Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Doctoral Department of Environmental Sciences Information
More Information at: Link
Agricultural Science
Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-1040-00LResponsible Conduct in Research
Please register at:
Link
Choose ► Plant Sciences
W1 credit1UM. Paschke, N. Buchmann
AbstractWhen studying at a University, but especially when carrying out a Master’'s or doctoral thesis, students are joining the scientific community and, therefore, have to learn about the codes of professional and responsible conduct in research.
Objective(1) Students know the questions, conflicts and ethically ambiguous situations that may arise in research.
(2) Students can apply codes of responsible conduct in research, i.e., they understand and can apply the professional values and ethical norms of their profession.
(3) Students know how to deal with and communicate in ambiguous situations.
(4) Students will develop a professional attitude towards responsible conduct in research.
ContentWhen studying at a University, but especially when carrying out a Master's or a doctoral thesis, students are joining the scientific community and, therefore, have to learn about the codes of professional and responsible conduct in research. In this course, we want to increase the knowledge of our Master's and doctoral students about the specific rules, regulations and guidelines of responsible conduct in their research fields but also rise awareness for potential conflicts of interest and give practical suggestions on how to react in cases of uncertainty on e.g. questions of authorship and giving credits, data treatment and interpretation, communication and responsibility in the public or on the role of graduate students in the research community. Students will discuss case studies with a conflict potential or a dilemma. They will work together in teams, discuss the codes of conduct and values established in the scientists’ community, and apply them to the case studies. The teams have to agree on actions to be taken for each case.

Students will deal with case studies on the following topics:

(1) Scientific Integrity, Error and Negligence in Science
(2) Conflicts in Authorship Practices
(3) Questions of Data Treatment
(4) Influence of Values on Data Interpretation
(5) Social Responsibility of Scientists (e.g. Communication with the public)

Student teams will discuss the case studies in role-play scenarios and present their consensus of responsible conduct in research.
Prerequisites / Notice'Responsible Conduct in Research for Plant Scientists' is part of the Master's Courses and Master's Studies in Plant Sciences and of the PSC Ph.D. Program in Plant Sciences. It is organized by the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. Please find details on the course at:
Link
701-1704-01LHealth Impact Assessment: Concepts and Case StudiesW3 credits2VM. Winkler, C. Guéladio, M. Röösli, J. M. Utzinger
AbstractThis course introduces the concept of health impact assessment (HIA) and discusses a suite of case studies in different contexts across the globe. HIA pursues an inter- and multidisciplinary approach, employs qualitative and quantitative methods with the overarching goal to support sustainable decision-making.
ObjectiveAfter successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
o critically reflect on the concept of HIA and the different steps from screening to implementation and monitoring; and
o apply specific tools and methodologies for HIA of projects, programmes and policies in different social, ecological and epidemiological settings.
ContentThe course will present a broad set of tools and methods for the systematic and evidence-based judgment of potential health effects related to projects, programmes and policies. Methodological features will be introduced and applied to a variety of case studies in the public sector (e.g. traffic-related air pollution, passive smoking and wastewater management) and private sector (e.g. extractive industries and renewable energies) all over the world.
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed.
LiteratureWhenever possible, at least one peer-reviewed paper will be made available for each session.
Graduate Programme in Plant Sciences
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-4003-02LCurrent Topics in Grassland Sciences (FS) Information W2 credits2SN. Buchmann
AbstractResearch results from published or on-going studies in grassland as well as forest sciences will be presented and discussed by experienced researchers as well as Ph.D. students and graduate students. Topics will range from plant ecophysiology, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling to management aspects in agro- and forest ecosystems.
ObjectiveStudents will be able to understand and evaluate experimental design and data interpretation of experimental studies, be able to critically analyze published research results, practice to present and discuss results in the public, and gain a broad knowledge of recent research and current topics in agro- and forest ecosystem sciences.
ContentCitation classics as well as most recent research results from published or on-going studies will be presented and discussed. Topics will range from plant ecophysiology, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling to management aspects in agro- and forest ecosystems.
Lecture notesnone
Prerequisites / NoticeUseful: Attendance of the courses "Öko- und Ertragsphysiologie", "Crop Science, Part Futterbau", "Graslandsysteme" in the Bachelor or similar courses. Language will be English.
751-5127-01LMicrobiomics II: Metabarcoding - from Bioinformatics to Statistics Restricted registration - show details
The course 751-5127-00 Microbiomics I: The microbiome of the plant-soil system is a prerequisit of this course (for MSc students).
-----------
The number of places for MSc-students is limited to 10.
In case of interest, please send a motivation letter (max 1/2 page) to Hartmann Martin (Link) until 28th February 2021. Selection of course participants will be made until 3rd March 2021.

