Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Environmental Sciences Bachelor Information
Natural Science and Technical Electives
Natural Science Modules
Methodes of Statistical Data Analysis
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0105-00LApplied Statistics for Environmental SciencesW3 credits2GC. Bigler, U. Brändle, M. Kalisch, L. Meier
AbstractStatistical methods from current publications in environmental sciences are presented and applied. Students are enabled to understand the methods, clean datasets, analyse them using the software package R and present the results in a suitable form. They will be able to describe strengths and weaknesses of the methods for given fields of application.
ObjectiveStudents are able to
- use suitable statistical methods for data analysis in their subject area.
- characterize data sets using explorative methods
- check the suitability of data sets to answer a given question, prepare data sets for import to a statistics program and conduct the analysis.
- interpret statistical analyses and process them graphically for use in presentations and publications.
- describe the basics of statistical methods used in current publications.
- use the software package R for statistical analysis
ContentStatistische Methoden: Regression (lineare Modelle; generalisierte lineare Modelle; GLMs); Varianzanalyse; gemischte Modelle für gruppierte Daten (mixed-effects models); Fragebogenstatistik; Tests (t Test; Chiquadrat Test; Fisher Test); Power-Analyse

Werkzeuge: Explorative Datenanalyse für Hypothesenbildung; Auswahlverfahren für geeignete statistische Verfahren; Datenaufbereitung (Excel -> R; Datenbereinigung); graphische Darstellung von Resultaten; statistische Verfahren in Publikationen erkennen
Wir arbeiten mit dem Softwarepaket R.

Form: Im Wochenrhythmus finden alternierend Einführungen in eine neue Methode und Übungsstunden zum Thema statt.
Prerequisites / NoticeBesuch von "Mathematik IV: Statistik" oder vergleichbare Lehrveranstaltung
701-1671-00LSampling Techniques for Forest InventoriesW3 credits2VD. Mandallaz
AbstractIntroduction to design and model assisted sampling theory for finite populations as well as to the infinite population model for forest inventory. Two-phase two-stage forest inventories with simple or cluster sampling. Small area estimation. Presentation of the Swiss National Inventory.
Short introduction to Kriging techniques.
ObjectiveStudents should have a good understanding of the concepts of general sampling theory in a modern framework. They should also master the specific problems arising in forest inventory and be able, if necessary, to read more specialized books or research papers.
ContentInclusion probabilities. Horwitz-Thompson estimates. Simple random sampling. Stratified sampling. PPS sampling and multi-stage sampling. Model assisted procedures. Formalism of sampling theory in forest inventory. One-phase simple and cluster sampling schemes. Two-phase two-sampling schemes. Model-dependent and model assisted procedures. Small area estimation. Kriging techniques. The Swiss National Forest Inventory.
Lecture notesSampling techniques for forest inventories. Daniel Mandallaz, Chapman and Hall. A free electronic copy of the book is also available. A PDF file containing parts of the book will be mailed to the participants
LiteratureSampling methods for multiresource forest inventory. H.T. Schreuder, T.G. Gregoire, G.B. Wood, 1993, Wiley.
Model assisted survey sampling, C.E. Särndal, B. Swenson, J. Wretman, 2003, Springer.
Sampling methods, remote sensing and GIS multisource forest inventory
M. Köhl, S. Magnussen, M. Marchetti, 2006, Springer.
Sampling techniques for forest inventories, Daniel Mandallaz, 2007, Chapman and Hall.
T.G. Gregoire, H.T. Valentine. Sampling strategies for natural resources and the environment, Chapman and Hall.
Prerequisites / NoticeA simulation software will be used throughtout the lectures to illustrate the theoretical developments. Upon request a half day field demonstration can be organized at the WSL outside the lecture time. A repetitorium for the exam is also offered.
401-0625-01LApplied Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design Information W5 credits2V + 1UL. Meier
AbstractPrinciples of experimental design. One-way analysis of variance. Multi-factor experiments and analysis of variance. Block designs. Latin square designs. Split-plot and strip-plot designs. Random effects and mixed effects models. Full factorials and fractional designs.
ObjectiveParticipants will be able to plan and analyze efficient experiments in the fields of natural sciences. They will gain practical experience by using the software R.
ContentPrinciples of experimental design. One-way analysis of variance. Multi-factor experiments and analysis of variance. Block designs. Latin square designs. Split-plot and strip-plot designs. Random effects and mixed effects models. Full factorials and fractional designs.
LiteratureG. Oehlert: A First Course in Design and Analysis of Experiments, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2000.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe exercises, but also the classes will be based on procedures from the freely available, open-source statistical software R, for which an introduction will be held.
401-0649-00LApplied Statistical Regression Information W5 credits2V + 1UM. Dettling
AbstractThis course offers a practically oriented introduction into regression modeling methods. The basic concepts and some mathematical background are included, with the emphasis lying in learning "good practice" that can be applied in every student's own projects and daily work life. A special focus will be laid in the use of the statistical software package R for regression analysis.
ObjectiveThe students acquire advanced practical skills in linear regression analysis and are also familiar with its extensions to generalized linear modeling.
ContentThe course starts with the basics of linear modeling, and then proceeds to parameter estimation, tests, confidence intervals, residual analysis, model choice, and prediction. More rarely touched but practically relevant topics that will be covered include variable transformations, multicollinearity problems and model interpretation, as well as general modeling strategies.

