Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Integrated Building Systems Master Information
Main Courses
Fundamental Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
529-0010-00LChemistryW3 credits2V + 1UC. Mondelli, A. de Mello
AbstractThis is a general chemistry course aimed at first year undergraduate students in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT).
ObjectiveThe aims of the course are as follows:
1) To provide a thorough understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and its application.
2) To develop an understanding of the atomic and molecular nature of matter and of the chemical reactions that describe their transformations.
3) To emphasize areas considered most relevant in an engineering context.
ContentElectronic structure of atoms, chemical bonding, molecular shape and bonding theory, gases, thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibria, solutions and intermolecular forces, redox and electrochemistry.
LiteratureThe course is based on "Chemistry the Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy and Woodward. Pearson, 12th Edition (international edition).
066-0411-00LStructural Design I Information W2 credits2VP. Block, J. Schwartz
AbstractThe course is an introduction to structural design using graphical methods and structural models, with a focus on a creative approach rather than repetitive calculations. Cable and membrane structures, arch and shell structures and combined arch and cable systems will be used to demonstrate these methods.
ObjectiveThe objective is to encourage students to develop an intuitive understanding of the relationship between the shape of a structure, the load it needs to carry and the forces in it.

To achieve this, the teaching is based on graphic statics, which allow the visualization of internal and external forces in structural systems, therefore illustrating the relationship between shape (form) and stress (force) in load bearing elements. This understanding is directly applied to the students' design projects, in which issues of statics and design overlap.
ContentAfter a general introduction of basic concepts, structural systems such as cable and arch structures will be analyzed with the help of graphic statics. The students will learn to understand the flow of forces in a structural system in relation to the system's form. They will be able to modify this force flow and give dimension to the structural components.

All concepts, approaches and methods will be introduced in the weekly lectures and practiced in subsequent exercises.
Lecture noteson eQuilibrium
Link

and
Link
Literature"Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf"
(Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters,
DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0)

