Ruben Kretzschmar: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019 |
| 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 |
| ruben.kretzschmar@env.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0034-06L | Integrated Practical: Soil  | 1.5 credits | 3P | R. Kretzschmar, S. Dötterl, D. Or, 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. | ||||
| 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 Voraussetzungen sind die bestandenen Prüfungen in "Bodenchemie" (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl) und "Pedosphäre" (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar). Falls gleichwertige Voraussetzungen (z.B. von anderen Hochschulen) vorliegen, muss eine Teilnahme zuvor mit den Dozenten abgesprochen werden. | 2 credits | 2P | A. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar | |
| Abstract | Field trip: Knowledge of the interactions between plants and environment (especially climate and soil) in the Alps (demonstrated in the Davos region); sites on different substrate (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites. | ||||
| Objective | Knowledge of the interactions between plants and their environment (especially climate and soil) in the Alps (demonstrated in the Davos region). | ||||
| Content | Field trip in the Davos region: Sites on different substrat (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites. | ||||
| Lecture notes | A guide to the excursion will be made available. | ||||
| Literature | Landolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Voraussetzungen /Besonderes: Diese Lehrveranstaltung kann nur mit bestandenen Prüfungen in "Bodenchemie" (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl) und "Pedosphäre" (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar) belegt werden. Falls gleichwertige Voraussetzungen (z.B. von anderen Hochschulen) vorliegen, muss eine Teilnahme zuvor mit den Dozenten abgesprochen werden. Studierende, die auch die Vorlesung "Flora und Vegetation der Alpen" (701-0364-00V; A. Widmer) belegen, können diese Lehrveranstaltung nicht zusätzlich belegen Besonderes Die viertägigen Exkursion in der Region Davos findet statt vom Mittwoch, 3. Juli bis Samstag, 6. Juli 2019. Die Reisekosten werden von der ETH Zürich übernommen; die Departemente Biologie und Umweltsystemwissenschaften leisten einen Beitrag an die Unterkunftskosten; die restlichen Kosten (Unterkunft inkl. Vollpension und Exkursionsführer) von 190 Fr. müssen von den Teilnehmenden übernommen werden. Die Exkursionen finden in den Bergen statt. Die Teilnehmenden müssen deshalb geländegängig sein, auch in steilem Gelände. Bei Bedenken bitten wir um rechtzeitige Kontaktaufnahme, damit wir die Situation vorgängig analysieren und besprechen können. | ||||
| 701-0364-00L | Flora, Vegetation and Soils of the Alps | 3 credits | 1V + 2P | A. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar | |
| Abstract | Lecture: Environmental factors and interactions between plants and their environment in the area of the Alps; origin of the flora of the Alps; altitudinal levels and their characteristic vegetations. Field trip: Sites on different substrate in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and plant species. | ||||
| Objective | Familiarity with environmental factors and the interactions between plants and their environment in the area of the Alps. | ||||
| Content | Lecture: Environmental factors in the alps; adaptation of plants; patterns of distribution; genesis of the flora of the Alps; altitudinal levels; characteristic vegetation. Field trip: Sites on different substrate (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, characteristic vegetation types and species at the respective sites. | ||||
| Lecture notes | see under "Literatur". For the excursion a guide will be available. | ||||
| Literature | Landolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Requirements: Solid background in systematic botany; successful participation in the course "Systematic Biology: Plants" (Nr. 701-0360-00). It is further recommended that participants have also participated in the block course "Plant Diversity" (Nr. 701-2314-00L), or alternatively the two courses "Plant Diversity: Colline/Montane" (701-0314-00L) and "Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine" (701-0314-01L). The course consists of the lecture (spring semester, Mo 17-18, CHN G42) and an excursion in July (four days, July 3 to 6, 2019) in the Alps. The examination includes contents from the lecture and excursion. Excursion: Travel costs are covered by ETH Zurich. The Biology and Environmental Systems Science Departments contribute to housing costs for the excursion. The remaining costs of 190 Swiss Francs for accommodation, food and the printed excursion booklet are to be covered by the participants. The excursion takes place in the Alps. Participants therefore must be able and used to walk in steep terrain and have the necessary equipment (most importantly, good hiking shoes). In case of concerns, please contact the responsible person well in advance. Please note that this course will be taught in German. | ||||
| 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. | ||||
| 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. | ||||
| Literature | - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. | ||||
| 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 | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, 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. | ||||
| 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 Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Number pf participants is limited. | 5 credits | 6A | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, 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 practice 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. | ||||
| 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 semester (Term paper seminars) | ||||
| 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 condition 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. | ||||