; 4. Using OSINT techniques on a practical project. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | School for Transdisciplinary Studies |
10SMSTS-603 Advanced Text Analysis Using Natural Language Processing
| Modulgruppe | Language in the Future |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 1 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This online course is designed for beginners who are curious about how to analyze and make sense of large amounts of text data, especially in the field of health research. No previous knowledge in text analysis is required-just an interest in learning new ways to work with data. In this course, students will explore how to uncover hidden topics in text in data-driven fashion (like finding themes in health articles) using a technique called topic modeling. They will also learn how to create simple tools (called classifiers) that can automatically sort and categorize text into different groups. The course will cover some basic ideas from natural language processing (NLP), which is the engine behind e.g. chatbots and search engines. Throughout the course, students will work with real examples from health research, but are also welcome to bring their own data if they have it. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the course, participants will have a basic understanding of language models, how they can be leveraged to mine public opinion in the media, and what to consider for the responsible use of language models. Specifically, participants will: 1. Discuss the potential and risks of using language models for digital health research 2. Evaluate the suitability of different language models for a particular opinion mining task using freely available AI resources 3. Develop competencies for responsible use and critical evaluation of language AI |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | This course requires students to have basic Python skills, including familiarity with the 'pandas' and 'numpy' libraries for datamanipulation. They will also need to set up and be familiar with Jupyter Notebook (https://jupyter.org/) prior to the course. Please note that there will be no introductory session on Python. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | School for Transdisciplinary Studies |
10SMSTS-604 ChatGPT and Beyond: Interdisciplinary Approaches to AI Literacy
| Modulgruppe | Language in the Future |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 2 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course addresses the rapidly evolving field of generative AI and its applications. Students will learn the essential principles of how generative AI models function and explore the opportunities of various tools and techniques. It also encourages critical discussion of the technology's limitations-legal, technical, and ethical-alongside potential dangers such as bias and information loss. Through examples from different disciplines, students will gain a purposeful understanding of generative AI, emphasizing transparency and responsible use. The course features lecturers from various UZH departments, each providing unique insights and use cases from their fields. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills to critically and effectively apply AI tools, preparing them to navigate and innovate responsibly in the complex landscape of generative AI. |
| Lernziel | After the course, students will be able to 1. Understand the fundamental principles of how generative AI tools work. 2. Recognize the possibilities and chances offered by generative AI tools in various contexts. 3. Identify and critically assess the limitations and dangers, including legal, technical, cost, and ethical considerations, of using generative AI. 4. Successfully and responsibly apply generative AI tools in their studies. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | The course is not suitable for Bachelor students in their first semester. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | School for Transdisciplinary Studies |
03SM22AINF05 Foundations of Computing I (L+E) (Formale Grundlagen der Informatik I)
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course introduces mathematical tools used in computer science (from database management to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysisand visualization, cryptography and security, computer graphics, computer vision, and image processing). In particular, the course will teach the following topics: propositional logic, digital logic circuits, induction and recursion, convolution, relations, modular arithmetic with application to cryptography, graphs, and trees. |
| Lernziel | Students will learn propositional logic, digital logic circuits, induction and recursion, convolution, relations, modular arithmetic with application to cryptography, graphs, and trees. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät |
03SM22BI0001 Foundations of Computing II (L+E)
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Required second-year course covering topics from discrete math and formal methods building the foundations of computing. The material of this course is pervasive in the areas of algorithms, data structures and programming but appears virtually in all areas of computer science as well. The course will cover topics such as, but not limited to, proof methods, formal languages, deterministic and nondeterministic finite automata, grammars and pushdown automata, Turing machines, computability, decidability and complexity, P and NP, NP-completeness. |
| Lernziel | The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with formal methods of computing and their value for computer science and related disciplines, and to provide basic training in applying formal methods to many different kinds of problems. Students should learn the fundamental limits of computation and extend their knowledge on formal languages as well as on formal programming models. Principles of interference, deduction, induction and contradiction should regularly be applied to demonstrate the formal correctness of models and limits. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät |
03SM22MI0005 Foundations of Data Science (L+E)
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Introduction to data science and different paradigms of machine learning; Linear prediction, Regression; Maximum Likelihood; Regularization, Generalization, Cross Validation; Optimization; Logistic Regression; Generative Models for Classification, Gaussian Discriminative Analysis, Naïve Bayes; Support Vector Machines; Kernel Methods; Neural Networks, Backpropagation; Clustering; Dimensionality Reduction, PCA. |
