Ruben Kretzschmar: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Name	Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar
Field	Bodenchemie
Address	I. f. Biogeochemie/Schadstoffdyn. ETH Zürich, CHN F 23.1 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 60 03
E-mail	ruben.kretzschmar@env.ethz.ch
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0419-01L	Seminar for Bachelor Students: Biogeochemistry	3 credits	2S	G. Furrer, R. Kretzschmar
Abstract	The seminar provides an introduction to the literature in biogeochemistry of aquatic and terrestrial systems. The students present their summary and review of recent or classical papers. Therefore they get familiar with online-access tools and improve their communication and presentation skills.
Learning objective	Getting to know relevant journals in the field of biogeochemistry. Reading, assessing and discussing scientific publications. Improving of presentation skills. Exercising and Improving of moderation skills.
Content	Part 1: Literature search. Presentation and moderation techniques. Part 2: Common literature study; online-exchange of information. Presentation and discussion moderated by the students.
Lecture notes	Selected handouts will be distributed in class. https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/auth/shibboleth/login.php
Prerequisites / Notice	Deadline for enrollment is the FIRST day of the semester. Later enrollment can only be accepted in exceptional cases and under certain conditions (e.g., restricted choice of topics and dates).
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.
Learning objective	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.
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.
701-0501-00L	Pedosphere	3 credits	2V	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	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.
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.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes can be purchased during the first lecture (15.- SFr)
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.
701-0533-00L	Soil Chemistry	3 credits	2G	R. Kretzschmar, D. I. Christl
Abstract	This course discusses chemical and biogeochemical processes in soils and their influence on the behavior and cycling of nutrients and pollutants in terrestrial systems. Approaches for quantitative modeling of the processes are introduced.
Learning objective	Understanding of important chemical soil properties and processes and their influence on the behavior (e.g., speciation, bioavailability, mobility) of nutrients and pollutants.
Content	Important topics include the structure and properties of clays and oxides, the chemistry of the soil solution, gas equilibria, dissolution and precipitation of mineral phases, cation exchange, surface complexation, chemistry of soil organic matter, redox reactions in flooded soils, soil acidification and soil salinization.
Lecture notes	Handouts in lectures.
Literature	- Selected chapters in: Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, 2005. - Chapters 2 and 5 in Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, 1st English edition, Springer, 2016.
701-1302-00L	Term Paper 2: Seminar 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, 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 the Term paper Writing class (701-1303-00L). The results from the term paper written during the winter term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed.
Learning objective	The goal of the term paper Seminars is to train the student's ability to communicate the results to a wider audience and the ability to respond to questions and comments.
Content	Each student presents the results of the term paper to the other students and advisors and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
Lecture notes	None
Literature	Term paper
Prerequisites / Notice	The term papers will be made publically available after each student had the opportunity to make revisions. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
701-1303-00L	Term Paper 1: Writing	5 credits	6A	L. Winkel, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, D. Or, B. Wehrli
Abstract	The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarize the information in a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practise this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper 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 a well-defined set of research subjects, and to summarize the findings concisely in a paper of scientific quality. The paper will be evaluated based on its ability to communicate an understanding of a topic, and to identify key outstanding questions. Results from this term paper will be presented to the fellow students and involved faculty in the following term (Term paper seminars class)
Content	Each student is expected to write a paper with a length of approximately 15 pages. The students can choose from a list of topics prepared by the supervisors, but the final topic will be determined based on a balance of choice and availability. The students will be guided and advised by their advisors throughout the term. The paper itself should contain the following elements: Motivation and context of the given topic (25%), Concise presentation 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. Specialized knowledge is not expected, nor required, neither is new research.
Lecture notes	Guidelines and supplementary material will be handed out at the beginning of the class.
Literature	Will be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Each term paper will be reviewed by one fellow student and one faculty. The submission of a written review is a prerequisite for obtaining the credit points. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the term paper and the submission of another student's review. Students are expected to take Term Paper Writing and Term Paper Seminar classes in sequence.
701-1695-00L	Soil Science Seminar	0 credits	1S	R. Kretzschmar, E. Frossard, D. Or, J. Six
Abstract	Invited external speakers present their research on current issues in the field of soil science and discuss their results with the participants.
Learning objective	Master and PhD students are introduced to current areas of research in soil sciences and get first-hand experience in scientific discussion.