PhD-students from the Plant Science Centre or from the Life Science Zurich Graduate School should register via the Link (> Select Plant Sciences)
W1 credit2PM. Hartmann
AbstractThis computer block course provides a thorough introduction to the application of next-generation sequencing techniques for analyzing diversity of microbial communities. Using a combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on computer exercises, the participants learn the computational steps from bioinformatic processing of sequencing reads down to the final statistical evaluations.
ObjectiveAfter the course, the participants will be able to
1) understand the concept, potential and limitation of microbial NGS applications
2) know how to process raw metabarcoding data to obtain meaningful information
3) use multivariate statistical methods evaluate and visualize microbial community data
4) make informed decisions on best practices for their own data
Prerequisites / NoticeThe participants should have some background in microbial ecology and understand the basics of next-generation sequencing techniques as a tool to study microbes in the environment. Participants that are not familiar with these topics are encouraged to take the course unit «The Microbiome of the Plant-Soil System: Part I» as preparatory class (mandatory for master students). No programming or scripting expertise is required, but some basic experience with using command line applications is of advantage since not all the basics can be thoroughly covered in that short amount of time. However, some basic introduction to UNIX-based command line applications will be provided on the first day. All hands-on exercises will be run on UNIX-environments (Linux, Mac) and participants are expected to bring their own UNIX-based laptop (please consult your IT representative if necessary). All statistical analyses will be run in R using RStudio (any operating system). Participants should have installed the following software packages on their computers: Miniconda, R and RStudio, all other software tools will be installed on site using the Miniconda package manager.
Environmental Sciences
Atmosphere and Climate
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1244-00LAerosols II: Applications in Environment and TechnologyW4 credits2V + 1UM. Gysel Beer, D. Bell, J. Slowik
AbstractThe life-cycle of atmospheric aerosols, the evolution of their physical and chemical properties, and their impacts on climate, atmospheric chemistry and health are studied in detail using examples from current research.
ObjectiveThe students achieve a profound knowledge of atmospheric aerosols and their climate and health impacts including the underlying physical and chemical processes. The students know and understand advanced experimental methods and are able to design experiments to study aforementioned impacts and processes.
ContentAtmospheric aerosols:
important sources and sinks, wet and dry deposition, chemical composition and transformation processes, importance for men and environment, interaction with the gas phase, influence on health and climate.
Lecture notesInformation is distributed during the lectures
LiteratureSeinfeld, J.H. and Pandis, S.N., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change. 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, 2016.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course build up on the lecture "Aerosols I: Physical and Chemical Principles"
701-1228-00LCloud Dynamics: Hurricanes Information W4 credits3GU. Lohmann
AbstractHurricanes are among the most destructive elements in the atmosphere. This lecture will discuss the physical requirements for their formation, life cycle, damage potential and their relationship to global warming. It also distinguishes hurricanes from thunderstorms and tornadoes.
ObjectiveAt the end of this course students will be able to distinguish the formation and life cycle mechanisms of tropical cyclones from those of extratropical thunderstorms/cyclones, project how tropical cyclones change in a warmer climate based on their physics and evaluate different tropical cyclone modification ideas.
Contentsee course outline at: Link
Lecture notesSlides will be made available
LiteratureA literature list can be found here: Link
Prerequisites / NoticeAt least one introductory lecture in Atmospheric Science or Instructor's consent. This lecture will build on some concepts of atmospheric dynamics and their governing equations. Thus, mathematical knowledge will be needed to use the equations to understand the material of the course.
701-1226-00LInter-Annual Phenomena and Their Prediction Information W2 credits2GC. Appenzeller
AbstractThis course provides an overview of the current ability to understand and predict intra-seasonal and inter-annual climate variability in the tropical and extra-tropical region and provides insights on how operational weather and climate services are organized.
ObjectiveStudents will acquire an understanding of the key atmosphere and ocean processes involved, will gain experience in analyzing and predicting sub-seasonal to inter-annual variability and learn how operational weather and climate services are organised and how scientific developments can improve these services.
ContentThe course covers the following topics:

Part 1:
- Introduction, some basic concepts and examples of sub-seasonal and inter-annual variability
- Weather and climate data and the statistical concepts used for analysing inter-annual variability (e.g. correlation analysis, teleconnection maps, EOF analysis)

Part 2:
- Inter-annual variability in the tropical region (e.g. ENSO, MJO)
- Inter-annual variability in the extra-tropical region (e.g. Blocking, NAO, PNA, regimes)

Part 3:
- Prediction of inter-annual variability (statistical methods, ensemble prediction systems, monthly and seasonal forecasts, seamless forecasts)
- Verification and interpretation of probabilistic forecast systems
- Climate change and inter-annual variability

Part 4:
- Scientific challenges for operational weather and climate services
- A visit to the forecasting centre of MeteoSwiss
Lecture notesA pdf version of the slides will be available at
Link
LiteratureReferences are given during the lecture.
701-1224-00LMesoscale Atmospheric Systems - Observation and ModellingW2 credits2VH. Wernli, U. Germann, S. Schemm
AbstractMesoscale meteorology focusing on processes relevant for the evolution of precipitation systems. Discussion of empirical and mathematical-physical models for, e.g., fronts and convective storms. Consideration of oceanic evaporation, transport and the associated physics of stable water isotopes. Introduction to weather radar being the widespread instrument for observing mesoscale precipitation.
ObjectiveBasic concepts of observational and theoretical mesoscale meteorology, including precipitation measurements and radar. Knowledge about the interpretation of radar images. Understanding of processes leading to the formation of fronts and convective storms, and basic knowledge on ocean evaporation and the physics of stable water isotopes.
701-1216-00LNumerical Modelling of Weather and Climate Information W4 credits3GC. Schär, J. Vergara Temprado, M. Wild
AbstractThe course provides an introduction to weather and climate models. It discusses how these models are built addressing both the dynamical core and the physical parameterizations, and it provides an overview of how these models are used in numerical weather prediction and climate research. As a tutorial, students conduct a term project and build a simple atmospheric model using the language PYTHON.
ObjectiveAt the end of this course, students understand how weather and climate models are formulated from the governing physical principles, and how they are used for climate and weather prediction purposes.
ContentThe course provides an introduction into the following themes: numerical methods (finite differences and spectral methods); adiabatic formulation of atmospheric models (vertical coordinates, hydrostatic approximation); parameterization of physical processes (e.g. clouds, convection, boundary layer, radiation); atmospheric data assimilation and weather prediction; predictability (chaos-theory, ensemble methods); climate models (coupled atmospheric, oceanic and biogeochemical models); climate prediction. Hands-on experience with simple models will be acquired in the tutorials.
Lecture notesSlides and lecture notes will be made available at
Link
LiteratureList of literature will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: to follow this course, you need some basic background in atmospheric science, numerical methods (e.g., "Numerische Methoden in der Umweltphysik", 701-0461-00L) as well as experience in programming. Previous experience with PYTHON is useful but not required.
701-1232-00LRadiation and Climate ChangeW3 credits2GM. Wild
AbstractThis lecture focuses on the prominent role of radiation in the energy balance of the Earth and in the context of past and future climate change.
ObjectiveThe aim of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental role of radiation in the context of Earth's energy balance and climate change.
ContentThe course will cover the following topics:
Basic radiation laws; sun-earth relations; the sun as driver of climate change (faint sun paradox, Milankovic ice age theory, solar cycles); radiative forcings in the atmosphere: aerosol, water vapour, clouds; radiation balance of the Earth (satellite and surface observations, modeling approaches); anthropogenic perturbation of the Earth radiation balance: greenhouse gases and enhanced greenhouse effect, air pollution and global dimming; radiation-induced feedbacks in the climate system (water vapour feedback, snow albedo feedback); climate model scenarios under various radiative forcings.
Lecture notesSlides will be made available
LiteratureAs announced in the course
701-1234-00LTropospheric Chemistry Information W3 credits2GD. W. Brunner, I. El Haddad
AbstractThe course gives an overview tropospheric chemistry, which is based on laboratory studies, measurements and numerical modelling. The topics include aerosol, photochemistry, emissions and depositions. The lecture covers urban-regional-to-global scale issues, as well as fundamentals of the atmospheric nitrogen, sulfur and methane cycles and their contributions to aerosol and oxidant formation.
ObjectiveBased on the presented material the students are expected to understand the most relevant processes responsible for the anthropogenic disturbances of tropospheric chemical composition. The competence of synthesis of knowledge will be improved by paper reading and student's presentations.
These presentations relate to a particular actual problem selected by the candidates.
ContentStarting from the knowledge acquired in lecture 701-0471, the course provides a more profound view on the the chemical and dynamical process governing the composition and impacts of air pollutants like aerosol and ozone, at the Earth's surface and the free troposphere.
Specific topics covered by the lecture are: laboratory and ambient measurements in polluted and pristine regions, the determination of emissions of a variety of components, numerical modelling across scales, regional air pollution - aerosol, and photooxidant in relation to precursor emissions,
impacts (health, vegetation, climate), the global cycles of tropospheric ozone, CH4, sulfur and nitrogen components.
Lecture notesLecture presentations are available for download.
LiteratureD. Jacob, Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry Link