| Lernziel | This course introduces supervised and unsupervised learning. Students will learn the algorithms that underpin popular machine learning techniques. They will also develop an understanding of the theoretical relationships between these algorithms. The practicals will concern the implementation of machine learning algorithms and applications of machine learning. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | Introductory courses on continuous mathematics, linear algebra, probability theory, such as: WWF courses Mathematics I, Mathematics II, and Statistics. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Viertelschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät |
06SM272-015 Linguistische Datenwissenschaft
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Die Veranstaltung vermittelt praktische Kenntnisse im Bearbeiten, Speichern, Visualisieren und Analysieren sprachlicher Daten. |
| Lernziel | Praktische Kenntnis der wichtigsten datenwissenschaftlichen Methoden der Linguistik |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (50% schriftliche Übungen und 50% schriftliche Arbeit) |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM272-016 Statistik für Linguistinnen und Linguisten
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | In der Veranstaltung werden in die wichtigsten Grundkonzepte und Verfahren der deskriptiven, explorativen und inferentiellen Statistik der modernen Linguistik eingeführt. |
| Lernziel | Fähigkeit, die wichtigsten statistischen Methoden und Resultate zu verstehen, die in wissenschaftlichen Texten der Linguistik verwendet werden |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Kentnisse der Stochastik und Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie auf Maturitätsniveau |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (40% 2 schriftliche Übungen, 60% dokumentierte praktische Arbeit) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM523-001 Introduction to Language Technology
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahl |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module provides an introductory overview of computational linguistics and language technology. It covers central tasks such as text encoding, tokenization, morphological and syntactic processing, sequence tagging, and text classification. Students are introduced to language models, conversational systems, information retrieval, multilingual technologies, and speech and vision applications. The module integrates theoretical concepts with practical demonstrations and includes discussion of accessibility-oriented tools and responsible AI. |
| Lernziel | Students can: 1. explain core concepts, tasks, and methods in modern language technology. 2. apply fundamental NLP techniques such as tokenization, tagging, and text classification. 3. describe how language models, chatbots, information retrieval pipelines, multilingual models, and translation systems operate. 4. outline principles of speech processing, multimodal approaches, and accessibility-oriented technologies. 5. assess the capabilities and limitations of language technologies, including fairness and bias. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | None. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 75% final exam, 25% exercises |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-002 Programming in Language Technology 1
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahl |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module introduces the fundamentals of command line interfaces and programming. It covers core programming constructs such as control structures, data types, and basic principles of object-oriented programming. Theoretical instruction is combined with hands-on exercises in natural language processing and data analysis. Practical work focuses on applying algorithmic approaches to problems typically encountered in computational linguistics. |
| Lernziel | Students can: 1. operate command line interfaces. 2. use control structures and data types effectively. 3. apply basic principles of object-oriented programming. 4. conduct data analysis and natural language processing tasks. 5. address real-world problems using algorithmic approaches. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | None. Attending the module "Introduction to Language Technology" in the same semester is highly recommended. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 75% final exam, 25% exercises |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-003 Mathematical Foundations for Language Technology 1
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module reviews and strengthens the mathematical foundations required for understanding and developing methods in language technology. It covers essential concepts from logic, set theory, probability theory, descriptive statistics, combinatorics, analysis, linear algebra, and information theory, and highlights how these areas underpin core techniques in computational linguistics. The module introduces practical exercises to build mathematical intuition and to support the implementation and analysis of language technology systems. Students also work with computational tools to explore, analyze, and visualize data. |
| Lernziel | Students can: 1. explain language technology methods using mathematical concepts from the covered areas. 2. use mathematical tools to design solutions to selected problems in language technology. 3. analyze and visualize data using computational methods. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | None. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 75% final exam, 25% mid-term exam |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-005 Programming in Language Technology 2
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This module deepens programming skills in Python with a focus on developing software for language technology applications. It emphasizes writing clear and maintainable code, applying modern programming techniques to domain-specific tasks, and using essential practices in code management such as version control, testing, debugging, and systematic code review. Integrated exercises support the refinement and evaluation of software in natural language processing contexts. |
| Lernziel | Students can: 1. apply modern programming knowledge and skills to solve tasks in language technology. 2. review, debug, and improve human- and machine-written code in language technology applications. 3. use essential code management practices, including version control and testing, to support systematic software development. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Deutsch und/oder Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Successfully completed module "Programming in Language Technology 1" or equivalent knowledge. Knowledge to the extent of "Introduction to Language Technology". |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 75% final exam, 25% exercises |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-529 Intermediate Methods and Programming in Digital Linguistics
