Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016
Environmental Sciences Bachelor  | ||||||
 Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2011) | ||||||
| Basic Courses II | ||||||
| Examination Blocks | ||||||
| Examination Block 1 | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 402-0063-00L | Physics II | O | 5 credits | 3V + 1U | A. Vaterlaus | |
| Abstract | Introduction to the "way of thinking" and the methodology in Physics, with the help of demonstration experiments. The Chapters treated are Electromagnetism, Refraction and Diffraction of Waves, Elements of Quantum Mechanics with applications to Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Phase Transitions, Transport Phenomena. Whenever possible, examples relevant to the students' main field of study are given. | |||||
| Objective | Introduction to the scientific methodology. The student should develop his/her capability to turn physical observations into mathematical models, and to solve the latter. | |||||
| Content | Elektromagnetismus, Elektromagnetische Wellen, Wellenoptik, Strahlenoptik, Quantenoptik, Quantenmechanik, Thermische Eigenschaften, Transportphänomene, Wärmestrahlung | |||||
| Lecture notes | Skript wird verteilt. | |||||
| Literature | Friedhelm Kuypers Physik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler Band 2 Elektrizität, Optik, Wellen Wiley-VCH, 2012 ISBN 3527411445, 9783527411443 Douglas C. Giancoli Physik 3. erweiterte Auflage Pearson Studium Hans J. Paus Physik in Experimenten und Beispielen Carl Hanser Verlag, München, 2002, 1068 S. Paul A. Tipler Physik Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1998, 1522 S., ca Fr. 120.- David Halliday Robert Resnick Jearl Walker Physik Wiley-VCH, 2003, 1388 S., Fr. 87.- (bis 31.12.03) dazu gratis Online Ressourcen (z.B. Simulationen): www.halliday.de | |||||
| 701-0245-00L | Introduction to Evolutionary Biology | O | 2 credits | 2V | G. Velicer, S. Wielgoss | |
| Abstract | This course introduces important questions about the evolutionary processes involved in the generation and maintenance of biological diversity across all domains of life and how evolutionary science investigates these questions. | |||||
| Objective | This course introduces important questions about the evolutionary processes involved in the generation and maintenance of biological diversity across all domains of life and how evolutionary science investigates these questions. The topics covered range from different forms of selection, phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, life history theory, the evolution of sex, social evolution to human evolution. These topics are important for the understanding of a number of evolutionary problems in the basic and applied sciences. | |||||
| Content | Topics likely to be covered in this course include research methods in evolutionary biology, adaptation, evolution of sex, evolutionary transitions, human evolution, infectious disease evolution, life history evolution, macroevolution, mechanisms of evolution, phylogenetic analysis, population dynamics, population genetics, social evolution, speciation and types of selection. | |||||
| Literature | Textbook: Evolutionary Analysis Scott Freeman and Jon Herron 5th Edition, English. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The exam is based on lecture and textbook. | |||||
| 701-0255-00L | Biochemistry | O | 2 credits | 2V | H.‑P. Kohler | |
| Abstract | Building on the biology courses in the 1st and 2nd semesters, this course covers basic biochemical knowledge in the areas of enzymology and metabolism. Those completing the course are able to describe and understand fundamental cellular metabolic processes. | |||||
| Objective | Students are able to understand - the structure and function of biological macromolecules - the kinetic bases of enzyme reactions - thermodynamic and mechanistic basics of relevant metabolic processes Students are able to describe the relevant metabolic reactions in detail | |||||
| Content | Program Introduction, basics, composition of cells, biochemical units, repetition of relevant organic chemistry Structure and function of proteins Carbohydrates Lipids an biological membranes Enzymes and enzyme kinetics Catalytic strategies Metabolism: Basic concepts and design. Repetition of basic thermodynamics Glycolysis, fermentation The citric acid cycle Oxidative phosphorylation Fatty acid metabolism | |||||
| Lecture notes | Horton et al. (Pearson) serves as lecture notes. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Basic knowledge in biology and chemistry is a precondition. | |||||
| 752-4001-00L | Microbiology | O | 2 credits | 2V | M. Schuppler, S. Schlegel, J. Vorholt-Zambelli | |
| Abstract | Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, Prokaryotic Diversity, Human-Microbe Interactions, Biotechnology. | |||||
| Objective | Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology. | |||||
| Content | Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Themen: Bakterielle Zellbiologie, Molekulare Genetik, Wachstumsphysiologie, Biochemische Diversität, Phylogenie und Taxonomie, Prokaryotische Vielfalt, Interaktion zwischen Menschen und Mikroorganismen sowie Biotechnologie. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Wird von den jeweiligen Dozenten ausgegeben. | |||||
| Literature | Die Behandlung der Themen erfolgt auf der Basis des Lehrbuchs Brock, Biology of Microorganisms | |||||
| Examination Block 2 | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 701-0023-00L | Atmosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | H. Wernli, E. M. Fischer, T. Peter | |
| Abstract | Basic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer. | |||||
| Objective | Understanding of basic physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. Understanding of mechanisms of and interactions between: weather - climate, atmosphere - ocean - continents, troposhere - stratosphere. Understanding of environmentally relevant structures and processes on vastly differing scales. Basis for the modelling of complex interrelations in the atmospehre. | |||||