Weiteres Lernmaterial:
"Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures"
(Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4)
151-1633-00LEnergy Conversion
This course is intended for students outside of D-MAVT.
W4 credits3GH. G. Park
AbstractFundamentals of Thermal Sciences in association with Energy Conversion
ObjectiveTo become acquainted and familiarized with basic principles of fundamental thermal sciences (Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, etc.) as well as their linkage to energy conversion technologies.
ContentThermodynamics (first and second laws), Heat Transfer (conduction/convection/radiation), Technical Applications
Lecture notesSlides will be distributed by e-mail every week.
Literature1. Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, 2nd ed. by Cengel, Y. A., McGraw Hill;
2. Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 6th ed. by Moran & Shapiro, Wiley
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is intended for students outside of D-MAVT.
401-0203-00LMathematics Information W4 credits2V + 1UC. Busch
AbstractThis course gives an introduction to the following subjects:
linear algebra (systems of linear equations, matrices), calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations.
ObjectiveBasic mathematical knowledge for engineers. Mathematics as a tool to solve engineering problems.
ContentThis course gives an introduction to the following subjects:
linear algebra (systems of linear equations, matrices), calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations.
LiteratureTom M. Apostol, Calculus, Volume 1, One-Variable Calculus with an Introduction to Linear Algebra, 2nd Edition, Wiley
Tom M. Apostol, Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra with Applications, 2nd Edition, Wiley
066-0427-00LDesign and Building Process MBS Information W2 credits2VA. Paulus
Abstract"Design and Building Process MBS" is a brief manual for prospective architects and engineers covering the competencies and the responsibilities of all involved parties through the design and building process. Lectures on twelve compact aspects gaining importance in a increasingly specialised, complex and international surrounding.
ObjectiveParticipants will come to understand how they can best navigate the design and building process, especially in relation to understanding their profession, gaining a thorough knowledge of rules and regulations, as well as understanding how involved parties' minds work. They will also have the opportunity to investigate ways in which they can relate to, understand, and best respond to their clients' wants and needs. Finally, course participants will come to appreciate the various tools and instruments, which are available to them when implementing their projects. The course will guide the participants, bringing the individual pieces of knowledge into a superordinate relationship.
Content"Design and Building Process MBS" is a brief manual for prospective architects and engineers covering the competencies and the responsibilities of involved parties through the design and building process. Twelve compact aspects regarding the establishe building culture are gaining importance in an increasingly specialised, complex and international surrounding. Lectures on the topics of profession, service model, organisation, project, design quality, coordination, costing, tendering and construction management, contracts and agreements, life cycle, real estate market, and getting started will guide the participants, bringing the individual pieces of knowledge into a superordinate relationship. The course introduces the key figures, depicts the criteria of the project and highlights the proveded services of the consultants. In addition to discussing the basics, the terminologies and the tendencies, the lecture units will refer to the studios as well as the prctice: Teaching-based case studies will compliment and deepen the understanding of the twelve selected aspects. The course is presented as a moderated seminar to allow students the opportunity for invididual input: active cololaboration between the students and their tutor therefore required.
Core Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
066-0413-00LMaterials and Constructions Information O3 credits2V + 1UM. Koebel
AbstractSustainable building construction, high performance materials for energy efficient buildings, focus on next generation building materials, sustainable construction, glazing, energy integration, production processes
ObjectiveThe students will acquire knowledge in the following fields:
- Fundamentals of heat transport in (porous) materials
- Super-insulating materials and systems (including insulating nano-materials)
- Materials for retrofitting of buildings
- Introduction to durability problems of building facades
- Glazing, windows and glazed facades
- Materials for photovoltaic devices and solar thermal collector technology and their integration into buildings
- Materials for energy storage (thermal, electrical) and for decentralized energy generation
- Embodied energy of building materials. Introduction to LCA analysis for building materials
- Integrated building envelope solutions, multi-functional and adaptive facades, smart façade concepts
ContentSustainable building construction, high performance materials for energy efficient buildings, focus on next generation building materials, sustainable construction, glazing, energy integration, production processes
LiteratureJ. Fricke, W.L. Borst: Essentials of Energy Technology: Sources, Transport, Storage, Conservation, ISBN-13: 978-3527334162.
066-0415-00LBuilding Physics: Theory and Applications Information Restricted registration - show details O4 credits3V + 1UJ. Carmeliet, J. Allegrini, D. Derome
AbstractPrinciples of heat and mass transport, hygro-thermal performance, durability of the building envelope and interaction with indoor and outdoor climates, applications.
ObjectiveThe students will acquire in the following fields:
- Principles of heat and mass transport and its mathematical description.
- Indoor and outdoor climate and driving forces.
- Hygrothermal properties of building materials.
- Building envelope solutions and their construction.
- Hygrothermal performance and durability.
ContentPrinciples of heat and mass transport, hygro-thermal performance, durability of the building envelope and interaction with indoor and outdoor climates, applications.
529-0193-00LRenewable Energy Technologies I
The lectures Renewable Energy Technologies I (529-0193-00L) and Renewable Energy Technologies II (529-0191-01L) can be taken independently from one another.
O4 credits3GA. Wokaun, A. Steinfeld
AbstractScenarios for world energy demand and CO2 emissions, implications for climate. Methods for the assessment of energy chains. Potential and technology of renewable energies: Biomass (heat, electricity, biofuels), solar energy (low temp. heat, solar thermal and photovoltaic electricity, solar chemistry). Wind and ocean energy, heat pumps, geothermal energy, energy from waste. CO2 sequestration.
ObjectiveScenarios for the development of world primary energy consumption are introduced. Students know the potential and limitations of renewable energies for reducing CO2 emissions, and their contribution towards a future sustainable energy system that respects climate protection goals.
ContentScenarios for the development of world energy consumption, energy intensity and economic development. Energy conversion chains, primary energy sources and availability of raw materials. Methods for the assessment of energy systems, ecological balances and life cycle analysis of complete energy chains. Biomass: carbon reservoirs and the carbon cycle, energetic utilisation of biomass, agricultural production of energy carriers, biofuels. Solar energy: solar collectors, solar-thermal power stations, solar chemistry, photovoltaics, photochemistry. Wind energy, wind power stations. Ocean energy (tides, waves). Geothermal energy: heat pumps, hot steam and hot water resources, hot dry rock (HDR) technique. Energy recovery from waste. Greenhouse gas mitigation, CO2 sequestration, chemical bonding of CO2. Consequences of human energy use for ecological systems, atmosphere and climate.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be distributed electronically during the course.
Literature- Kaltschmitt, M., Wiese, A., Streicher, W.: Erneuerbare Energien (Springer, 2003)

- Tester, J.W., Drake, E.M., Golay, M.W., Driscoll, M.J., Peters, W.A.: Sustainable Energy - Choosing Among Options (MIT Press, 2005)

- G. Boyle, Renewable Energy: Power for a sustainable futureOxford University Press, 3rd ed., 2012, ISBN: 978-0-19-954533-9

-V. Quaschning, Renewable Energy and Climate ChangeWiley- IEEE, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-470-74707-0, 9781119994381 (online)
Prerequisites / NoticeFundamentals of chemistry, physics and thermodynamics are a prerequisite for this course.

Topics are available to carry out a Project Work (Semesterarbeit) on the contents of this course.
363-0389-00LTechnology and Innovation Management Information O3 credits2GS. Brusoni
AbstractThis course focuses on the analysis of innovation as a pervasive process that cut across organizational and functional boundaries. It looks at the sources of innovation, at the tools and techniques that organizations deploy to routinely innovate, and the strategic implications of technical change.
ObjectiveThis course intends to enable all students to:

- understand the core concepts necessary to analyze how innovation happens

- master the most common methods and tools organizations deploy to innovate

- develop the ability to critically evaluate the innovation process, and act upon the main obstacles to innovation
ContentThis course looks at technology and innovation management as a process. Continuously, organizations are faced with a fundamental decision: they have to allocate resources between well-known tasks that reliably generate positive results; or explore new ways of doing things, new technologies, products and services. The latter is a high risk choice. Its rewards can be high, but the chances of success are small.
How do firms organize to take these decisions? What kind of management skills are necessary to take them? What kind of tools and methods are deployed to sustain managerial decision-making in highly volatile environments? These are the central questions on which this course focuses, relying on a combination of lectures, case-based discussion, guest speakers, simulations and group work.
Lecture notesSlides will be available on the TIMGROUP website.
LiteratureReadings will be available on the TIMGROUP website.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo specific background in economics or management is required.
363-0503-00LPrinciples of MicroeconomicsO3 credits2GM. Filippini
AbstractThe course introduces basic principles, problems and approaches of microeconomics.
ObjectiveThe learning objectives of the course are:

