Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Environmental Sciences Master Information
Minors
Minor in Sustainable Energy Use
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0967-00LProject Development in Renewable Energies Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W2 credits2GR. Rechsteiner, A. Appenzeller
AbstractProject development in renewable Energies
Realization of projects in the field of renewable energies, analysis of legal frame conditions and risks.
The students learn basics of renewable energy project realization from acknowledged experts active in the field.
They identify different tasks of various investor types.
They develop sample projects in practice within groups
ObjectiveYou become acquainted with the regulative, juridical and economic requirements of project development in renewable energies in the fireld of wind power, solar power and hydro power.
You learn to launch and judge projects by exercises in groups
You recognize chances and risks of renewable energy projects
ContentBusiness models for renewable energy projects
Introduction of market trends, market structure, technical trends and regulation in Switzerland and in the EU internal energy market
Necessary frame conditions for profitable projects
Project development samples and exercises in
wind power
hydro power
photovoltaics
due diligence and country assessment.
Exact Program in German below
Link
Lecture notesPPT presentations will be distributed (in German)
LiteratureLong list for literature: Link
REN21 Renewables GLOBAL STATUS REPORT
Link
Mit einer grünen Anlage schwarze Zahlen schreiben Link
UNEP: Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investments
Link
Energiestrategie 2050 Faktenblätter des Bundes (PDF): Link
Ryan Wiser, Mark Bolinger: Wind Technologies Market Report 2015, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Link
IEA PVPS: TRENDS 2014 IN PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS
Link
Bundesamt für Energie: Perspektiven für die Grosswasserkraft in der Schweiz Link
Windenergie-Report Deutschland Link
Prerequisites / NoticeFor group exercise and presentation reasons the number of participants is limited at 30 students. For exercices students build learning and presentational groups.
701-1346-00LCarbon Mitigation Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 90.
W3 credits2GN. Gruber
AbstractFuture climate change can only kept within reasonable bounds when CO2 emissions are drastically reduced. In this course, we will discuss a portfolio of options involving the alteration of natural carbon sinks and carbon sequestration. The course includes introductory lectures, presentations from guest speakers from industry and the public sector, and final presentations by the students.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to investigate, as a group, a particular set of carbon mitigation/sequestration options and to evaluate their potential, their cost, and their consequences.
ContentFrom the large number of carbon sequestration/mitigation options, a few options will be selected and then investigated in detail by the students. The results of this research will then be presented to the other students, the involved faculty, and discussed in detail by the whole group.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureWill be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeExam: No final exam. Pass/No-Pass is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
052-0609-00LEnergy- and Climate Systems I Information
ITA Pool Introduction Event: Information on all the courses offered by the Institute ITA: 7.9.20, 10-11 h, HIB Open Space.
W2 credits2GA. Schlüter
AbstractThe first semester of the annual course focuses on physical principles, component and systems for the efficient and sustainable heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings on different scales and the interaction of technical systems with architectural and urban design.
ObjectiveAfter this lecture, students can identify relevant physical principles, active and passive approaches, technical components and systems for efficient and sustainable supply of buildings with heat, cold and fresh air. Students are aware of the implications and interactions of such technical systems on urban and architectural design, construction and operation of buildings. Using simplified methods of analysis and quantification, students are able to estimate the relevant qualities and quantities to supply a building.
Content1. Introduction and overview
2. Heating and cooling systems in buildings
3. Ventilation
Lecture notesThe Slides from the lecture serve as lecture notes and are available as download.
LiteratureA list of relevant literature is available at the chair.
227-0731-00LPower Market I - Portfolio and Risk ManagementW6 credits4GD. Reichelt, G. A. Koeppel
AbstractPortfolio and risk management in the electrical power business, Pan-European power market and trading, futures and forward contracts, hedging, options and derivatives, performance indicators for the risk management, modelling of physical assets, cross-border trading, ancillary services, balancing power market, Swiss market model.
ObjectiveKnowlege on the worldwide liberalisation of electricity markets, pan-european power trading and the role of power exchanges. Understand financial products (derivatives) based on power. Management of a portfolio containing physical production, contracts and derivatives. Evaluate trading and hedging strategies. Apply methods and tools of risk management.
Content1. Pan-European power market and trading
1.1. Power trading
1.2. Development of the European power markets
1.3. Energy economics
1.4. Spot and OTC trading
1.5. European energy exchange EEX