The last third of the course is dedicated to an introduction to generalized linear models: this includes the generalized additive model, logistic regression for binary response variables, binomial regression for grouped data and poisson regression for count data.
Lecture notesA script will be available.
LiteratureFaraway (2005): Linear Models with R
Faraway (2006): Extending the Linear Model with R
Draper & Smith (1998): Applied Regression Analysis
Fox (2008): Applied Regression Analysis and GLMs
Montgomery et al. (2006): Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis
Prerequisites / NoticeThe exercises, but also the classes will be based on procedures from the freely available, open-source statistical software package R, for which an introduction will be held.

In the Mathematics Bachelor and Master programmes, the two course units 401-0649-00L "Applied Statistical Regression" and 401-3622-00L "Regression" are mutually exclusive. Registration for the examination of one of these two course units is only allowed if you have not registered for the examination of the other course unit.
401-6215-00LUsing R for Data Analysis and Graphics (Part I) Information W1 credit1GA. Drewek, A. J. Papritz
AbstractThe course provides the first part an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. Topics covered are data generation and selection, graphical and basic statistical functions, creating simple functions, basic types of objects.
ObjectiveThe students will be able to use the software R for simple data analysis.
ContentThe course provides the first part of an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. R is free software that contains a huge collection of functions with focus on statistics and graphics. If one wants to use R one has to learn the programming language R - on very rudimentary level. The course aims to facilitate this by providing a basic introduction to R.

Part I of the course covers the following topics:
- What is R?
- R Basics: reading and writing data from/to files, creating vectors & matrices, selecting elements of dataframes, vectors and matrices, arithmetics;
- Types of data: numeric, character, logical and categorical data, missing values;
- Simple (statistical) functions: summary, mean, var, etc., simple statistical tests;
- Writing simple functions;
- Introduction to graphics: scatter-, boxplots and other high-level plotting functions, embellishing plots by title, axis labels, etc., adding elements (lines, points) to existing plots.

The course focuses on practical work at the computer. We will make use of the graphical user interface RStudio: Link

Note: Part I of UsingR is complemented and extended by Part II, which is offered during the second part of the semester and which can be taken independently from Part I.
Lecture notesAn Introduction to R. Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course resources will be provided via the Moodle web learning platform
Please login (with your ETH (or other University) username+password) at
Link
Choose the course "Using R for Data Analysis and Graphics" and follow the instructions for registration.
401-6217-00LUsing R for Data Analysis and Graphics (Part II) Information W1 credit1GA. Drewek, A. J. Papritz
AbstractThe course provides the second part an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. Topics are data generation and selection, graphical functions, important statistical functions, types of objects, models, programming and writing functions.
Note: This part builds on "Using R... (Part I)", but can be taken independently if the basics of R are already known.
ObjectiveThe students will be able to use the software R efficiently for data analysis.
ContentThe course provides the second part of an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. R is free software that contains a huge collection of functions with focus on statistics and graphics. If one wants to use R one has to learn the programming language R - on very rudimentary level. The course aims to facilitate this by providing a basic introduction to R.