(1) Students must be able to discuss basic principles, problems and approaches in microeconomics. (2) Students can analyse and explain simple economic principles in a market using supply and demand graphs. (3) Students can contrast different market structures and describe firm and consumer behaviour. (4) Students can identify market failures such as externalities related to market activities and illustrate how these affect the economy as a whole. (5) Students can apply simple mathematical treatment of some basic concepts and can solve utility maximization and cost minimization problems.
Lecture notesLecture notes, exercises and reference material can be downloaded from Moodle.
LiteratureN. Gregory Mankiw and Mark P. Taylor (2014), "Economics", 3rd edition, South-Western Cengage Learning.
The book can also be used for the course 'Principles of Macroeconomics' (Sturm)

For students taking only the course 'Principles of Microeconomics' there is a shorter version of the same book:
N. Gregory Mankiw and Mark P. Taylor (2014), "Microeconomics", 3rd edition, South-Western Cengage Learning.

Complementary:
1. R. Pindyck and D. Rubinfeld (2012), "Microeconomics", 8th edition, Pearson Education.
2. Varian, H.R. (2014), "Intermediate Microeconomics", 9th edition, Norton & Company
066-0423-00LApplication of CFD in Buildings Information Restricted registration - show details
Limited number of participants.
Enrolment is only possible in agreement with the chair.
O3 credits3VD. Lakehal
AbstractFundamentals, Applications and Project works in the area of CFD in buildings.
ObjectiveUnderstanding:
- Basic principles of fluid flow & heat transfer
- Basic concepts of CFD
- Validation and verification, practical guidelines

Application and project works of CFD in buildings including the fields of:
- Building aerodynamics
- Steady vs. unsteady wind loads on urban structures
- Air pollution and contaminant dispersion
- Indoor ventilation
- CFD for renewable energy in the urban physics: Wind loads on roof-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays, coupled solar-wind energy generation applications, etc.
ContentI. Fundamentals
- Basic principles of fluid flow & heat transfer
- Laminar versus turbulent flow
- Forced vs. natural convection
- Basic concepts of CFD (Discretization, schemes, etc.)
- Turbulence modelling
- Near-wall treatment
- Validation and verification, practical guidelines

II. Applications
CFD for:
- Building aerodynamics
- Steady vs. unsteady wind loads on urban structures
- Air pollution and contaminant dispersion
- Indoor ventilation
- CFD for renewable energy in the urban physics: Wind loads on roof-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays, coupled solar-wind energy generation applications, etc.

III. Project work
- Geometry and grid generation (from CAD to domain meshing)
- Exp. wind engineering
- Boundary conditions, solver settings and solution
- Data Post-processing
- Validation and error estimation
- Hands-on-Training
- Presentation
Lecture notesMaterial will be sent to the students before the start of the course.
LiteratureWe will update the material in due time.
051-0515-16LBuilding Physics IV: Urban Physics Information O3 credits3GJ. Carmeliet, J. Allegrini, D. W. Brunner, C. Schär, H. Wernli, J. M. Wunderli
AbstractUrban physics: wind, wind comfort, pollutant dispersion, natural ventilation, driving rain, heat islands, climate change and weather conditions, urban acoustics and energy use in the urban context.
Objective- Basic knowledge of the global climate and the local microclimate around buildings
- Impact of urban environment on wind, ventilation, rain, pollutants, acoustics and energy, and their relation to comfort, durability, air quality and energy demand
- Application of urban physics concepts in urban design
Content- Climate Change. The Global Picture: global energy balance, global climate models, the IPCC process. Towards regional climate scenarios: role of spatial resolution, overview of approaches, hydrostatic RCMs, cloud-resolving RCMs
- Urban micro climate and comfort: urban heat island effect, wind flow and radiation in the built environment, convective heat transport modelling, heat balance and ventilation of urban spaces - impact of morphology, outdoor wind comfort, outdoor thermal comfort,
- Urban energy and urban design. Energy performance of building quarters and cities, decentralized urban energy production and storage technologies, district heating networks, optimization of energy consumption at district level, effect of the micro climate, urban heat islands, and climate change on the energy performance of buildings and building blocks.
- Wind driving rain (WDR): WDR phenomena, WDR experimental and modeling, wind blocking effect, applications and moisture durability
- Pollutant dispersion. pollutant cycle : emission, transport and deposition, air quality
- Urban acoustics. noise propagation through the urban environment, meteorological effects, urban acoustic modeling, noise reduction measures, urban vegetation
Lecture notesAll material is provided via the website of the chair (Link).
LiteratureAll material is provided via the website of the chair (Link).
Prerequisites / NoticeNo prior knowledge is required.
Specialised Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
151-0235-00LThermodynamics of Novel Energy Conversion TechnologiesW4 credits3GC. S. Sharma, D. Poulikakos, G. Sansavini
AbstractIn the framework of this course we will look at a current electronic thermal and energy management strategies and novel energy conversion processes. The course will focus on component level fundamentals of these process and system level analysis of interactions among various energy conversion components.
ObjectiveThis course deals with liquid cooling based thermal management of electronics, reuse of waste heat and novel energy conversion and storage systems such as batteries, fuel cells and micro-fuel cells. The focus of the course is on the physics and basic understanding of those systems as well as their real-world applications. The course will also look at analysis of system level interactions between a range of energy conversion components.
ContentPart 1: Fundamentals:
- Overview of exergy analysis, Single phase liquid cooling and micro-mixing;
- Thermodynamics of multi-component-systems (mixtures) and phase equilibrium;
- Electrochemistry;