Mark Z. Jacobson: Fundamentals of Atmospheric Modelling, Cambridge University Press

John Seinfeld and Spyros Pandis, Atmosperic Chemistry and Physics, from air pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, 2006.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe basics in physical chemsitry are required and an overview equivalent to the bachelor course in atmospheric chemsitry (lecture 701-0471-01) is expected.
701-1266-00LWeather Discussion Restricted registration - show details
Limited number of participants.
Preference will be given to students on the masters level in Atmospheric and Climate Science and Environmental Sciences and doctoral students in Environmental Sciences.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in meteorology is required for this class, students are advised to take courses 702-0473-00L and/or 701-1221-00L before attending this course.
W2.5 credits2PH. Wernli
AbstractThis three-parts course includes: (i) concise units to update the students knowledge about key aspects of mid-latitude weather systems and numerical weather prediction, (ii) a concrete application of this knowledge to predict and discuss the "weather of the week", and (iii) an in-depth case study analysis, performed in small groups, of a remarkable past weather event.
ObjectiveStudents will learn how to elaborate a weather prediction and to cope with uncertainties of weather (probabilistic) prediction models. They will also learn how to apply theoretical concepts from other lecture courses on atmospheric dynamics to perform a detailed case study of a specific weather event, using state-of-the-art observational and model-derived products and datasets.
701-1211-01LMaster's Seminar: Atmosphere and Climate 1 Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2SH. Joos, R. Knutti, A. Merrifield Könz, M. A. Wüest
AbstractIn this seminar, the process of writing a scientific proposal is
introduced. The essential elements of a proposal, including the peer
review process, are outlined and class exercises train
scientific writing skills. Knowledge exchange between class
participants is promoted through the preparation of a master thesis
proposal and evaluation of each other's work.
ObjectiveScientific writing skills
How to effectively write a scientific proposal.
ContentIn this seminar, the process of writing a scientific proposal will be
introduced. The essential elements of a proposal, including the peer
review process, will be outlined and class exercises will train
scientific writing skills. Knowledge exchange between class
participants is promoted through the preparation of a master thesis
proposal and evaluation of each other's work.
Prerequisites / NoticePlease register for the seminar 1 in the semester BEFORE writing your MSc thesis.
Attendance is mandatory.
651-4095-01LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 1 Information Restricted registration - show details W1 credit1KH. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, H. Joos, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, C. Schär, S. Schemm, S. I. Seneviratne, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Objective-get insight into ongoing research in different fields related to atmospheric and climate science
ContentThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Prerequisites / NoticeTo acquire credit points for this colloquium, please confirm your attendance of 8 colloquia per semester by using the form which is provided at the course webpage.
Biogoechemistry and Pollutant Dynamics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1336-00LCook and Look: Synchroton TechniquesW3 credits6PM. Nachtegaal, C. Borca, M. Janousch
AbstractAtomic-scale structure elucidation of trace metal complexes by synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. Basics of spectroscopy and diffraction.
ObjectiveTo get a thorough understanding of available state-of-the-art synchrotron-based techniques for the analysis of biogeochemical samples.
To learn the basics of spectroscopic data analysis.
Problem solving strategies and reporting in a scientific format.
ContentThis course will introduce state-of-the art synchrotron (at the Swiss Light Source) based techniques (X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray tomography) for the analysis of trace elements in biogeochemical systems. On the ‘cook’ day, each synchrotron technique will be introduced by a lecture, after which samples will be ‘cooked’ (prepared and mounted in the experimental station). This will be followed by the ‘look’ day where the collected data will be analyzed.
Lecture notesCook and Look course manual will be distributed before the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course language is english. The course will take place at the Swiss Light Source, located at the Paul Scherrer Institut. Students will be housed for several nights in the guest house.
You are required to contact the organizers upon registration, since beamtime and housing has to be reserved well in advance.
701-1342-00LAgriculture and Water QualityW3 credits3GC. H. Stamm, E. Frossard, H. Singer
AbstractLinking scientific basics of different disciplines (agronomy, soil science, aquatic chemistry) with practical questions in the context of real-world problems of diffuse pollution due to agricultural production.
ObjectiveThis course discusses the application of scientific understanding in the context of real-world situations of diffuse pollution caused by agricultural production. It aims at understanding the relevant processes, analysing diffuse pollution and developing mitigation strategies starting from legal requirements regarding water quality.
Content- Diversity of diffuse agrochemical pollution
- Agronomic background on the use of agrochemicals
- Transport of agrochemicals from soils to water bodies
- Development of legal requirements for water quality
- Monitoring strategies in water bodies
- Mitigation strategies
- Relevant spatial and temporal scales
- Exercises including all major topics
- 1 field excursion
Lecture notesHandouts will be provided including reference list for each topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeSome exercises require R (Link) and a laptop during the class.
860-0012-00LCooperation and Conflict Over International Water Resources Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Number of participants limited to 40.
Priority for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc.