Part II of the course builds on part I and covers the following additional topics:
- Elements of the R language: control structures (if, else, loops), lists, overview of R objects, attributes of R objects;
- More on R functions;
- Applying functions to elements of vectors, matrices and lists;
- Object oriented programming with R: classes and methods;
- Tayloring R: options
- Extending basic R: packages

The course focuses on practical work at the computer. We will make use of the graphical user interface RStudio: Link
Lecture notesAn Introduction to R. Link
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of R equivalent to "Using R .. (part 1)" ( = 401-6215-00L ) is a prerequisite for this course.

The course resources will be provided via the Moodle web learning platform
Please login (with your ETH (or other University) username+password) at
Link
Choose the course "Using R for Data Analysis and Graphics" and follow the instructions for registration.
Ecology and Conservation Biology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0305-00LVertebrate EcologyW2 credits2GW. Suter, J. Senn
AbstractThe course offers an overview on the ecology and conservation biology of birds and mammals. Important concepts from physiology, behavioural ecology, population biology, biogeography and community ecology will be linked to applications in conservation and management. A worldwide perspective will be complemented by a focus on the Central European fauna and its dynamics.
ObjectiveThe students are familiar with important topics in animal ecology, with an emphasis on birds and mammals. They are able to link theoretical concepts with visible ecological phenomena, and view them against an evolutionary backdrop. They can thus appraise applied aspects of the conservation and the use of animal populations, such as the influence of larger predators on prey populations or of herbivores on vegetation, the effects of hunting, landscape change, or of other human influences on animal populations. They understand the biogeographical characteristics of the Central European vertebrate fauna and its temporal and spatial dynamics.
ContentThe course deals with a number of main topics that include feeding and resource use, spatial behaviour and migrations, reproduction, population dynamics, competition and predation, biodiversity and distributions, and dynamics of the Central European fauna. There is an emphasis on linking theory with management issues in conservation and management of wildlife populations. During the first half of the course, examples will be drawn worldwide whereas during the second half, the course will focus more strongly on the European fauna, particularly of the Alpine region. Although the course is not designed to teach natural history of the native species, examples will cover much of the taxonomic breadth of the European fauna. Students are expected to read one paper and to present it to the audience. In addition, two optional field trips will be offered on weekends during the semester (2 days in the Swiss National Park: probably 10-11 October, one day in an important wetland for waterbirds: a Saturday in Nov./Dec., by arrangement).
For the detailed program, see the German text.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be available.
LiteratureLiterature will be listed in the lecture notes, and papers to be presented will be distributed if needed. Some books relevant to the course are (optional reading):

