Bernhard Wehrli: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Name Prof. em. Dr. Bernhard Wehrli
FieldAquatische Chemie
Address
Stutzstrasse 51
6005 Luzern
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41413611856
E-mailbernhard.wehrli@env.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipProfessor emeritus

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
701-0038-02LField Course Chemistry and Environment Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 60.
Priority is given to BSc Environmental Sciences students.
1 credit2UB. Wehrli
AbstractThe field course consist of an introductory part and two days of field work focusing on a lake system. The students will gather insights into sensor technology for quantifying hydrological and chemical processes. They learn how to evaluate data series and to apply simple models in order to address questions of water management.
ObjectiveThe studens get familiar with in-situ measurement systems. They use their knowledge in chemistry and systems analysis in order to address questions of ecosystem functions and the management of a lake in an intensively modified environment.
ContentThe introduction (3 hours) covers the basic themes of
* lakes as biogeochemical systems
* the dynamics of littoral zones and the vertical stratification of the water column
* the variability of inflows and outflows
* typical measurement systems for hydrological and chemical parameters

In the field course the students work in groups on three different topics
1. The lake reflects its catchment: The students analyze nutrient loads in the inflows and the outflow and use existing data to construct a mass balance
2. The habitat of the littoral zone: Based on sensors and data loggers the students analyze the diurnal changes in temperature and some chemical parameters and compare these to the terrestrial habitat.
3. From light to darkness: Using profiling equippment the students analyze the vertical stratification of the lake and the varibility of light and chemical parameters.
Lecture notesA guide for the field work and electronic data series will be avialable.
Prerequisites / NoticeBachelor courses: Chemie I und II (529-2001-00, 529-2002-00)
Systemanalyse I (401-0252-00)
701-0420-01LPractical Training in Biogeochemistry Information 7 credits14PB. Wehrli, M. W. Evangelou, P. U. Lehmann Grunder, D. Radny, J. Rothardt, M. H. Schroth
AbstractThe course offers practical training biogeochemical analyses. The first half of the semester is focused on terrestrial systems and all students learn how to analyse soil systems with physical, chemical and microbiological methods. Later, they form small groups and work on small research projects situated around an river-groundwater system.
ObjectiveThe students learn to apply physical, chemical and microbiological analysis tools in the laboratroy and the field. They use their theoretical knowledge to interpret their own data, and to critically assess and document them.
Lecture notesDescriptions of the methodologies will be provided.
701-0462-01LThe Science and Politics of International Water Management Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
4 credits2SB. Wehrli, T. Bernauer
AbstractThis research seminar focuses on water management issues that extend beyond national boundaries, i.e. are international. In the spring semester of 2013 the seminar will concentrate on the Zambezi River Basin (ZRB), one of the largest international river basins in Africa and worldwide.
ObjectiveAcquire skills for analyzing challenges associated with integrated water resources management in an international setting.
ContentThe seminar will begin by providing background on global water resources, challenges associated with managing these resources, and environmental and socio-economic assessment of management strategies.
Students, acting as science-based consultants competing for the opportunity to serve as technical advisors to ZRB stakeholders, will then work in teams to develop integrated water management strategies for the ZRB. This work will address important management issues on which the ZRBs riparian countries are currently focusing, for example:
how to define water demand scenarios; how do model water allocation options, how and where to expand agriculture and irrigation; and selecting among proposed new dams to optimally meet growing hydropower demands while minimizing social and ecological impacts.
In mid-May 2013, each team will submit a 5-page report. On the final day of the seminar (~1 week later), teams will give short presentations explaining their proposed solutions (15 minutes + 10 minutes discussion).

Dates, times, and course structure:
Class meetings: initials meetings on four Friday afternoons (3-5pm each, 22 Feb., 1 March, 8 March, or 15 March); independent group work during ~6 weeks, with a mid-term meeting on 19 April, also 3-5pm); final meeting on 24 May, 3 - 6pm.
LiteratureThe participants will receive all teaching materials in electronic form once the seminar begins.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis research seminar takes place once a year, in the spring semester. Students successfully completing the seminar will obtain 4 ECTS credit points. The seminar is open to post-BSc/post-BA students, that is, those currently enrolled in an MSc, MA, or PhD program of ETH Zurich. Students from other universities, including exchange/guest students, should contact the faculty members teaching this seminar to obtain access.

For questions or to register: please contact Lauren Adams at lauren.adams@ir.gess.ethz.ch
701-1302-00LTerm Paper 2: Seminar
Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L).
2 credits1SK. McNeill, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, M. H. Schroth, R. Schwarzenbach, B. Wehrli, L. Winkel
AbstractThis class is the 2nd part of a series and participation is conditional on the successful completion of the Term paper Writing class (701-1303-00L). The results from the term paper written during the winter term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed.
ObjectiveThe goal of the term paper Seminars is to train the student's ability to communicate the results to a wider audience and the ability to respond to questions and comments.
ContentEach student presents the results of the term paper to the other students and advisors and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureTerm paper
Prerequisites / NoticeThe term papers will be made publically available after each student had the opportunity to make revisions.

There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
701-1303-00LTerm Paper 1: Writing Restricted registration - show details 5 credits6AM. H. Schroth, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, R. Schwarzenbach, B. Wehrli, L. Winkel
AbstractThe ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarize the information in
a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practise this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper on a topic of relevance for research in the areas of biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics.
ObjectiveThe goal of the term paper is to train the student's ability to
critically evaluate a well-defined set of research subjects, and to
summarize the findings concisely in a paper of scientific quality. The
paper will be evaluated based on its ability to communicate an
understanding of a topic, and to identify key outstanding questions.
Results from this term paper will be presented to the fellow students and
involved faculty in the summer term (Term paper seminars)
ContentEach student is expected to write a paper with a length of approximately 15 pages. The students can choose from a list of topics prepared by the supervisors, but the final topic will be determined based on a balance of choice and availability. The students will be guided and advised by their advisors throughout the term. The paper itself should contain the following elements: Motivation and context of the given topic (25%), Concise presentation of the state of the science (50%), Identification of open questions and perhaps outline of opportunities for research (25).
In addition, the accurate use of citations, attribution of ideas, and the judicious use of figures, tables, equations and references are critical components of a successful paper. Specialized knowledge is not expected, nor required, neither is new research.
Lecture notesGuidelines and supplementary material will be handed out at the beginning of the class.
LiteratureWill be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeEach term paper will be reviewed by two fellow students and one faculty. The submission of a written review is a condition for obtaining the credit points.
There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the term paper and the submission of another student's review.