Bernhard Wehrli: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

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
061-0103-00L	Ecology and Plant Sciences Only for Landscape Architecture MSc. Course languages are English and German.	2 credits	3G	T. Galí-Izard, N. Buchmann, C. Buser Moser, A. Gessler, N. Guettler, A. Guggisberg, F. Kienast, M. Lévesque, A. Rudow, B. Wehrli
Abstract	This course introduces ecology and plant sciences. Through lectures, exercises and excursions, students will gain a broad vision of the cutting edge topics that are being researched and studied at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH, Eawag, WSL and others. This will be the base for a future dialog between the field of landscape architecture and the field of sciences.
Learning objective	Students acquire basic knowledge in ecology and plant sciences focusing in its application in the field of landscape architecture. Temporal and physical scale, research methods, units of measurement, lexicon, modes of representation and critical literature form the framework for the joint discourse. Students will develop a graphic language in order to integrate this knowledge into design.
Content	The fundamental course “Ecology and Plant Sciences” is an introduction to the field of living systems, starting with the history of ecology, followed by an introduction to general terrestrial ecology, plant systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and basic notions of landscape ecology. A more specific approach to Swiss ecologies will follow with a concentration on grassland systems, aquatic systems and forests. Finally, the course focus on the specifics tree structure and function, and plant physiology.
Lecture notes	Course material will be provided.
Literature	The course material includes a reading list.
Prerequisites / Notice	The fundamental course is organized with the Fundamental Studio I as a joint two-week module. The weekly schedule is provided with the course documents. Module 4 "Ecology and plant systems", 5.10.-16.10.20 The course is held in English or German.
701-1302-00L	Term Paper 2: Seminar Only for Environmental Sciences MSc and Science, Technology and Policy MSc. Number of participants is limited. Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L).	2 credits	1S	L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, 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. The grade is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and 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 and Science, Technology and Policy MSc. Number pf participants is limited.	5 credits	6A	L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, M. H. Schroth, 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 term. 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 opportunities for further 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 student 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. The 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").