- Fryxell, J.M., Sinclair, A.R.E., & Caughley, G. 2014. Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management. 3rd ed. Wiley Blackwell, Chichester, UK.
- Boitani, L. & Fuller, T. editors. 2000. Research Techniques in Animal Ecology: Controversies and Consequences. Columbia University Press.
Prerequisites / Notice- Everybody will be expected to present a scientific paper in class, to be chosen from a list given.
701-0405-00LFresh Water: Concepts and Methods for Sustainable Management Information W3 credits2GC. Scheidegger, C. Weber, V. Weitbrecht
AbstractIn this course the important freshwater ecosystems, on a global perspective, will be presented. The foci of the lectures are basic ecological properties of those aquatic systems, their anthropogenic influences and subsequent modifications. The learning is organized along case studies, for which conflicting interests, as well as concepts and methods for sustainable management will be discussed.
Objective• basics concerning the functioning of the most important freshwater ecosystems
• basics of the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems
• application of these principles with case studies
• critical analyses, organization of discussion groups
Content1) Einführung, Gewässerschutzgesetz
2) Biodiversität
3) Sedimenthaushalt
4) Moore - Verbreitung, Schutz und Regeneration
5) Flussrevitalisierung
6) Flussaufweitungen und Blockrampen
7) Auenschutz und Revitalisierung
8) Schutz von Fliessgewässern
9) Pumpspeicherwerke
10) Sedimentdynamik
11) Fischwanderung und Kraftwerke
12) Wasser und Gesundheit, Auswirkungen des Klimawandels
13) Schlussdiskussion
Lecture notesthemenspezifische Unterlagen werden verteilt und auf
Link
zugänglich gemacht.
LiteratureLiteraturlisten zu den Fallbeispielen werden abgegeben und auf
Link
zugänglich gemacht.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic ecology lectures of the first four semesters. Students will organize discussion groups.
701-1663-00LExploring Resilience of Tropical Forest Landscapes
This course will run in complement to 701-1661-00 Conservation and Development in Complex Landscapes.
W4 credits9GC. Kettle, C. D. Philipson
AbstractA highly interactive learning experience with real world exposure to the challenges associated with conservation and management of tropical forest systems. Designed as a complementary course to Rain Forest Ecology 701-0324-00L. Students will gain first-hand experience of tropical forest landscapes and the challenges associated with conducting ecological research in this fascinating environment.
ObjectiveThe course will have four core learning objectives: 1) provide students with an understanding and experience of a range of tropical rainforest systems, and an appreciation of the challenges of managing these landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services. 2) To develop their creative and critical scientific thinking and experimental design in the context of tropical field ecology. Specifically through design and implementation an Adaptive Management approach to tropical forest landscapes. 3) Students will develop their understanding of multiple stakeholders perspectives in the context of landscape management in SE Asian develop the knowledge to discuss this issues with experts in the field. Students will present their Adaptive Management Plans to senior Forest Researchers in the forest department at the FRC Sabah and engage in dialogue regarding diverse perspectives in forest and landscape management. 4) To develop their team building skills to work in culturally diverse groups and under sometimes challenging conditions to work toward a common research goal.
ContentProposed topics to be covered within the scope of the projects and based upon the expertise of the course lecturers: Tropical Ecology, Forest Ecology and Forest Botany. Tropical Forest management and restoration. Conservation biology, Animal behaviour, tropical entomology. Biodiversity and ecosystem function. Resilience and Adaptive Management.
LiteratureLiterature presented in Tropical Rainforest Ecology
Prerequisites / Notice701-0324-00 G Rain Forest Ecology
Environmental Chemistry/Ecotocxicology
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0201-00LIntroduction to Environmental Organic ChemistryW5 credits4GM. Sander, K. McNeill
AbstractThis course presents significant organic environmental pollutants and the physical-chemical bases required to understand their environmental behavior, and deepens this knowledge through exercises. The most important analytical methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of organic pollutants in environmental samples are discussed.
ObjectiveThe students are able to
- name and recognise the most important classes of environmentally-relevant anthropogenic chemicals.
- explain, on the basis of physical-chemical foundations, the most important processes which determine the environmental behavior of organic pollutants.
- name fundamental methods of trace analysis of organic pollutants in environmental sampling.
- propose experimental methods for determining substance-specific properties.
- identify, on the basis of chemical structure, the processes relevant for the environmental behavior of a compound.
- critically evaluate published work and data.
Content- Overview of the most important classes of environmental organic pollutants
- Molecular interactions that determine the partitioning behavior (adsorption and absorption processes) of organic compounds between different environmental compartments (gas,liquid,solid)
- Physical-chemical properties (vapor pressure, aqueous solubility, air-water partition constant, organic solvent-water partition constants, etc) and partitioning behavior of organic compounds between environmentally relevant phases (air, aerosols, soil, water, biota)
- Basics of trace analytical methods to determine organic componds (enrichment techniques, separation (chromatography), detection)
- Chemical transformation reactions of organic pollutants in aquatic and in terrestrial systems (reactions with nucleophiles incl. hydrolysis, elimination, addition)
Lecture notesScript will be distributed
LiteratureSchwarzenbach, R.P., P.M. Gschwend, and D.M. Imboden.
Environmental Organic Chemistry. 2nd Ed. Wiley, New York, 1313 p.(2003)

