Bernhard Wehrli: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

Name	Prof. em. Dr. Bernhard Wehrli
Field	Aquatische Chemie
Address	Stutzstrasse 51 6005 Luzern SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41413611856
E-mail	bernhard.wehrli@env.ethz.ch
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Professor emeritus

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0029-00L	Environmental Systems II	3 credits	2V	B. Wehrli, C. Garcia, A. Patt
Abstract	The lecture provides a science-based exploration of three important environmental systems: Inland waters, forest, and of food systems.
Learning objective	The students are able to explain important functions of the three environmental systems, to discuss critical drivers, trends and conflicts of their use and to compare potential solutions.
Content	Aquatic ecosystems and their function, water use and its impact, water pollution and water treatment, water and health, water technologies, water & energy. Forests and agroforest systems, trends and drivers of land use changes, sustainable forest management. The main functions, trends and challenges of agricultural and food systems are discussed based on the four dimensions of food security (availability, access, utilization of food and stability of the food systems).
Lecture notes	Lecture notes or other documentation are provided by instructors and accessible via moodle.
701-0216-00L	Biogeochemical Cycles	3 credits	2G	B. Wehrli
Abstract	Biogeochemical cycles are discussed from global or regional perspectives, important methods to determine reaction rates and pathways are introduced and typical reaction mechansims are discussed at a molecular level.
Learning objective	The students will be able to * explain how molecular processes govern global biogeochemical cycles; * apply simple numerical models of biogeochemical processes (equilibrium-, mass-balance, transport-reaction models); * interpret concentration changes in time and space and deduce rates of biogeochemical processes.
Content	Biogeochemical cycles in aquatic systems will be discussed from three perspectives: 1) Case studies with a gloabal or regional point of view will document the relevant background information on rates, time-scales and reservoirs of selected element cycles such as C, N, P, S, Fe, Mn Cd, Cu, Mo and As. 2) From a practical perspective we will compare the potential and limits of different methods to quantify biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems. 3) On a molecular level we will discuss mechanisms and pathways of relevant reactions.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes and assignments will be available in German
Literature	Similar coverage of some topics: Steven R. Emerson, John I. Hedges: Chemical Oceanography and the Marine Carbon Cycle. Cambridge University Press 2008.
Prerequisites / Notice	Basic knowledge in chemistry and systems analysis
701-1302-00L	Term Paper 2: Seminar Number of participants is limited. Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L).	2 credits	1S	M. Ackermann, L. Winkel, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, D. Or, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli
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.
701-1303-00L	Term Paper 1: Writing Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Number pf participants is limited.	5 credits	6A	L. Winkel, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, D. Or, B. Wehrli
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").