Part 2: Applications:
- Basic principles of battery;
- Introduction to fuel cells;
- Reuse of waste heat from supercomputers
- Hotspot targeted cooling of microprocessors
- Microfluidic fuel cells

Part3: System- level analysis
- Integration of the components into the system: a case study
- Analysis of the coupled operations, identification of critical states
- Support to system-oriented design
Lecture notesLecture slides will be made available. Lecture notes will be available for some topics (in English).
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be given in English:

1- Mid-term examination: Mid-term exam grade counts as 20% of the final grade.
2- Final exam: Written exam during the regular examination session. It counts as 80% of the final grade.
151-0113-00LApplied Fluid DynamicsW4 credits2V + 1UJ.‑P. Kunsch
AbstractApplied Fluid Dynamics
The methods of fluid dynamics play an important role in the description of a chain of events, involving the release, spreading and dilution of dangerous fluids in the environment.
Tunnel ventilation systems and strategies are studied, which must meet severe requirements during normal operation and in emergency situations (tunnel fires etc.).
ObjectiveGenerally applicable methods in fluid dynamics and gas dynamics are illustrated and practiced using selected current examples.
ContentOften experts fall back on the methodology of fluid dynamics when involved in the construction of environmentally friendly processing and incineration facilities, as well as when choosing safe transport and storage options for dangerous materials. As a result of accidents, but also in normal operations, dangerous gases and liquids may escape and be transported further by wind or flowing water.
There are many possible forms that the resulting damage may take, including fire and explosion when flammable substances are mixed. The topics covered include: Emissions of liquids and gases from containers and pipelines, evaporation from pools and vaporization of gases kept under pressure, the spread and dilution of waste gas plumes in the wind, deflagration and detonation of inflammable gases, fireballs in gases held under pressure, pollution and exhaust gases in tunnels (tunnel fires etc.)
Lecture notesnot available
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements: successful attendance at lectures "Fluiddynamik I und II", "Thermodynamik I und II"
151-0185-00LRadiation Heat Transfer Information W4 credits2V + 1UA. Steinfeld, A. Z'Graggen
AbstractAdvanced course in radiation heat transfer
ObjectiveFundamentals of radiative heat transfer and its applications. Examples are combustion and solar thermal/thermochemical processes, and other applications in the field of energy conversion and material processing.
Content1. Introduction to thermal radiation. Definitions. Spectral and directional properties. Electromagnetic spectrum. Blackbody and gray surfaces. Absorptivity, emissivity, reflectivity. Planck's Law, Wien's Displacement Law, Kirchhoff's Law.

2. Surface radiation exchange. Diffuse and specular surfaces. Gray and selective surfaces. Configuration factors. Radiation xxchange. Enclosure theory- radiosity method. Monte Carlo.

3.Absorbing, emitting and scattering media. Extinction, absorption, and scattering coefficients. Scattering phase function. Optical thickness. Equation of radiative transfer. Solution methods: discrete ordinate; zone; Monte-Carlo.

4. Applications. Cavities. Selective surfaces and media. Semi-transparent windows. Combined radiation-conduction-convection heat transfer.
Lecture notesCopy of the slides presented.
LiteratureR. Siegel, J.R. Howell, Thermal Radiation Heat Transfer, 3rd. ed., Taylor & Francis, New York, 2002.

M. Modest, Radiative Heat Transfer, Academic Press, San Diego, 2003.
151-0103-00LFluid Dynamics IIW3 credits2V + 1UP. Jenny
AbstractTwo-dimensional irrotational (potential) flows: stream function and potential, singularity method, unsteady flow, aerodynamic concepts.
Vorticity dynamics: vorticity and circulation, vorticity equation, vortex theorems of Helmholtz and Kelvin.
Compressible flows: isentropic flow along stream tube, normal and oblique shocks, Laval nozzle, Prandtl-Meyer expansion, viscous effects.
ObjectiveExpand basic knowledge of fluid dynamics.
Concepts, phenomena and quantitative description of irrotational (potential), rotational, and one-dimensional compressible flows.
ContentTwo-dimensional irrotational (potential) flows: stream function and potential, complex notation, singularity method, unsteady flow, aerodynamic concepts.
Vorticity dynamics: vorticity and circulation, vorticity equation, vortex theorems of Helmholtz and Kelvin.
Compressible flows: isentropic flow along stream tube, normal and oblique shocks, Laval nozzle, Prandtl-Meyer expansion, viscous effects.
Lecture notesLecture notes are available (in German).
(See also info on literature below.)
LiteratureRelevant chapters (corresponding to lecture notes) from the textbook