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Tutorat, Vorlesung mit integrierter Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course is designed to refresh and to deepen programming skills in Unix and Python. We teach basic operators and functions, the handling of lists and dictionaries as well as the basics of object-oriented programming. It is particularly important that the students acquire the ability to prepare text and speech data for further processing. Through practical tasks and exercises, we train the algorithmic and programming skills of the participants. |
| Lernziel | Students will be able to use Unix-based systems and Unix language processing tools efficiently. Students will know the basic data types, control structures and functions of Python. Students will be able to design problem solutions and to implement them in Python. Students will know how to use basic tools and programming libraries for corpus linguistics. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Successful completion of the introductory course "Language Data Processing" of the Master Linguistics This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
06SM523-530 Eye Tracking and NLP
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course introduces a growing research area that combines eyetracking during reading with natural language processing (NLP). Students will learn how eye movements in reading can be leveraged for enhancing and interpreting language models, and how eye movements can be exploited for a range of new human-centered applications. The course covers the following topics: (i) fundamentals of eye movements in reading, (ii) experimental methodologies and available data sets, (iii) generative models of eye movements, iv) leveraging eye movement data for NLP and v) human-centered applications. |
| Lernziel | Students will acquire theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the topics covered by this course. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Python programming skills at least on the level of the Module «Programmiertechniken in der Computerlinguistik 2», and familiaritywith foundational knowledge in machine learning and NLP. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio (80% written exam und 20% theoretical and practical assignments) |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Institut für Computerlinguistik |
07SMBIO334 BIO 334 Practical Bioinformatics
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Blockkurs |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Analysis of complex bioinformatic data using python and R |
| Lernziel | By the end of this course, students should be able to - write simple python scripts that use basic and advanced data and control structures - perform straightforward data manipulations and statistical analyses in the language R - apply python and R to the analysis of large and complex sequence and functional genomic data sets |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMBIO610 BIO 610 Introduction to Machine Learning for Genomics
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 1 |
| Lehrform | Sonstiges |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | This course is a hands-on introduction to machine learning with Python for biologists with focus on genomics and evolution. It focuses on analyzing gene expression and experimental data. You will start with the basics, like preparing data and making graphs, then move on to practical tasks. Workflow of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich is used for the hands-on of next-generation sequencing data. We will also use Large Language Models (LLMs) as a powerful helper to make programming and data analysis easier. |
| Lernziel | By the end of the module the students should be able to - Understand concepts of NGS technologies - Understand fundamentals of data analysis - Design a research experiment and the data analysis involving biologically relevant issues affecting populations of plants or animals - Run machine learning analysis process - Understand basic bioinformatics of large datasets for practical use in genetic analyses |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | Basic studies completed |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (unregelmässig) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMMAT183 MAT 183 Stochastik für die Naturwissenschaften
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Diese Vorlesung ist eine obligatorische Fortsetzung des Moduls "MAT182 Analysis für die Naturwissenschaften" aus dem Wintersemester. Es werden die wichtigsten Begriffe und Konzepte aus der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung und Statistik eingeführt und ihre Anwendungen illustriert. |
| Lernziel | Grundlagen für weiterführende Vorlesungen werden bereitgestellt. Einfache statistische Probleme können von den StudentInnen selbständig gelöst werden. StudentInnen erkennen Grenzen der Statistik bei Entscheidungsproblemen. |
| Unterrichtssprache | siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Voraussetzungen | keine |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMSTA120 STA 120 Introduction to Statistics
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Lehrform | Übung, Vorlesung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Point and interval estimation and related tests, multivariate Gaussian distribution in the linear framework including simple extensions, rank based approaches and a short introduction to Bayes theory. Use of the software R. |
| Lernziel | - solid knowledge in applied statistics. - a practical basic education in important basic and modern methods of statistics. - comprehensive capabilites of using the programming language R. |
| Unterrichtssprache | English |
| Voraussetzungen | - MAT 183 Stochastik für die Naturwissenschaften oder äquivalent UND - MAT 141 Lineare Algebra für die Naturwissenschaften oder äquivalent |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Frühjahrssemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
07SMSTA121 STA 121 Statistical Modeling
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Lehrform | Praktikum, Übung, Vorlesung, Wiederholungsprüfung |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Multiple regression, logistic regression, multifactor experimental design, nonparametric smoothing, principal component analysis, bootstrap, survival data, using the programming language R |