2. Market model
2.1. Market place and organisation
2.2. Balance groups / balancing energy
2.3. Ancillary services
2.4. Market for ancillary services
2.5. Cross-border trading
2.6. Capacity auctions

3. Portfolio and Risk management
3.1. Portfolio management 1 (introduction)
3.2. Forward and futures contracts
3.3. Risk management 1 (m2m, VaR, hpfc, volatility, cVaR)
3.4. Risk management 2 (PaR)
3.5. Contract valuation (HPFC)
3.6. Portfolio management 2
2.8. Risk Management 3 (enterprise wide)

4. Energy & Finance I
4.1. Options 1 – basics
4.2. Options 2 – hedging with options
4.3. Introduction to derivatives (swaps, cap, floor, collar)
4.4. Financial modelling of physical assets
4.5. Trading and hydro power
4.6. Incentive regulation
Lecture notesHandouts of the lecture
Prerequisites / Notice1 excursion per semester, 2 case studies, guest speakers for specific topics.
Course Moodle: Link
Minor in Global Change and Sustainability
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0019-00LReadings in Environmental Thinking Information W3 credits2SJ. Ghazoul
AbstractThis course introduces students to foundational texts that led to the emergence of the environment as a subject of scientific importance, and shaped its relevance to society. Above all, the course seeks to give confidence and raise enthusiasm among students to read more widely around the broad subject of environmental sciences and management both during the course and beyond.
ObjectiveThe course will provide students with opportunities to read, discuss, evaluate and interpret key texts that have shaped the environmental movement and, more specifically, the environmental sciences. Students will gain familiarity with the foundational texts, but also understand the historical context within which their academic and future professional work is based. More directly, the course will encourage debate and discussion of each text that is studied, from both the original context as well as the modern context. In so doing students will be forced to consider and justify the current societal relevance of their work.
ContentThe course will be run as a ‘book reading club’. The first session will provide a short introduction as to how to explore a particular text (that is not a scientific paper) to identify the key points for discussion.

Thereafter, in each week a text (typically a chapter from a book or a paper) considered to be seminal or foundational will be assigned by a course lecturer. The lecturer will introduce the selected text with a brief background of the historical and cultural context in which it was written, with some additional biographical information about the author. He/she will also briefly explain the justification for selecting the particular text.

The students will read the text, with two to four students (depending on class size) being assigned to present it at the next session. Presentation of the text requires the students to prepare by, for example:
• identifying the key points made within the text
• identifying issues of particular personal interest and resonance
• considering the impact of the text at the time of publication, and its importance now
• evaluating the text from the perspective of our current societal and environmental position

Such preparation would be supported by a mid-week ‘tutorial’ discussion (about 1 hour) with the assigning lecturer.

These students will then present the text (for about 15 minutes) to the rest of the class during the scheduled class session, with the lecturer facilitating the subsequent class discussion (about 45 minutes). Towards the end of the session the presenting students will summarise the emerging points (5 minutes) and the lecturer will finish with a brief discussion of how valuable and interesting the text was (10 minutes). In the remaining 15 minutes the next text will be presented by the assigning lecturer for the following week.
LiteratureThe specific texts selected for discussion will vary, but examples include:
Leopold (1949) A Sand County Almanach
Carson (1962) Silent Spring
Egli, E. (1970) Natur in Not. Gefahren der Zivilisationslandschaft
Lovelock (1979) Gaia: A new look at life on Earth
Naess (1973) The Shallow and the Deep.
Roderick F. Nash (1989) The Rights of Nature
Jared Diamond (2005) Collapse
Robert Macfarlane (2007) The Wild Places