P.K. Kundu, I.M. Cohen, D.R. Dowling: Fluid Mechanics, Academic Press, 5th ed., 2011 (includes a free copy of the DVD "Multimedia Fluid Mechanics")

P.K. Kundu, I.M. Cohen, D.R. Dowling: Fluid Mechanics, Academic Press, 6th ed., 2015 (does NOT include a free copy of the DVD "Multimedia Fluid Mechanics")
Prerequisites / NoticeAnalysis I/II, Knowledge of Fluid Dynamics I, thermodynamics of ideal gas
401-0647-00LIntroduction to Mathematical Optimization Information W5 credits2V + 1UD. Adjiashvili
AbstractIntroduction to basic techniques and problems in mathematical optimization, and their applications to problems in engineering.
ObjectiveThe goal of the course is to obtain a good understanding of some of the most fundamental mathematical optimization techniques used to solve linear programs and basic combinatorial optimization problems. The students will also practice applying the learned models to problems in engineering.
ContentTopics covered in this course include:
- Linear programming (simplex method, duality theory, shadow prices, ...).
- Basic combinatorial optimization problems (spanning trees, network flows, knapsack problem, ...).
- Modelling with mathematical optimization: applications of mathematical programming in engineering.
LiteratureInformation about relevant literature will be given in the lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is meant for students who did not already attend the course "Mathematical Optimization", which is a more advance lecture covering similar topics and more.
227-0477-00LAcoustics IW6 credits4GK. Heutschi
AbstractIntroduction to the fundamentals of acoustics in the area of sound field calculations, measurement of acoustical events, outdoor sound propagation and room acoustics of large and small enclosures.
ObjectiveIntroduction to acoustics. Understanding of basic acoustical mechanisms. Survey of the technical literature. Illustration of measurement techniques in the laboratory.
ContentFundamentals of acoustics, measuring and analyzing of acoustical events, anatomy and properties of the ear. Outdoor sound propagation, absorption and transmission of sound, room acoustics of large and small enclosures, architectural acoustics, noise and noise control, calculation of sound fields.
Lecture notesyes
101-0579-00LInfrastructure Maintenance Processes
Does not take place this semester.
101-0579-00L "Infrastructure Maintenance Processes" will be offered from FS17 on with new title 101-0579-00L "Infrastructure Management 2: Evaluation Tools".
W3 credits2GB. T. Adey
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to the tools that can be used to evaluate infrastructure. In particular tools:
- to measure the level of service being obtained from infrastructure,
- to predict slow changes in infrastructure over time, and
- to predict fast changes in infrastructure over time,fits of monitoring.
Objectiveto equip students with tools to be used to evaluate infrastructure and the level of service being provided from infrastructure
ContentIntroduction
Levels of service
Reliability of infrastructure
Availability and maintainability of infrastructure
Mechanistic-empirical models
Regression analysis
Event trees
Fault trees
Markov chains
Neural networks
Bayesian networks
Conclusion
Lecture notesAll necessary materials (e.g. transparencies and hand-outs) will be distributed before class.
LiteratureAppropriate reading material will be assigned when necessary.
101-0577-00LAn Introduction to Sustainable Development in the Built EnvironmentW3 credits2GG. Habert
AbstractThis year the UN Conference in Paris will shape future world objectives to tackle climate change.
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

- Case Study 1: Sustainable construction, the role of construction industry (national/international)
- Case Study 2: Cities, forms of settlements
- Case Study 3: Material resources, scenarios, energy, construction materials, urban metabolism
- Case Study 4: Buildings, heating/cooling, consumers, prosumers and other stakeholder, cooperations

- Method 1: Life cycle assessment (planning, construction, operation/use, deconstruction)
- Method 2: Economics for sustainable construction
- Method 3: Construction, flexibility, modularity

- Synthesis 1: Climate Change mitigation and adaptation in cities
- Synthesis 2: 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.
101-0417-00LTransport Planning MethodsW6 credits4GK. W. Axhausen
AbstractThe course provides the necessary knowledge to develop models supporting the solution of given planning problems. This is done by dividing the forecasting problem into sub-problems.
The course is composed of a lecture part, providing the theoretical knowledge, and a applied part, in which students develop their own models.
Objective- Knowledge of methods and algorithms commonly used in transport planning
- Ability to independently develop a transport model able to solve / answer the given problem / questions
- Understanding of algorithms and their implementations commonly used in transport planning
ContentThe course provides the necessary knowledge to develop models supporting the solution of given planning problems. Examples of such planning problems are the estimation of traffic volumes, prediction of estimated utilization of new public transport lines, and evaluation of effects (e.g. change in emissions of a city) triggered by building new infrastructure and changes to operational regulations.

To cope with the forecasting problem it is first divided into sub-problems. Then, these are solved using various algorithms like iterative proportional fitting, shortest path algorithms and the method of successive averages.