| Lernziel | - solid knowledge in applied statistics - a practical basic education in important basic and modern methods of statistics - comprehensive capabilites of using the programming language R |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | STA 120 Introduction to Statistics or basic knowledge in probability and statistics |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Herbstsemester) |
| Organisation | Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät |
10SMSTS-506 Get R_eady: Introduction to Data Analysis for Empirical Research
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 1 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The course offers an introduction to data analysis in the transdisciplinary field of empirical research in the programming language R. The R system of statistical computing is openly available from https://www.r-project.org and provides a simple and flexible software environment for statistical analyses and graphics. Tailored to the application of empirical research the course covers basics of functions and data formats in R, as well as the essential steps of a data analysis including data manipulation, descriptive statistics, statistical tests and graphical representations. Reflections on research methodology and transdisciplinarity will take place and critical thinking will be enhanced. |
| Lernziel | Aims of the course - to equip participants with the essential tools to address their research questions in R, - participants are able to perform plausibility checks, descriptive analysis, statistical tests and visualization of their research data in R, - participants are able to critically engage with and reflect on methodological aspects of data analysis and presentation and can adapt contemporary examples for critical appraisal to their disciplinary background. |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Participants should have basic knowledge in statistics and should be beginners with the software R. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Semester) |
| Organisation | School for Transdisciplinary Studies |
10SMSTS-508 Get R_eady: Prognostic & Prediction Modeling in Research
| Modulgruppe | Mathematical and Scripting Methods |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Wahlpflicht |
| ECTS | 1 |
| Lehrform | Seminar |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | Prognostic models to predict future events have increasingly been used across different fields, e.g. in the medical sciences (clinical prediction models, personalized medicine, prognostic models), in legal data science (predictive analytics), political sciences (scientific prediction), or related. The derivation and validation of such models poses specific challenges, that require knowledge of distinct methodological aspects in order to develop models that are internally valid and can be generalized out-of-sample. This course covers traditional statistical as well as machine learning approaches for model development, sample size calculation, variable selection, methodological outcomes for the assessment of model performance, as well as model validation. The course encourages critical thinking regarding published prognostic models' validity across different fields of research. |
| Lernziel | Aims of the course - to equip participants with the essential tools to derive a prediction model, - to enable participants to apply and intepret suitable model diagnostics for different types of prediction models, - to empower participants to critically engage with and reflect on published prediction models |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Participants should have basic knowledge in the programming language R, equivalent to completion of the course "Get R_eady: Introduction to Data Analysis for Empirical Research". Additionally they should be familiar with statistical methods including statistical modeling methodology for binary outcomes. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Siehe Vorlesungsverzeichnis |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Semester) |
| Organisation | School for Transdisciplinary Studies |
06SM274-600 Research Related Competences
| Modulgruppe | Research Related Competences |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Pflicht |
| ECTS | 30 |
| Lehrform | Selbststudium |
| Allgemeine Beschreibung | The Research Related Competences module provides students with knowledge and practical experience across key phases of designing and carrying out empirical research projects, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of research practice. This module is closely integrated with the Master's thesis module, where students will further advance and apply their competences in executing and finalizing their research project. Each performance element within this module can be supervised by at least one thesis supervisor. Supervision takes place in consultation hours and/or colloquia. |
| Lernziel | Students will develop competencies in the following areas: 1. Literature review 2. Study preregistration 3. Data management planning 4. Ethics approval 5. Pilot study - design and execution 6. Data collection and processing 7. Interdisciplinary project progress reporting 8. Interdisciplinary discussions on language evolution |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | Students must submit a work plan to the supervisors which includes a timetable for the submission of evidence for each performance element. This plan must be signed by all supervisors. This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | Portfolio: 1. Literature review (part I): written work; 2. Study preregistration: documented practical work; 3. Data management plan: documented practical work; 4. Ethical approval: documented practical work; 5. Pilot study - design and execution: documented practical work; 6. Data collection and processing (part I): documented practical work; 7. Interdisciplinary project progress reports: oral presentation; 8. Interdisciplinary discussions on language evolution: oral presentation. In order to pass the module, 7 out of the 8 performence elements of the portfolio must be successfully completed. |
| Notenskala | bestanden/nicht bestanden |
| Repetierbarkeit | keine Wiederholungsmöglichkeit |
| Angebotsmuster | 1-semestrig (jedes Semester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
06SM274-MA Master's Thesis
| Modulgruppe | Abschlussarbeit |
|---|---|
| Modultyp | Pflicht |
| ECTS | 30 |
| Lehrform | Master Paper / MA-Arbeit |
| Unterrichtssprache | Englisch |
| Voraussetzungen | This module is open only to Master's students. It may not be booked by Bachelor's students as a pre-Master's module. |
| Leistungsnachweis | written paper |
| Notenskala | 1-6, in Halbschritten |
| Repetierbarkeit | einmal wiederholbar, erneut buchen |
| Angebotsmuster | 2-semestrig (jedes Semester) |
| Organisation | Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution |
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