Discussions might also encompass films or other forms of media and communication about nature.
701-1551-00LSustainability Assessment Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2GP. Krütli, D. Nef
AbstractThe course deals with the concepts and methodologies for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development. A special focus is given to the social dimension and to social justice as a guiding principle of sustainability. The format of the course is seminar-like, interactive.
ObjectiveAt the end of the course, students:
- know core concepts of sustainable development, the concept of social justice in the context of sustainability, a selection of methodologies for the assessment of sustainable development
- have a deepened understanding of the challenges of trade-offs between the different goals of sustainable development and their respective impacts on individual and societal decision-making
ContentThe course is structured as follows:
- overview of rationale, objectives, concepts and origins of sustainable development (ca. 15%)
- overview of the concept of social justice as guiding principle of the social dimension of sustainability (ca. 25%)
- analysis of a selection of concepts and methodologies to assess sustainable development in a variety of contexts (60%)
Lecture notesHandouts are provided
LiteratureSelected scientific articles and book-chapters
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents of this course may also be interested in the course transdisciplinary case study (tdCS) in the Spring semester (701-1502-00L)
551-0209-00LSustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)W2 credits2SM. Paschke, F. Liebisch, further lecturers
AbstractParticipants will be able to discuss and understand sustainability in the context of plant science research. A special focus will be on research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research.
ObjectiveKey objectives for the seminar are that (1) participants will be able to discuss issues of sustainability in the context of current plant science research topics (2) participants will be able to phrase their own visions for sustainability in plant sciences, their group work topic and their own MSc or PhD project.
ContentFuture demand in agricultural output is supposed to match the needs of 9-billion people with less input of resources.
We will discuss current plant science research in the context of sustainability on the production side. Thematic areas of the seminar include:

1 | Biotic interactions
2 | Nutrient management
3 | Plant breeding
4 | Global change

A special focus will be on research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research. Can we transform our agricultural practices and move behind existing paradigms to develop innovative and sustainable agriculture production systems? Where does current research indicate on directions for transformation of current practice and how can we assess and analyze them though research?

The course will be organized with two workshops (half days, 14:00 - 18:00) and an intensive, well-structured self-study/ group work phase in between the workshops. Online learning material in provided.



More information: Link
Lecture notesAccess to the learning platform:https://lms.uzh.ch/auth/RepositoryEntry/3604873218/CourseNode/83441794245107 (use your AAI login)
860-0023-00LInternational Environmental Politics
Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-USYS
W3 credits2VT. Bernauer
AbstractThis course focuses on the conditions under which cooperation in international environmental politics emerges and the conditions under which such cooperation and the respective public policies are effective and/or efficient.
ObjectiveThe objectives of this course are to (1) gain an overview of relevant questions in the area of international environmental politics from a social sciences viewpoint; (2) learn how to identify interesting/innovative questions concerning this policy area and how to answer them in a methodologically sophisticated way; (3) gain an overview of important global and regional environmental problems and how they could be solved.
ContentThis course deals with how and why international cooperation in environmental politics emerges, and under what circumstances such cooperation is effective and efficient. Based on theories of international political economy and theories of government regulation various examples of international environmental politics are discussed: the management of international water resources, political responses to global warming, the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer, the reduction of long-range transboundary air pollution in Europe, protection of biodiversity, how to deal with plastic waste, the prevention of pollution of the oceans, etc.

The course is open to all ETH students. Participation does not require previous coursework in the social sciences.

After passing an end-of-semester test (requirement: grade 4.0 or higher) students will receive 3 ECTS credit points. The workload is around 90 hours (meetings, reading assignments, preparation of test).

Visiting students (e.g., from the University of Zurich) are subject to the same conditions. Registration of visiting students in the web-based system of ETH is compulsory.

*** DUE TO COVID-RELATED ETH RESTRICTIONS, THIS COURSE WILL BE TOUGHT FULLY ONLINE VIA ZOOM. REGISTERED STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE ACCESS INFORMATION A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS.
Lecture notesAssigned reading materials and slides will be available via Moodle. In view of COVID-19 related restrictions this course will take place fully online. For each unit of the course there will be three components:

1. A pre-recorded lecture by Prof. Bernauer, available via Moodle

2. Reading assignments, available via Moodle

3. Online meetings (via Zoom) at regular intervals (Mondays, 17:15 – 18:15) where we discuss your questions concerning the lecture and the reading assignments. The pre-recorded lectures will be available a few days ahead of the online meetings (ca. Thursday for the online meeting on the following Monday). You must watch the lecture and complete the reading assignment for the respective unit ahead of the online meeting on the following Monday. This online meeting will NOT be recorded in order to protect the privacy of the participating students and the professor and allow for open and frank discussion.