The course is composed of a lecture part, providing the theoretical knowledge, and a applied part, in which students create their own models. This part takes place in form of a tutorial and consists in the development of a computer program. The programming part is closely guided and particularly suitable for students with little programming experience.
Lecture notesThe slides of the lecture are provided electronically.
LiteratureWillumsen, P. and J. de D. Ortuzar (2003) Modelling Transport, Wiley, Chichester.

Cascetta, E. (2001) Transportation Systems Engineering: Theory and Methods, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht.

Sheffi, Y. (1985) Urban Transportation Networks: Equilibrium Analysis with Mathematical Programming Methods, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs.
363-0387-00LCorporate SustainabilityW3 credits2GV. Hoffmann
AbstractThe lectures addresses the assessment of corporate sustainability and its links to strategy, technology, and finance. Students learn why sustainability matters for managers and how businesses can act towards it. E-modules allow students to train critical thinking skills. In the 2nd half of the semester, sustainability challenges on water, energy, mobility, and food are explored in group projects.
ObjectiveUnderstand the limits and the potential of corporate sustainability for sustainable development

Develop critical thinking skills (argumentation, communication, evaluative judgment) that are useful in the context of corporate sustainability using an innovative writing and peer review method.

Be able to recognize and realize opportunities for corporate sustainability in a business environment
ContentOverview of the key concepts of corporate sustainability and topics related to Water, Energy, Mobility, and Food

Business implications of sustainable development, in particular for the assessment of sustainability performance, strategic change towards sustainability, technological innovations and sustainability, and finance and corporate sustainability.
Critical thinking skills for corporate sustainability.
In-depth case studies of corporate sustainability challenges in the track phase: How to deal with environmental pressure groups? How to use the strengths of business to solve pressing sustainability problems? How to catalyze technological innovations for sustainability? How to invest money in a sustainable way?
Lecture notesPresentation slides will be made available on moodle prior to lectures.
LiteratureLiterature recommendations will be distributed during the lecture
402-0809-01LIntroduction to Computational Physics (for Civil Engineers)W4 credits2V + 1UH. J. Herrmann
AbstractThis course offers an introduction to computer simulation methods for physics problems and their implementation on PCs and super computers: classical equations of motion, partial differential equations (wave equation, diffusion equation, Maxwell's equation), Monte Carlo simulations, percolation, phase transitions
Objective
ContentEinführung in die rechnergestützte Simulation physikalischer Probleme. Anhand einfacher Modelle aus der klassischen Mechanik, Elektrodynamik und statistischen Mechanik sowie interdisziplinären Anwendungen werden die wichtigsten objektorientierten Programmiermethoden für numerische Simulationen (überwiegend in C++) erläutert. Daneben wird eine Einführung in die Programmierung von Vektorsupercomputern und parallelen Rechnern, sowie ein Überblick über vorhandene Softwarebibliotheken für numerische Simulationen geboten.
Prerequisites / NoticeLecture and exercse lessons in english
402-0809-00LIntroduction to Computational PhysicsW8 credits2V + 2UH. J. Herrmann
AbstractThis course offers an introduction to computer simulation methods for physics problems and their implementation on PCs and super computers: classical equations of motion, partial differential equations (wave equation, diffusion equation, Maxwell's equation), Monte Carlo simulations, percolation, phase transitions
Objective
ContentEinführung in die rechnergestützte Simulation physikalischer Probleme. Anhand einfacher Modelle aus der klassischen Mechanik, Elektrodynamik und statistischen Mechanik sowie interdisziplinären Anwendungen werden die wichtigsten objektorientierten Programmiermethoden für numerische Simulationen (überwiegend in C++) erläutert. Daneben wird eine Einführung in die Programmierung von Vektorsupercomputern und parallelen Rechnern, sowie ein Überblick über vorhandene Softwarebibliotheken für numerische Simulationen geboten.
Prerequisites / NoticeLecture and exercise lessons in english, exams in German or in English
101-0187-00LStructural Reliability and Risk Analysis Information W3 credits2GB. Sudret
AbstractStructural reliability aims at quantifying the probability of failure of systems due to uncertainties in their design, manufacturing and environmental conditions. Risk analysis combines this information with the consequences of failure in view of optimal decision making. The course presents the underlying probabilistic modelling and computational methods for reliability and risk assessment.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the key concepts behind structural reliability and risk analysis. After this course the students will have refreshed their knowledge of probability theory and statistics to model uncertainties in view of engineering applications. They will be able to analyze the reliability of a structure and to use risk assessment methods for decision making under uncertain conditions. They will be aware of the state-of-the-art computational methods and software in this field.
ContentEngineers are confronted every day to decision making under limited amount of information and uncertain conditions. When designing new structures and systems, the design codes such as SIA or Euro- codes usually provide a framework that guarantees safety and reliability. However the level of safety is not quantified explicitly, which does not allow the analyst to properly choose between design variants and evaluate a total cost in case of failure. In contrast, the framework of risk analysis allows one to incorporate the uncertainty in decision making.

The first part of the course is a reminder on probability theory that is used as a main tool for reliability and risk analysis. Classical concepts such as random variables and vectors, dependence and correlation are recalled. Basic statistical inference methods used for building a probabilistic model from the available data, e.g. the maximum likelihood method, are presented.