This is a research seminar at the Master level. PhD students are also welcome.
W3 credits2SB. Wehrli
AbstractThis seminar focuses on the technical, economic, and political challenges of dealing with water allocation and pollution problems in large international river systems. It examines ways and means through which such challenges are addressed, and when and why international efforts in this respect succeed or fail.
ObjectiveAbility to (1) understand the causes and consequences of water scarcity and water pollution problems in large international river systems; (2) understand ways and means of addressing such water challenges; and (3) analyse when and why international efforts in this respect succeed or fail.
ContentBased on lectures and discussion of scientific papers and reports, students acquire basic knowledge on contentious issues in managing international water resources, on the determinants of cooperation and conflict over international water issues, and on ways and means of mitigating conflict and promoting cooperation. Students will then, in small teams coached by the instructors, carry out research on a case of their choice (i.e. an international river basin where riparian countries are trying to find solutions to water allocation and/or water quality problems associated with a large dam project). They will write a brief paper and present their findings towards the end of the semester.
Lecture notesSlides and reading materials will be distributed electronically.
LiteratureThe UN World Water Development Reports provide a broad overview of the topic: Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is open to Master and PhD students from any area of ETH.

ISTP students who take this course should also register for the course 860-0012-01L - Cooperation and conflict over international water resources; In-depth case study.
701-1310-00LEnvironmental MicrobiologyW3 credits2VM. H. Schroth, M. Lever
AbstractMicroorganisms catalyze a large number of reactions that are of great importance to terrestrial and aquatic environments. To improve our understanding of the dynamics of a specific environment, it is important to gain a better understanding of microbial structures and their functions under varying environmental conditions.
ObjectiveStudents will learn basic concepts in microbial ecology. Qualitative and quantitative concepts will be presented to assess microbial communities and associated processes in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Microbial diversity in such ecosystems will be illustrated in discussions of selected habitats.
ContentLectures will cover general concepts of environmental microbiology including (i) quantification of microbial processes, (ii) energy fluxes in microbial ecosystems, (iii) application of state-of-the-art microbiological and molecular tools, and (iv) use of isotope methods for identification of microbial structures and functions.
Topics to illustrate the microbial diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will include (i) interactions between microbes and mineral/metallic solid phases, (ii) microbial carbon and nutrient cycling, (iii) microbial processes involved in the turnover of greenhouse gases, (iv) biofilms and microbial mats, (v) bioremediation, (vi) microorganisms in extreme habitats, and (vii) microbial evolution and astrobiology.
Lecture notesavailable at time of lecture - will be distributed electronically as pdf's
LiteratureBrock Biology of Microorganisms, Madigan M. et al., Pearson, 14th ed., 2015
701-1312-00LAdvanced EcotoxicologyW3 credits2VR. Eggen, E. Janssen, K. Schirmer, A. Tlili