REGISTERED STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE ACCESS INFORMATION A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS.
LiteratureIn view of COVID-19 related restrictions this course will take place fully online. For each unit of the course there will be three components:

1. A pre-recorded lecture by Prof. Bernauer, available via Moodle

2. Reading assignments, available via Moodle

3. Online meetings (via Zoom) at regular intervals (Mondays, 17:15 – 18:15) where we discuss your questions concerning the lecture and the reading assignments. The pre-recorded lectures will be available a few days ahead of the online meetings (ca. Thursday for the online meeting on the following Monday). You must watch the lecture and complete the reading assignment for the respective unit ahead of the online meeting on the following Monday. This online meeting will NOT be recorded in order to protect the privacy of the participating students and the professor and allow for open and frank discussion.
Prerequisites / NoticeNone

In view of COVID-19 related restrictions this course will take place fully online. For each unit of the course there will be three components:

1. A pre-recorded lecture by Prof. Bernauer, available via Moodle

2. Reading assignments, available via Moodle

3. Online meetings (via Zoom) at regular intervals (Mondays, 17:15 – 18:15) where we discuss your questions concerning the lecture and the reading assignments. The pre-recorded lectures will be available a few days ahead of the online meetings (ca. Thursday for the online meeting on the following Monday). You must watch the lecture and complete the reading assignment for the respective unit ahead of the online meeting on the following Monday. This online meeting will NOT be recorded in order to protect the privacy of the participating students and the professor and allow for open and frank discussion.
Minor in Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable Development
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1551-00LSustainability Assessment Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2GP. Krütli, D. Nef
AbstractThe course deals with the concepts and methodologies for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development. A special focus is given to the social dimension and to social justice as a guiding principle of sustainability. The format of the course is seminar-like, interactive.
ObjectiveAt the end of the course, students:
- know core concepts of sustainable development, the concept of social justice in the context of sustainability, a selection of methodologies for the assessment of sustainable development
- have a deepened understanding of the challenges of trade-offs between the different goals of sustainable development and their respective impacts on individual and societal decision-making
ContentThe course is structured as follows:
- overview of rationale, objectives, concepts and origins of sustainable development (ca. 15%)
- overview of the concept of social justice as guiding principle of the social dimension of sustainability (ca. 25%)
- analysis of a selection of concepts and methodologies to assess sustainable development in a variety of contexts (60%)
Lecture notesHandouts are provided
LiteratureSelected scientific articles and book-chapters
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents of this course may also be interested in the course transdisciplinary case study (tdCS) in the Spring semester (701-1502-00L)
Minor in Life Cycle Assessment
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
101-0577-00LAn Introduction to Sustainable Development in the Built EnvironmentW3 credits2GG. Habert, D. Kaushal
AbstractIn 2015, the UN Conference in Paris shaped future world objectives to tackle climate change.
in 2016, other political bodies made these changes more difficult to predict.
What does it mean for the built environment?
This course provides an introduction to the notion of sustainable development when applied to our built environment
ObjectiveAt the end of the semester, the students have an understanding of the term of sustainable development, its history, the current political and scientific discourses and its relevance for our built environment.

In order to address current challenges of climate change mitigation and resource depletion, students will learn a holistic approach of sustainable development. Ecological, economical and social constraints will be presented and students will learn about methods for argumentation and tools for assessment (i.e. life cycle assessment).

For this purpose an overview of sustainable development is presented with an introduction to the history of sustainability and its today definition as well as the role of cities, urbanisation and material resources (i.e. energy, construction material) in social economic and environmetal aspects.

The course aims to promote an integral view and understanding of sustainability and describing different spheres (social/cultural, ecological, economical, and institutional) that influence our built environment.

Students will acquire critical knowledge and understand the role of involved stakeholders, their motivations and constraints, learn how to evaluate challenges, identify deficits and define strategies to promote a more sustainable construction.

After the course students should be able to define the relevance of specific local, regional or territorial aspects to achieve coherent and applicable solutions toward sustainable development.

The course offers an environmental, socio-economic and socio-technical perspective focussing on buildings, cities and their transition to resilience with sustainable development. Students will learn on theory and application of current scientific pathways towards sustainable development.
ContentThe following topics give an overview of the themes that are to be worked on during the lecture.