Goss, K.U. and Schwarzenbach, R.P. (2003). "Rules of thumb for assessing equilibrium partitioning of organic compounds-success and pitfalls", Journal of Chemical Education, 80, 4, 450-455.
Prerequisites / NoticeDie Lehrveranstaltung richtet sich nicht nur an jene Studierenden, welche sich später chemisch vertiefen wollen, sondern ausdrücklich auch an alle jene, welche sich mit der Problematik von organischen Schadstoffen in der Umwelt vertraut machen wollen, um dieses Wissen in anderen Vertiefungen anzuwenden
701-0225-00LOrganic ChemistryW2 credits2VK. McNeill
AbstractIntroduction to Isomerism.
Reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry (substitutions, additions, eliminations condensations)
Biosynthesis of Terpenes.
ObjectiveThe students are able to differentiate between structural and stereoisomers.
The students know the basic reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry. They are able to understand and formulate simple biochemical rections.
They know the basics of the biosynthesis of terpenes.
ContentIsomerism (structural isomers, stereoisomers).
Descriptive chemistry of natural products (glycerides, peptides, saccharides).
Reaction mechanisms (substitutions, additions, eliminations, condensations).
The citric acid cycle, the gloxylate cycle.
Biosynthesis of terpenes.
LiteratureCarsten Schmuck, Basisbuch Organische Chemie, Pearson
Prerequisites / NoticeDer Stoff der Basischemie wird vorausgesetzt.
701-0297-00LApplied EcotoxicologyW2 credits2VK. Fent
AbstractBesides regarding basic concepts, this lecture focus on applied aspects of ecotoxicology. Case studies and effects of environmental chemicals on cells, organisms up to ecosystems are regarded. In a multidisciplinary approach based on toxicological concepts, pollutants are analysed, in particular hormonally active compounds and their effects on reproduction.
ObjectiveThis lecture focusses on basic concepts of ecotoxicology and their application to enviromental chemicals and environmental pollution problems. Basic concepts are regarded with respect to their consequences for the environment. Toxicological effects on organisms are analysed at different levels of organisation, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Case studies are regarded in order to understand chemical's actions and their effects. In addition bioaccumulation and their consequences, the methods in ecotoxicology and environmental effects of various compounds will be regarded. Emphasis will be placed on hormonally active compounds and their effects to aquatic organisms. Furthermore, methods of enviornmental risk assessment of environmental pollutants will be discussed.
ContentBasic concepts of ecotoxicology. Bioavailability, uptake and metabolism. Bioacculation of environmental chemicals. Methods of ectotoxicology. Effects on moleculse, cells, organisms, populations and ecosystems. Mode of actions of environmental chemicals. Effect assessment in model ecosystems. Environmental hazard and risk assessment. Case studies on environmental pollutants. Endocrine disrupters and their ecological consequences.
Lecture notesHochschullehrbuch von K. Fent "Ökotoxikologie. Umweltchemie-Toxikologie-Ökologie" (Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 2013, 4. Auflage).
LiteratureFent K. Ökotoxikologie. Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 2013. (4. Auflage)
529-0051-00LAnalytical Chemistry IW3 credits3GD. Günther, M.‑O. Ebert, R. Zenobi
AbstractIntroduction into the most important spectroscopical methods and their applications to gain structural information.
ObjectiveKnowledge about the necessary theoretical background of spectroscopical methods and their practical applications
ContentApplication oriented basics of organic and inorganic instrumental analysis and of the empirical employment of structure elucidation methods:
Mass spectrometry: Ionization methods, mass separation, isotope signals, rules of fragmentation, rearrangements.
NMR spectroscopy: Experimental basics, chemical shift, spin-spin coupling.
