Ruben Kretzschmar: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2016

Name Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar
FieldBodenchemie
Address
I. f. Biogeochemie/Schadstoffdyn.
ETH Zürich, CHN F 23.1
Universitätstrasse 16
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 633 60 03
E-mailruben.kretzschmar@env.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipFull Professor

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
701-0034-06LIntegrated Field Course Soils Restricted registration - show details 1.5 credits3PR. Kretzschmar, D. Or, R. Schulin, L. Walthert
AbstractDuring three full-day field trips and two half-day field exercises, various aspects of soil morphology, soil genesis, and soil functioning are discussed using practical examples.
ObjectiveGaining practical knowledge in soil science in the field.
ContentSoil description in the field, soil formation in Zurich-Nord, forest soils, carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil-water relations, soil conservation and landuse.
Lecture notesHandouts are provided during the course.
701-0362-00LSoils and Vegetation of the Alps Restricted registration - show details 2 credits2PA. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar
AbstractField trip: Knowledge of the interactions between plants and environment (especially climate and soil) in the Alps (demonstrated in the Davos region); sites on different substrate (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the interactions between plants and their environment (especially climate and soil) in the Alps (demonstrated in the Davos region).
ContentField trip in the Davos region: Sites on different substrat (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites.
Lecture notesA guide to the excursion will be available.
LiteratureLandolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements: "Bodenchemie" (R. Kretzschmar).
701-0364-00LFlora, Vegetation and Soils of the Alps Restricted registration - show details 3 credits1V + 2PA. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar
AbstractLecture: Environmental factors and interactions between plants and their environment in the area of the Alps; origin of the flora of the Alps; altitudinal levels and their characteristic vegetations.
Field trip: Sites on different substrate in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and plant species.
ObjectiveFamiliarity with environmental factors and the interactions between plants and their environment in the area of the Alps.
ContentLecture: Environmental factors in the alps; adaptation of plants; patterns of distribution; genesis of the flora of the Alps; altitudinal levels; characteristic vegetation.
Field trip: Sites on different substrate (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites.
Lecture notessee under "Literatur". For the excursion a guide will be available.
LiteratureLandolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements: Basic knowledge in Systematic Botany and ecology. Successful participation in the courses "Pflanzendiversität" (Nr. 701-2314-00L), as well as "Pflanzendiversität: kollin und montan" (701-0314-00L) and "Pflanzendiversität: subalpin und alpin" (701-0314-01L).

The course consists of the lecture (FS, Mo 17-18, CHN G42) and an excursion in July (four days, 6.-9.7.2016) in the Alps.

The examination includes contents from the lecture and excursion.

Excursion: Travel costs are covered by ETH Zurich. The Biology and Environmental Systems Science Departments contribute to housing costs for the excursion. The remaining costs of 240 Swiss Francs for accommodation, food and the printed excursion booklet are to be covered by the participants.

The excursion takes place in the Alps. Participants therefore must be able and used to walk in steep terrain and have the necessary equipment (most importantly, good hiking shoes). In case of concerns, please contact the responsible person well in advance.
701-0501-AALPedosphere Information
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement.

Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
3 credits6RR. Kretzschmar
AbstractIntroduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.
ContentDefinition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation.
Literature- Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007.
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, 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, 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 practice 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 following semester (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 one fellow student 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.