- Overview on the history and emergence of sustainable development
- Overview on the current understanding and definition of sustainable development

Methods
- Method 1: Life cycle assessment (planning, construction, operation/use, deconstruction)
- Method 2: Life Cycle Costing
- Method 3: Labels and certification

Main issues:
- Operation energy at building, urban and national scale
- Mobility and density questions
- Embodied energy for developing and developed world

- Synthesis: Transition to sustainable development
Lecture notesAll relevant information will be online available before the lectures. For each lecture slides of the lecture will be provided.
LiteratureA list of the basic literature will be offered on a specific online platform, that could be used by all students attending the lectures.
101-0608-00LDesign-Integrated Life Cycle Assessment Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2GG. Habert
AbstractCurrently, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is applied as an ex-post design evaluation of buildings, but rarely used to improve the building during the design process.
The aim of this course is to apply LCA during the design of buildings by means of a digital, parametric tool. The necessary fundamentals of the LCA method will be taught following a lecture on demands approach.
ObjectiveThe course will follow two main objectives and a third optional objective, depending on the design projects the students’ choose. At the end of the course, the students will:
1. Know the methodology of LCA
2. Be able to apply LCA in the design process to assess and improve the environmental performance of their projects
3. Be able to use the parametric LCA tool and link it to additional performance assessment tools for a holistic optimisation
ContentThe course will be structured into two parts, each making up about half of the semester.

Part I: Exercises with lectures on demand
The first six individual courses will follow the “lectures on demand” approach. Small “hands-on” exercises focusing on one specific aspect will be given out and the necessary background knowledge will be provided in the form of short input lectures when questions arise. The following topics will be discussed during the first part:
1) LCA basic introduction
2) System boundaries, functional unit, end of life
3) Carbon budget and LCA benchmarks
4) BIM-LCA, available calculation tools and databases
5) Integrated analysis of environmental and cost assessment
6) Bio-based carbon storage

Part II: Project-based learning
In the second part, the students will work on their individual project in groups of three. For the design task, the students will bring their own project and work on improving it. The projects can be chosen depending on the students background and range from buildings to infrastructure projects. Intermediate presentations will ensure the continuous work and make sure all groups are on the same level and learn from each other. During this part, the following hands-on tutorials will be given:
1) Introduction to Rhinoceros 6
2) Introduction to grasshopper
3) Integrated assessment tools (ladybug tools)
4) Introduction to in-house grasshopper plugin for LCA analysis
Lecture notesAs the course follows a lecture on demand approach, the lecture slides will be provided after each course.
LiteratureA list of the basic literature will be offered on a specific online platform, that could be used by all students attending the lectures.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite: Sustainable construction (101-0577-00L). Otherwise a special permisson by the lecturer is required.
The students are expected to work out of class as well. The course time will be used by the teachers to answer project-specific questions.

The lecture series will be conducted in English and is aimed at students of master's programs, particularly the departments ARCH, BAUG, ITET, MAVT, MTEC and UWIS.