IR spectroscopy: Revisiting topics like harmonic oscillator, normal vibrations, coupled oscillating systems (in accordance to the basics of the related lecture in physical chemistry); sample preparation, acquisition techniques, law of Lambert and Beer, interpretation of IR spectra; Raman spectroscopy.
UV/VIS spectroscopy: Basics, interpretation of electron spectra. Circular dichroism (CD) und optical rotation dispersion (ORD).
Atomic absorption, emission, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: Basics, sample preparation.
Lecture notesScript will be for the production price
Literature- R. Kellner, J.-M. Mermet, M. Otto, H. M. Widmer (Eds.) Analytical Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1998;
- D. A. Skoog und J. J. Leary, Instrumentelle Analytik, Springer, Heidelberg, 1996;
- M. Hesse, H. Meier, B. Zeeh, Spektroskopische Methoden in der organischen Chemie, 5. überarbeitete Auflage, Thieme, Stuttgart, 1995
- E. Pretsch, P. Bühlmann, C. Affolter, M. Badertscher, Spektroskopische Daten zur Strukturaufklärung organischer verbindungen, 4. Auflage, Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg, 2001-
Kläntschi N., Lienemann P., Richner P., Vonmont H: Elementanalytik. Instrumenteller Nachweis und Bestimmung von Elementen und deren Verbindungen. Spektrum Analytik, 1996, Hardcover, 339 S., ISBN 3-86025-134-1.
Prerequisites / NoticeExcercises are integrated in the lectures. In addition, attendance in the lecture 529-0289-00 "Instrumental analysis of organic compounts" (4th semester) is recommended.
Environmental Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0479-00LEnvironmental Fluid Dynamics Information W3 credits2GH. Wernli, M. Croci-Maspoli
AbstractThis course covers the basic physical concepts and mathematical equations used to describe environmental fluid systems on the rotating Earth. Fundamental concepts (e.g. vorticity dynamics and waves) are formally introduced, applied quantitatively and illustrated using examples. Exercises help to deepen knowledge of the material.
ObjectiveStudents are able
- to name the bases, concepts and methods of environmental fluid dynamics.
- to understand and discuss the components of the basic physical equations in fluid dynamics
- to apply basic mathematical equations to simple problems of environmental fluid dynamics
ContentBasic physial terminology and mathematical laws:
Continuum hypothesis, forces, constitutive laws, state equations and basic principles of thermodynamics, kinematics, laws of mass and momentum on rotating earth.
Concepts and illustrative flow sytems: vorticity dynamics, boundary layers, instability, turbulence - with respect to environmental fluid systems.
Scale analysis: dimensionles variables and dynamical similarity, simplification of the fluid system, e.g. shallow water assumption, geostrophic flow.
Waves in environmental fluid systems.
Lecture notesIn english language
LiteratureWill be presnted in class.
See also: web-site.
101-0203-01LHydraulics IW5 credits3V + 1UR. Stocker
AbstractThe course teaches the basics of hydromechanics, relevant for civil and environemental engineers.
ObjectiveFamiliarization with the basics of hydromechanics of steady state flows
ContentProperties of water, hydrostatics, stability of floating bodies, continuity, Euler equation of motion, Navier-Stokes equations, similarity, Bernoulli principle, momentum equation for finite volumes, potential flows, ideal fluids vs. real fluids, boundary layer, pipe flow, open channel flow, flow measurements, demonstration experiments in the lecture hall
Lecture notesScript and collection of previous problems
LiteratureBollrich, Technische Hydromechanik 1, Verlag Bauwesen, Berlin
102-0455-01LGroundwater IW3 credits2GM. Willmann
AbstractThe course provides an introduction into quantitavie analysis of groundwater flow and transport. It is focussed on formulating flow and transport problems in groundwater, which are to be solved analytically or numerically.
Objectivea) Students understand the basic concepts of flow and contaminant transport processes and boundary conditions in groundwater.

