Ruben Kretzschmar: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2023 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar |
| Field | Soil Chemistry |
| Address | I. f. Biogeochemie/Schadstoffdyn. ETH Zürich, CHN F 23.1 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 633 60 03 |
| ruben.kretzschmar@env.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 701-0034-06L | Integrated Practical: Soil  | 2 credits | 3P | R. Kretzschmar, P. Benard, A. Carminati, S. Dötterl, L. Walthert | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | During three full-day field trips and two half-day field exercises, various aspects of soil morphology, soil genesis, and soil functioning are discussed using practical examples. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Gaining practical knowledge in soil science in the field. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Soil description in the field, soil formation in Zurich-Nord, forest soils, carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil-water relations, soil conservation and landuse. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts are provided during the course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Course "Pedosphere" or equivalent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-0362-00L | Soils and Vegetation of the Alps (Excursion) This excursion (max. 24 places) is part of the lecture "Flora and Vegetation of the Alps" (701-0364-00; A. Widmer). It can only be taken at the same time as the lecture or after passing the exam. Alternatively, participation is possible with passed exams in "Soil and Water Chemistry" (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl, L. Winkel) and "Pedosphere" (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar). | 2 credits | 2P | A. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The excursion in the area of Davos illustrates how climatic and edaphic factors shape the distribution of alpine plants. Visits of multiple sites on different bedrocks in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts reveal connections between climatic conditions, soil formation and vegetation development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The students - understand how parent rock, topography, climate, and vegetation influence soil forming processes and resulting soil properties (e.g. nutrients, water) in the Alps. - understand, how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants. - are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic bedrock in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. - know characteristic plant species and plant communities of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | 4-day excursion (Sunday, July 2 to Wednesday, July 5, 2023) in the area of Davos with visits of sites on different bedrock (dolomite, gneiss/mica schist, amphibolite, serpentinite) in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. Structure, development and characteristics of the soils and of their effects on the vegetation; characteristic plant species and communities on different soil types. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | A guide to the excursion will be made available. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Landolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Please note that this course will be taught in German. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competencies |
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| 701-0501-AAL | Pedosphere 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. | 3 credits | 6R | R. Kretzschmar | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Introduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Understanding of soils as integral parts of ecosystems, development and distribution of soils as a function of environmental factors, and processes leading to soil degradation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Definition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | - Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-1302-00L | Term Paper 2: Seminar Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L). | 2 credits | 1S | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, K. McNeill, D. M. Mitrano, M. Müller, M. Sander, M. H. Schroth, C. Schubert | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This class is the 2nd part of a series and participation is conditional on the successful completion of "Term Paper 1: Writing". The results from the term paper written during the previous term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed with the audience. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The goal of the term paper seminars is to train the student's ability to communicate (scientific) results to a wider audience and the ability to respond to questions and comments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Each student presents the results of their term paper to fellow students and advisors and responds to questions and comments from the audience. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Guidelines and supplementary material are distributed on the Moodle platform. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion. To obtain the credits, it is mandatory to attend at least 60% of all seminar dates offered in the fall and spring semester. Active participation in discussion and feedback rounds is expected. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 701-1303-00L | Term Paper 1: Writing | 5 credits | 6A | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, K. McNeill, D. M. Mitrano, M. Müller, M. Sander, M. H. Schroth, C. Schubert | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarise the information in a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practice this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper of scientific quality on a topic of relevance for research in the areas of biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The goal of the term paper is to train the student's ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and to summarise the findings concisely in a paper addressing a research question. At the end of the course, students will be able to: - narrow down a research question. - identify relevant literature to address the research question. - concisely summarise and critically evaluate their findings. - formulate key outstanding questions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Each student is expected to write a paper with a length of approximately 15-20 pages. The students can choose from a list of topics prepared by the tutors, but the final topic will be determined based on a balance of choice and availability. The students will be guided and advised by their tutors throughout the course. The paper itself should contain the following elements: - Motivation and context of the given topic (25%) - Concise presentation and critical evaluation of the state of the science (50%) - Identification of open questions and perhaps outline of opportunities for research (25%) In addition, the accurate use of citations, attribution of ideas, and the judicious use of figures, tables, equations and references are critical components of a successful paper. Specialised knowledge is not expected, nor required; neither is new research. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Guidelines and supplementary material are distributed on the Moodle platform. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Original scientific literature will be identified based on the chosen topic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The term paper course is primarily aimed at master students majoring in biogeochemistry & pollutant dynamics and ISTP students with a solid background in natural sciences and a strong interest in biogeochemistry & pollutant dynamics. Each students submits a term paper that will be reviewed by one fellow student and one faculty. The submission of the term paper and a written review of another student's term paper are a condition for obtaining the credit points. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the term paper and the submitted review as well as on the presentation in the following term. Results from the term paper will be presented to fellow students and involved faculty in the following semester ("Term Paper 2: Seminar"). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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