No lecture will be given during Seminar week.
102-0317-00LAdvanced Environmental Assessments
Master students in Environmental Engineering choosing module Ecological Systems Design are not allowed to enrol 102-0317-00 Advanced Environmental Assessments (3KP) as already included in 102-0307-01 Advanced Environmental, Social and Economic Assessments (5KP).
W3 credits2GS. Pfister, R. Frischknecht
AbstractThis course deepens students' knowledge of the environmental assessment methodologies and their various applications.
ObjectiveThis course has the aim of deepening students' knowledge of the environmental assessment methodologies and their various applications. In particular, students completing the course should have the
- Ability to judge the scientific quality and reliability of environmental assessment studies, the appropriateness of inventory data and modelling, and the adequacy of life cycle impact assessment models and factors
- Knowledge about the current state of the scientific discussion and new research developments
- Ability to properly plan, conduct and interpret environmental assessment studies
- Knowledge of how to use LCA as a decision support tool for companies, public authorities, and consumers
Content- Inventory developments, transparency, data quality, data completeness, and data exchange formats
- Allocation (multioutput processes and recycling)
- Hybrid LCA methods.
- Consequential and marginal analysis
- Recent development in impact assessment
- Spatial differentiation in Life Cycle Assessment
- Workplace and indoor exposure in Risk and Life Cycle Assessment
- Uncertainty analysis
- Subjectivity in environmental assessments
- Multicriteria analysis
- Case Studies
Lecture notesNo script. Lecture slides and literature will be made available on Moodle.
LiteratureLiterature will be made available on Moodle.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of environmental assessment tools is a prerequisite for this class. Students that have not done classwork in this topic before are required to read an appropriate textbook before or at the beginning of this course (e.g. Jolliet, O et al. 2016: Environmental Life Cycle Assessment. CRC Press, Boca Raton - London - New York. ISBN 978-1-4398-8766-0 (Chapters 2-5.2)).
102-0317-03LAdvanced Environmental Assessment (Computer Lab I)W1 credit1US. Pfister
AbstractDifferent tools and software used for environmental assessments, such as LCA are introduced. The students will have hands-on exercises in the computer rooms and will gain basic knowledge on how to apply the software and other resources in practice
ObjectiveBecome acquainted with various software programs for environmental assessment including Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Risk Assessment, Probabilistic Modeling, Material Flow Analysis.
102-0317-04LAdvanced Environmental Assessment (Computer Lab II) Restricted registration - show details
Not for master students in Environmental Engineering choosing module Ecological System Design as already included in Environment and Computer Laboratory I (Year Course): 102-0527-00 and 102-0528-00.
W2 credits2PS. Pfister
AbstractTechnical systems are investigated in projects, based on the software and tools introduced in the course 102-0317-03L Advanced Env. Assessment (Computer Lab I). The projects are created around a complete but simplified LCA study, where the students will learn how to answer a given question with target oriented methodologies using various software programs and data sources for env. assessment
ObjectiveBecome acquainted with utilizing various software programs for environmental assessment to perform a Life Cycle Assessment and learn how to address the challenges when analyzing a complex system with available data and software limitations.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite is enrolment of 102-0317-00 Advanced Environmental Assessments and of 102-0317-03 Advanced Environmental Assessments (Computer Lab I) in parallel or in advance (both courses in HS).
Minor in Biogeochemistry
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1313-00LIsotopes and Biomarkers in BiogeochemistryW3 credits2GC. Schubert, R. Kipfer
AbstractThe course introduces the scientific concepts and typical applications of tracers in biogeochemistry. The course covers stable and radioactive isotopes, geochemical tracers and biomarkers and their application in biogeochemical processes as well as regional and global cycles. The course provides essential theoretical background for the lab course "Isotopic and Organic Tracers Laboratory".
ObjectiveThe course aims at understanding the fractionation of stable isotopes in biogeochemical processes. Students learn to know the origin and decay modes of relevant radiogenic isotopes. They discover the spectrum of possible geochemical tracers and biomarkers, their potential and limitations and get familiar with important applications
ContentGeogenic and cosmogenic radionuclides (sources, decay chains);
stable isotopes in biogeochemistry (nataural abundance, fractionation);
geochemical tracers for processes such as erosion, productivity, redox fronts; biomarkers for specific microbial processes.
Lecture noteshandouts will be provided for every chapter
LiteratureA list of relevant books and papers will be provided
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents should have a basic knowledge of biogeochemical processes (BSc course on Biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems or equivalent)
701-1315-00LBiogeochemistry of Trace ElementsW3 credits2GA. Voegelin, S. Bouchet, L. Winkel
AbstractThe course addresses the biogeochemical classification and behavior of trace elements, including key processes driving the cycling of important trace elements in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the coupling of abiotic and biotic transformation processes of trace elements. Examples of the role of trace elements in natural or engineered systems will be presented and discussed in the course.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with the chemical characteristics, the environmental behavior and fate, and the biogeochemical reactivity of different groups of trace elements. They are able to apply their knowledge on the interaction of trace elements with geosphere components and on abiotic and biotic transformation processes of trace elements to discuss and evaluate the behavior and impact of trace elements in aquatic and terrestrial systems.