b) Students are able to formulate simple practical flow and transport problems.

c) Students are able to understand and apply simple analytical solutions to simple flow and transport problems.

d) Students are able to use simple numerical codes to adequately solve simple flow (and transport) problems.
ContentIntrodiction, aquifers, groundwater use, sustainability, porosity.

Properties of porous media.
Exercises: Groundwater use, porosity, grain size analysis.

Flow properties, Darcy's law, filter.

Flow equations, stream function.
Exercises: Darcy's law.

Analytical solutions, confined aquifers, steady-state flow.
Exercises: Head isolines.

Use of superposition principles, transient flow, freee surface flow.
Exercises: Analytical solutions to flow problems.

Finite difference solutions to flow problems I.
Exercises: Analytical solutions to flow problems.

Finite difference solutions to flow problems II.
Exercises: Finite differece formulations to flow problems.

Transport processes.
Exercises: Computer workshop using PMWIN.

Analytical solutions to transport problems I.
Exercises: Computer workshop using PMWIN.

Analytical solutions to transport problems II.
Exercises: Analytical solutions to transport problems.

Path lines, groundwater protection.
Exercises: Analytical solutions to transport problems.

Groundwater remediation, groundwater management.
Exercises: Groundwater remediation.
Lecture notesFolien auf Internet unter Link

Altes Skript auf Internet Link

Weitere Texte auf Internet Link

Didaktische Software auf Internet unter Link
LiteratureJ. Bear, Hydraulics of Groundwater, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979

P.A. Domenico, F.W. Schwartz, Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology, J. Wilson & Sons, New York, 1990

W. Kinzelbach, R. Rausch, Grundwassermodellierung, Gebrüder Bornträger, Stuttgart, 1995

Krusemann, de Ridder, Untersuchung und Anwendung von Pumpversuchen, Verl. R. Müller, Köln, 1970

G. de Marsily, Quantitative Hydrogeology, Academic Press, 1986
651-3561-00LCryosphere Information W3 credits2VM. Funk, M. Huss, K. Steffen
AbstractThis course introduces the different parts of the cryosphere - snow, glaciers, sea ice, permafrost - and their role in the climate system. A significant physical aspect is the focus in each part. Those completing the course are able to describe the dynamics of cryosphere components both formally and using examples.
ObjectiveStudents are able
- to qualitatively describe the main components of the cryosphere and their role in the climate system
- to formally describe the relevant physical processes which determine the state of cryosphere components
ContentIntroduction into the different components of the Cryosphere: Snow, glaciers, sea ice and permafrost, and their roles in the climate system. Each part is use to emphasized on one specific physical aspect: material qualities of ice, mass balance and dynamics of glaciers and energy balance of sea ice.
Lecture noteshandouts will be distributed during the teaching semester
Module Engineering and Planning
Spacial and Transport Planning
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0951-00LGIS - Introduction into Geoinformation Science and Technology Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 60.
W5 credits2V + 3PM. A. M. Niederhuber, S. Salvini
AbstractTheoretical basics and fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Science (GIS) are imparted and subsequently further elaborated with the software ArcGIS.
At the end, the students will be able to independently solve basic realistic GIS problems.
ObjectiveStudents are able to
- elucidate the theoretical and conceptional foundations of geographic information systems (GIS)
- independently perform normal GIS work using commercial software and practical examples
ContentThe course covers the following topics:
- What is GIS? What are spatial data?
- The representation of reality by means of spatial data models: vector, raster, TIN
- The four phases of data modelling: Spatial, conceptual, logical and physical model
- Basic concepts of database management systems and spatial databases
- Possibilities of data collection
- Transition of reference frame
- Spatial Analysis I: query and manipulation of vector data
- Spatial Analysis II: operators and functions with raster data
- Digital elevation models and derived products
- Process modelling with vector and raster data
- Presentation possibilities of spatial data

One Friday is reserved for a field trip or guest speaker;
LiteraturePaul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind (2010): Geographic Information Systems and Science. John Wiley & Son, Ltd. Chichester.

Norbert Bartelme (2005): Geoinformatik - Modelle, Strukturen, Funktionen. Springer Verlag. Heidelberg.

Ralf Bill (2010): Grundlagen der Geo-Informationssysteme. 5., völlig neu bearbeitete Auflage. Wichmann Verlag. Heidelberg.