The second part is related to structural reliability analysis, i.e. methods that allow one to compute probabilities of failure of a given system with respect to prescribed criteria. The framework of reliability analysis is first set up. Reliability indices are introduced together with the first order-second moment method (FOSM) and the first order reliability method (FORM). Methods based on Monte Carlo simulation are then reviewed and illustrated through various examples. By-products of reliability analysis such as sensitivity measures and partial safety coefficients are derived and their links to structural design codes is shown. The reliability of structural systems is also introduced as well as the methods used to reassess existing structures based on new information.

The third part of the course addresses risk assessment methods. Techniques for the identification of hazard scenarios and their representation by fault trees and event trees are described. Risk is defined with respect to the concept of expected utility in the framework of decision making. Elements of Bayesian decision making, i.e. pre-, post and pre-post risk assessment methods are presented.

The course also includes a tutorial using the UQLab software dedicated to real world structural reliability analysis.
Lecture notesSlides of the lectures are available online every week. A printed version of the full set of slides is proposed to the students at the beginning of the semester.
LiteratureAng, A. and Tang, W.H, Probability Concepts in Engineering - Emphasis on Applications to Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2007.

S. Marelli, R. Schöbi, B. Sudret, UQLab user manual - Structural reliability (rare events estimation), Report UQLab-V0.92-107.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic course on probability theory and statistics
701-1346-00LCarbon Mitigation Information 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.
051-0723-16LInformation Architecture and Future Cities: Smart Cities Information W2 credits1VG. Schmitt
AbstractWhat are SMART CITIES and how do they emerge? What is the role of architects and urban designers in this process? How do data turn into information as a building material for the future city? The course covers concepts, methods and techniques in design, simulation and communication of cities. The goal is to learn principles and preconditions for the design of sustainable and smart cities.
ObjectiveStudents gain insight into the next generation of design processes for architects and urban designers, and into concepts of the Information Architecture of SMART CITIES, including the influence of Big Data. They learn about the expanded roles of information and of architecture: information and simulation in architecture as means to make the invisible visible, and architecture as a metaphor and ordering system to structure the immense amounts of data of the Information Society. The seminar is highly interactive and discusses visionary case studies in Europe and Asia and new techniques in Big Data informed smart urban design. Apart from learning about and experiencing Information Architecture and SMART CITIES, the course also introduces research and management skills that will distinguish the future ETH architect. An iBook and the edX Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Future Cities support the course.
ContentSMART CITIES - What will happen when cities change from static configurations into responsive and dynamic structures? What does it mean for buildings that undergo the same changes? What is the impact on architectural and urban design education? How can citizens influence this development? The SMART CITIES course will answer these questions and supply you with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and design such dynamic structures. The intelligent use of data and information are at the core of this course. Data and information are new building materials of future cities. Citizens produce increasing amounts of data in their daily life, with stationary sensors and mobile smartphones. Using those data, citizens begin to influence the design of future cities and the re-design of existing ones. The course will be a first step towards the emerging citizen design science and cognitive design computing. Those will be the next generation of participatory design and design computing.
Lecture notesiBook INFORMATION CITIES
LiteratureThe necessary texts will be found on the Chair's website at: Link. We specifically recommend the consultation of the Future Cities Website at: Link during the entire course. The iBook INFORMATION CITIES is available in the iBooks Store for free.
Prerequisites / NoticeInteractive seminar including 3 exercises
051-0725-16LDigital Urban Visualization: People as Flows Information W2 credits2UG. Schmitt
AbstractWe examine patterns of crowd-flows in an extraordinary urbanisation phenomena: festivals.
ObjectiveThe course participants will learn how to program simulations using Processing/Java. Previous programming knowledge is not necessary. Furthermore they will gain insights into other analysis methods and learn about their significance, strengths and weaknesses.
ContentWe will look at those patterns from two sides. One being the view of a planer asking to find bottle necks or the ideal place for amenities such as booths, toilets etc. Another being the view of visitors. We will program different behaviours that should compete against each other in order to compare their different strategies. As a case study we will use the Caliente Festival in Zurich.