| Content | Basic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Written information will be supplied. | |||||
| Literature | - John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, New York, 1998. - Gösta H. Liljequist, Allgemeine Meteorologie, Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1974. | |||||
| 701-0071-00L | Mathematics III: Systems Analysis | O | 4 credits | 2V + 1U | N. Gruber, D. Byrne | |
| Abstract | The objective of the systems analysis course is to deepen and illustrate the mathematical concepts on the basis of a series of very concrete examples. Topics covered include: linear box models with one or several variables, non-linear box models with one or several variables, time-discrete models, and continuous models in time and space. | |||||
| Objective | Learning and applying of concepts (models) and quantitative methods to address concrete problems of environmental relevance. Understanding and applying the systems-analytic approach, i.e., Recognizing the core of the problem - simplification - quantitative approach - prediction. | |||||
| Content | http://www.up.ethz.ch/education/systems-analysis.html | |||||
| Lecture notes | Overhead slides will be made available through Ilias. | |||||
| Literature | Imboden, D.S. and S. Pfenninger (2013) Introduction to Systems Analysis: Mathematically Modeling Natural Systems. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer Verlag. http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-642-30639-6 | |||||
| 701-0401-00L | Hydrosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | R. Kipfer, C. Roques | |
| Abstract | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | |||||
| Objective | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | |||||
| Content | Topics of the course. Physical properties of water (i.e. density and equation of state) - global water resources Exchange at boundaries - energy (thermal & kinetic), gas exchange Mixing and transport processes in open waters - vertical stratification, large scale transport - turbulence and mixing - mixing and exchange processes in rivers Groundwater and its dynamics - ground water as part of the terrestrial water cycle - ground water hydraulics, Darcy's law - aquifers and their properties - hydrochemistry and tracer - ground water use Case studies - 1. Water as resource, 2. Water and climate | |||||
| Lecture notes | In addition to the suggested literature handouts are distributed. | |||||
| Literature | Suggested literature. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The case studies and the analysis of the questions and problems are integral part of the course. | |||||
| 701-0501-00L | Pedosphere | O | 3 credits | 2V | R. Kretzschmar | |
| Abstract | Introduction 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. | |||||
| Objective | Introduction 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. | |||||
| Content | Definition 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. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes can be purchased during the first lecture (15.- SFr) | |||||
| Literature | - Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology. | |||||
| Additional Compulsory Courses | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 701-0033-00L | Laboratory Course in Physics for Students of Environmental Sciences | O | 2 credits | 4P | M. Münnich, A. Biland, N. Gruber | |
| Abstract | The course provides an individual experience of physical phenomena and the basic principles of experiments. By carrying out simple physical experiments the students learn the proper use measuring instruments, the correct evaluation of report of the measured data and how to interpret the final results. | |||||
| Objective | This laboratory course aims to provide basic knowledge of - the setup of a physics experiment, - the use of measurement instruments, - various measuring techniques, - the analysis or measurement errors, - and the interpretations of the measured quantities. | |||||
| Content | The students select 8 out of 20 experiments which they like to conduct. For each of these experiments the students will analyze the data they measure estimate the error of there measurements and compare these with the physical theory. Additionally each student will present one of their experiments in a seminar. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Manuals for the experiments are provided online. | |||||
| 701-0035-00L | Integrated Practical Observation Networks | O | 1.5 credits | 4P | J. Henneberger, T. Tormann | |
| Abstract | Observation networks - the combination of individual instruments - are the starting point of quantitative environmental studies. The structure and idiosyncrasies of existing observation networks are shown. When working in individual experiments on practical problems, various types of observation networks are dealt with; questions related to data quality and data availability are discussed. | |||||
| Objective | Getting acquainted with existing networks. Insight into problems related to measuring and interpreting multi-dimensional fields of atmospheric physical, atmospheric chemical, and geophysical parameters. | |||||
| Content | Observation networks for atmospheric physical, atmospheric chemical, geophysical, hydrological and climatological parameters on different scales (synoptic: 1000 km; mesoscale: 100 km, and microscale: 100 m). Combination of surface observation with remotely sensed data (satellite, radar). Solving interpolation problems in multi-dimensional fields of the observed variables. Assessing the representativity of local values, i.e., the directly observed variable in an observation network. | |||||
| Lecture notes | The script is published anew every year. Apart from the description of the scientific problems to be worked on in individual experiments, it contains some theoretical chapters on observation networks, as well as guidelines for writing and publishing scientific papers. The script can be downloaded as pdf from the course webpage. | |||||
| Literature | Literature is listed in the script. | |||||
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