AbstractThis course will take up the principles of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology from the bachelor courses and deepen the understanding on selected topics. Linkages will be made between i) bioavailability and effects, ii) structures of compounds and modes of toxic action, iii) effects over various biological levels, moderated by environmental factors, iv) chemical and biological assessments
Objective- Understanding the key processes involved in fate, behavior and the bioaccumulation of (mainly) organic contaminants
- Overview on and understanding of mechanisms of toxicity
- linking structures and characteristics of compounds with effects
- processes in hazard assessment and risk assessment
- get insight in integrative approaches in ecotoxicology
ContentUnits 1-3: Fate of contaminants, dynamic interactions with the (a)biotic environment, toxikokinetics
- physico-chemical properties
- partitioning processes in environmental compartments
- partitioning to biota
- bioavailability and bioaccumulation concepts
- partitioning in biota

Units 4-6: Toxicodynamics (effect of contaminants on biota)
- internal concentrations; dose-response concept
- molecular mechanisms of toxic actions - classification
- Exercise: databases and estimation of toxicity

Unit 7-10: Toxic effects: from molecular to ecosystems
- complex mechanisms and feedback loops
- mixtures and multiple stressors
- stress- and adaptive responses
- dynamic exposures
- confounding factors, food web interactions
- Exercise: linking compounds with modes of toxic action

Unit 11: metal ecotoxicology

Unit 12-14: integrative approaches and case studies
- bioassays, -omics, systems ecotoxicology, phenotypic anchoring
- in vivo versus in vitro biotesting
- linking chemical with biological analytics
- bioassay-directed fractionation and identification
- (inter) national case studies and linkage of learned with approaches in practice
Lecture notesMaterial will be in the form of copies of overheads, selected publications and exercise material.
LiteratureR.P. Schwarzenbach, P.M. Gschwend, D.M. Imboden, Environmental Organic Chemistry, third edition, Wiley, 2005

C.J. van Leeuwen, J.L.M. Hermens (Editoren), Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction, Kluwer, 1995

Principles of ecotoxicology, CH Walker, RM Sibly, SP Hopkin, DB Peakall, fourth edition, CRC Press, 2012
Prerequisites / NoticeRequired:

1. Basics in environmental chemistry

2. Basics in environmental toxicology
701-1317-00LGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles and ClimateW3 credits3GN. Gruber, M. Vogt
AbstractThe human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide has led to atmospheric CO2 concentrations that Earth likely has no’t seen for the last 30 million years. This course aims to investigate and understand the impact of humans on Earth's biogeochemical cycles with a focus on the carbon cycle and its interaction with the physical climate system for the past, the present, and the future.
ObjectiveThis course aims to investigate the nature of the interaction between the carbon cycles on land and in the ocean with climate and how this interaction has evolved over time and will change in the future. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature.
ContentTopics discussed include: The anthropogenic perturbation of the global carbon cycle and climate. Response of land and oceanic ecosystems to past and future global changes; Interactions between biogeochemical cycles on land and in the ocean; Biogeochemical processes controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere on time-scales from a few years to a few hundred thousand years.
Lecture notesSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press.
Additional handouts will be provided as needed. see website: Link
LiteratureSarmiento & Gruber (2006), Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics, Princeton University Press, 526pp.

Original literature.
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