For deepening the learnt in a semester thesis we offer to optimise the created simulations to make them available in interactive planning workshops. Additionally they could be converted into interactive web apps.
LiteratureLink
Prerequisites / NoticeNo programming skills are required.
063-1357-16LDigital Urban Simulation Information W4 credits4GE. Tapias Pedraza
AbstractIn this teaching unit architectural and urban design are analyzed by current computational methods. Based on these analyses the effects of plannings can be simulated and understood. An important focus of this course is the interpretation of the analysis and simulation results and the application of these correspondent methods in early planning phases.
ObjectiveThe students learn how the design and planning of cities can be evidence based by using scientific methods. The teaching unit convey knowledge in state-of-the-art and emerging spatial analysis and simulation methods and equip students with skills in modern software systems. The course consists of lectures, associated exercises and workshops, as well as of one integral project work.
ContentIn a series of theory lectures we explore how the design and planning of cities can be evidence based by using scientific methods. By various exercises the students are equipped with skills in modern software systems. In an integral project work knowledge in state-of-the-art and emerging spatial analysis and simulation methods is deepened. Based on the imparted methods the effects of planning and design interventions can be simulated and understood. An important focus of this course is the interpretation of the analysis and simulation results and the application of the correspondent computational methods in early planning phases.
Project courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
066-0425-00LIntegrated Design MBS Information W6 credits2V + 2UA. Schlüter
AbstractDuring the integrated design studio students work on a selected integrated architectural / urban design project, considering both energy- and climate systems (HVAC) as well architectural and urban design in a specific site context. The objective is to follow an integrated design process to achieve synergistic solutions.
ObjectiveThe integrated design studio enables students to identify site specific energy demand and potentials, develop integrated energy and climate systems on both the urban and building scale and evaluate their interactions and impact on building design and operation. Retrieving relevant concepts and technologies of energy and HVAC systems, students are able to develop and compare integrated concepts using appropriate methods and digital toolsets and present them to a mixed audience using drawings, renderings and reports.
ContentDuring the studio students will work in groups on a contemporary integrated design project (urban and / or building scale) executing an integrated design process from the analysis of site potentials, the identification of demands, the development of an urban scale energy concept and a matching building energy- and HVAC-systems concept. Input lectures from academics and professionals will highlight specific topics relevant to the task. The projects will be presented by the student groups and discussed with internal and external reviewers at midterm and at the final presentations.
Lecture notesSkripts are specific to the design task and distributed at the beginning of the course.
LiteratureA literature list will be distributed at the beginning of the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents must have successfully passed the first year of MBS studies.
Semester Project
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
066-0431-00LSemester Project MBS Information Restricted registration - show details
You can choose the mentoring professor of your semester project MBS:
Jan CARMELIET
Stefano BRUSONI
Mario FONTANA
Guillaume HABERT
John LYGEROS
Marco MAZZOTTI
Arno SCHLÜTER
Roy SMITH
O6 credits13ALecturers
AbstractThe semester project focuses in solving specific research questions in the field of integrated building systems.
ObjectiveThe semester project is designed to train students in solving specific research questions in the field of integrated building systems. The goal is to apply acquired knowledge which is gained throughout the first year of the master's program. The semester project is advised by a professor who is affiliated with one of the partner departments of the Master program "Integrated building systems".
ContentThe semester project is designed to train students in solving specific research questions in the field of integrated building systems. The goal is to apply acquired knowledge which is gained throughout the first year of the master's program. The semester project is advised by a professor who is affiliated with one of the partner departments of the Master program "Integrated building systems".
GESS Science in Perspective
» Recommended GESS Science in Perspective (Type B) for D-ARCH.
» see GESS Science in Perspective: Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Capability
» see GESS Science in Perspective: Language Courses ETH/UZH
Master's Thesis
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
066-0434-00LMaster's Thesis Information Restricted registration - show details
Only students who fulfill the following criteria are allowed to begin with their master thesis:
a. successful completion of the bachelor programme;
b. fulfilling of any additional requirements necessary to gain admission to the master programme.
O30 credits40DProfessors
AbstractA 6-months Master thesis completes the Master's program of Integrated Building Systems. With the thesis project students are expected to demonstrate their ability to independent and structured scientific thinking.
ObjectiveA 6-months Master thesis completes the Master's program of Integrated Building Systems. With the thesis project students are expected to demonstrate their ability to independent and structured scientific thinking.
ContentA 6-months Master thesis completes the Master's program of Integrated Building Systems. With the thesis project students are expected to demonstrate their ability to independent and structured scientific thinking. The thesis can be performed either at ETH Zurich, an industrial enterprise, or in a research institution, but has to be advised by one or more professors affiliated with the Master program "Integrated building systems".
The responsible supervisor defines the topic in consultation with the student, together with the scope of work, criteria of assessment, and dates of beginning and delivery of the work.
Course Units for Additional Admission Requirements
The courses below are only available for MSc students with additional admission requirements.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
151-1633-AALEnergy Conversion
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement.

Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
E-4 credits9RH. G. Park
AbstractFundamentals of Thermal Sciences in association with Energy Conversion
ObjectiveTo become acquainted and familiarized with basic principles of fundamental thermal sciences (Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, etc.) as well as their linkage to energy conversion technologies.
ContentThermodynamics (first and second laws), Heat Transfer (conduction/convection/radiation), Technical Applications
Lecture notesSlides will be distributed by e-mail every week.
Literature1. Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, 2nd ed. by Cengel, Y. A., McGraw Hill;
2. Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 6th ed. by Moran & Shapiro, Wiley
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is intended for students outside of D-MAVT.
101-0414-AALTransport Planning (Transportation I)
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement.

Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
W3 credits2RK. W. Axhausen
AbstractThe lecture course discusses the basic concepts, approaches and methods of transport planning in both their theoretical and practical contexts.
ObjectiveThe course introduces the basic theories and methods of transport planning.
ContentBasic theoretical links between transport, space and economic development; basic terminology; measurement and observation of travel behaviour; methods of the four stage approach; cost-benefit analysis.
LiteratureOrtuzar, J. de D. and L. Willumsen (2011) Modelling Transport, Wiley, Chichester.