GI GEOINFORMATIG GmbH (Hrsg.) (2011): ArcGIS 10 - das deutschsprachige Handbuch für ArcView und ArcEditor. Wichmann Verlag. Heidelberg.
Prerequisites / NoticeAufgrund der Grösse des verfügbaren EDV-Schulungsraumes ist die Teilnehmerzahl auf 60 Studierende beschränkt! Für die Übungen werden die Studierenden auf verschiedene Zeitfenster aufgeteilt. Pro Zeitfenster können maximal 20 Studierende betreut werden.
101-0415-01LRailway Infrastructures (Transportation II)W3 credits2GU. A. Weidmann
AbstractFundamentals of railroad technology and interactions between track and vehicles, network development and infrastructure planning, planning of rail infrastructure, planning and design of railway stations, construction and dimensioning of tracks, approval and beginning service on complex infrastructure facilities, special issues of maintenance.
ObjectiveTeaches the basic principles of public transport network and topology design, geometrical design, dimensioning and construction as well as the maintenance of rail infrastructures. Teaches students to recognize the interactions between the infrastructure design and the production processes. Provides the background for Masters degree study.
Content(1) Fundamentals: Infrastructures of public transport systems; interaction between track and vehicles; passengers and goods as infrastructure users; management and financing of networks; railway standards and normes. (2) Infrastructure planning: Planning processes and decision levels in network development and infrastructure planning, planning of railway tracks and rail topologies; planning of the passenger parts of stations. (3) Infrastructure design: Fundamentals of the layout of a line; track geometry; switchs and crossings; design of station platforms. (4) Construction of railway infrastructures: Assembly and evolution of the railway track; elements of the railway track; dimensioning of the track; track stability. (5) Approval and beginning service on complex infrastructure facilities: Definitions and limitations; fundamentals of the legal situation; test and approval processes; processes of putting railway systems into operation. (6) Maintenance of railway infrastructures: Fundamentals of infrastructure maintenance; kinds of depreviations; supervision methods; steps of infrastructure maintenance; estimation of maintenance need; methods to minimize maintenance costs.
Lecture notesCourse notes will be provided in German. Slides are made available some days before each lecture.
LiteratureReferences to technical literature will be included in the course script. An additional list of literature will be given during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo remarks.
Renewable Energy
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0967-00LProject Development in Renewable Energies Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W2 credits2GR. Rechsteiner, A. Appenzeller, A. Wanner
AbstractProject development in renewable Energies
Realization of projects in the field of renewable energies, analysis of legal frame conditions and risks.
The students learn basics of renewable energy project realization from acknowledged experts active in the field.
They identify different tasks of various investor types.
They develop sample projects in practice within groups
ObjectiveYou become acquainted with the regulative, juridical and economic requirements of project development in renewable energies in the fireld of wind power, solar power and hydro power.
You learn to launch and judge projects by exercises in groups
You recognize chances and risks of renewable energy projects
ContentBusiness models for renewable energy projects
Introduction of market trends, market structure, technical trends and regulation in Switzerland and in the EU internal energy market
Necessary frame conditions for profitable projects
Project development samples and exercises in
wind power
hydro power
photovoltaics
due diligence and country assessment.
Exact Program in German below
Link
Lecture notesPPT presentation will be distributed (in German)
special frames:
Link
LiteratureLonglist: Link
REN21 Renewables GLOBAL STATUS REPORT Link
Mit einer grünen Anlage schwarze Zahlen schreiben Link
UNEP: Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investments Link
Renewable Energy World: Market Status Link
Ryan Wiser, Mark Bolinger: Wind Technologies Market Report, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Link
IEA PVPS: TRENDS 2014 IN PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS Link
Bundesamt für Energie: Perspektiven für die Grosswasserkraft in der Schweiz Link
Windenergie-Report Deutschland Link
Prerequisites / NoticeFor group exercise and presentation reasons the number of participants is limited at 35 students. For exercices students build learning and presentational groups.
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