Content(i) Definition, importance and biogeochemical classification of trace elements. (ii) Key biogeochemical processes controlling the cycling of different trace elements (base metals, redox-sensitive and chalcophile elements, volatile trace elements) in natural and engineered environments. (iii) Abiotic and biotic processes that determine the environmental fate and impact of selected trace elements.
Lecture notesSelected handouts (lecture notes, literature, exercises) will be distributed during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents are expected to be familiar with the basic concepts of aquatic and soil chemistry covered in the respective classes at the bachelor level (soil mineralogy, soil organic matter, acid-base and redox reactions, complexation and sorption reactions, precipitation/dissolution reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, carbonate buffer system).
The lecture 701-1315-00L Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements is a prerequisite for attending the laboratory course 701-1331-00L Trace Elements Laboratory, or students must be concurrently enrolled in 701-1315-00L Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements in the same semester.
701-1341-00LWater Resources and Drinking WaterW3 credits2GS. Hug, M. Berg, F. Hammes, U. von Gunten
AbstractThe course covers qualitative (chemistry and microbiology) and quantitative aspects of drinking water from the resource to the tap. Natural processes, anthropogenic pollution, legislation of groundwater and surface water and of drinking water as well as water treatment will be discussed for industrialized and developing countries.
ObjectiveThe goal of this lecture is to give an overview over the whole path of drinking water from the source to the tap and understand the involved physical, chemical and biological processes which determine the drinking water quality.
ContentThe course covers qualitative (chemistry and microbiology) and quantitative aspects of drinking water from the resource to the tap. The various water resources, particularly groundwater and surface water, are discussed as part of the natural water cycle influenced by anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, industry, urban water systems. Furthermore legislation related to water resources and drinking water will be discussed. The lecture is focused on industrialized countries, but also addresses global water issues and problems in the developing world. Finally unit processes for drinking water treatment (filtration, adsorption, oxidation, disinfection etc.) will be presented and discussed.
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed
LiteratureWill be mentioned in handouts
701-1346-00LCarbon Mitigation Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 90.
W3 credits2GN. Gruber
AbstractFuture climate change can only kept within reasonable bounds when CO2 emissions are drastically reduced. In this course, we will discuss a portfolio of options involving the alteration of natural carbon sinks and carbon sequestration. The course includes introductory lectures, presentations from guest speakers from industry and the public sector, and final presentations by the students.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to investigate, as a group, a particular set of carbon mitigation/sequestration options and to evaluate their potential, their cost, and their consequences.
ContentFrom the large number of carbon sequestration/mitigation options, a few options will be selected and then investigated in detail by the students. The results of this research will then be presented to the other students, the involved faculty, and discussed in detail by the whole group.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureWill be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeExam: No final exam. Pass/No-Pass is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
Minor in Physical Glaciology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
101-0289-00LApplied Glaciology Information W4 credits2GD. Farinotti, A. Bauder, M. Werder
AbstractThe course transmits fundamental knowledge for treating applied glaciological problems. Topics include climate-glacier interactions, glacier ice flow, glacier hydrology, ice avalanches, and lake ice.
ObjectiveThe objectives of the courses are to:
- learn about fundamental glaciological processes, including glacier mass balance, ice dynamics, and glacier-related hazards;
- apply the above knowledge to some case studies inspired by contract-works performed at ETH's Glaciology section;
- generate the own computer code to solve the above case studies, and interpret the results;
- understand, both in class and in the field, the practical relevance of glaciology, with a focus on the Swiss applications.
ContentThe course will develop along the following outline:
- How glaciology became a scientific discipline
- Glaciology and hydropower
- Glacier mechanics and ice flow
- Gravitational glacier instabilities
- Glacier hydrology and glacier lake outbursts
- Lake ice and ice bearing capacity
- Field excursion to Jungfraujoch
- Discussion of the exercises performed during the semester
Lecture notesDigital lecture handouts will be distributed prior to each class.
LiteratureLinks to relevant literature will be provided during the classes.
Prerequisites / NoticeCompleted BSc studies. Basic knowledge in computer scripting in any language (e.g. Python, R, Julia, Matlab, IDL, ...) will be advantageous for solving the exercises. The exercises will be performed in groups. A minimal level of fitness is required for the field excursion.
651-1581-00LSeminar in GlaciologyW3 credits2SA. Bauder
AbstractIntroduction to classic and modern literature of research in Glaciology. Active participation is expected and participants are mentored by PhD students of Glaciology.
ObjectiveIn-depth knowledge of selected topics of research in Glaciology. Introduction to different types of scientific presentation. Improve ability of the discussion of scientific topics.
ContentSelected topics of scientific research in Glaciology
Lecture notesCopies/pdf of scientific papers will be distributed during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeActive participation is expected with presence at the sessions. Only s limited number of participants can be accepted. One of the following courses should be taken as preparation:
- 651-3561-00L Kryosphäre
- 101-0289-00L Applied Glaciology
- 651-4101-00L Physics of Glaciers
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