Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Atmospheric and Climate Science Master Information
Minors
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.
651-4101-00LPhysics of Glaciers Information W3 credits3GM. Lüthi, F. T. Walter, M. Werder
AbstractUnderstanding glaciers and ice sheets with simple physical concepts. Topics include the reaction of glaciers to the climate, flow of glacier ice, temperature in glaciers and ice sheets, glacier hydrology, glacier seismology, basal motion and calving glaciers. A special focus is the current development of Greenland and Antarctica.
ObjectiveAfter the course the students are able understand and interpret measurements of ice flow, subglacial water pressure and ice temperature. They will have an understanding of glaciology-related physical concepts sufficient to understand most of the contemporary literature on the topic. The students will be well equipped to work on glacier-related problems by numerical modeling, remote sensing, and field work.
ContentThe dynamics of glaciers and polar ice sheets is the key requisite to understand their history and their future evolution. We will take a closer look at ice deformation, basal motion, heat flow and glacier hydraulics. The specific dynamics of tide water and calving glaciers is investigated, as is the reaction of glaciers to changes in mass balance (and therefore climate).
Lecture notesLink
LiteratureA list of relevant literature is available on the class web site.
Prerequisites / NoticeHigh school mathematics and physics knowledge required.
651-4077-00LQuantification and Modeling of the Cryosphere: Dynamic Processes (University of Zurich)
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
UZH Module Code: GEO815

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
Link
W3 credits1VUniversity lecturers
AbstractOverview of the most important earth surface processes and landforms in cold regions (regions with glaciers and intense frost) with emphasis on high-mountain aspects. Discussion of present research challenges.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the most prominent climate-related geomorphological processes and phenomena in high-mountain regions, understanding of primary research challenges.
ContentErosion and sedimentation by glaciers as a function of topography, englacial temperature, sediment balance, sliding and melt water runoff. Processes and landforms in regions of seasonal and perennial frost (frost weathering, rock falls, debris cones/talus, solifluction, permafrost creep/rock glaciers, debris flows).
Lecture notesGlacial and periglacial geomorphodynamics in high-mountain regions. Ca. 100 pages.
Literaturereferences in skript
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge about geomorphology and glaciers/permafrost from corresponding courses at ETH/UZH or from the related lecture notes
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
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 Global Change and Sustainability
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0015-00LTransdisciplinary Research: Challenges of Interdisciplinarity and Stakeholder Engagement Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.
Priority is given to PhD students D-USYS.

All participants will be on the waiting list at first. Enrollment is possible until 9th September. The waiting list is active until 11th September. All students will be informed on 14th September, if they can participate in the lecture.
The lecture takes place if a minimum of 12 students register for it..
W2 credits2SM. Stauffacher, C. E. Pohl, B. Vienni Baptista
AbstractThis seminar is designed for PhD students and PostDoc researchers involved in inter- or transdisciplinary research. It addresses and discusses challenges of this kind of research using scientific literature presenting case studies, concepts, theories, methods and by testing practical tools. It concludes with a 10-step approach to make participants' research projects more societally relevant.
ObjectiveParticipants know specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research and can address them by applying practical tools. They can tackle questions like: how to integrate knowledge from different disciplines, how to engage with societal actors, how to secure broader impact of research? They learn to critically reflect their own research project in its societal context and on their role as scientists.
ContentThe seminar covers the following topics:
(1) Theories and concepts of inter- and transdisciplinary research
(2) The specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research
(3) Collaborating between different disciplines
(4) Engaging with stakeholders
(5) 10 steps to make participants' research projects more societally relevant
Throughout the whole course, scientific literature will be read and discussed as well as practical tools explored in class to address concrete challenges.
LiteratureLiterature will be made available to the participants.
The following open access article builds a core element of the course:
Pohl, C., Krütli, P., & Stauffacher, M. (2017). Ten Reflective Steps for Rendering Research Societally Relevant. GAIA 26(1), 43-51 doi: 10.14512/gaia.26.1.10
available at (open access): Link

Further, this collection of tools will be used
Link
Prerequisites / NoticeParticipation in the course requires participants to be working on their own research project.
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 Sustainable Energy Use
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
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
151-0209-00LRenewable Energy Technologies Information W4 credits3GA. Steinfeld, E. I. M. Casati, F. Dähler
AbstractRenewable energy technologies: solar, biomass, wind, geothermal, hydro, waste-to-energy. Focus is on the engineering aspects.
ObjectiveStudents learn the potential and limitations of renewable energy technologies and their contribution towards sustainable energy utilization.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite: strong background on the fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics, equivalent to the material taught in the courses Thermodynamics I, II, and III of D-MAVT.
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.
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