Ruben Kretzschmar: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023 |
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 061-0101-00L | Climate / Water / Soil   | 2 credits | 3G | H. Joos, R. Kretzschmar, R. Weingartner, A. Carminati, S. Dötterl, M. G. Fellin, A. Frossard, T. Galí-Izard, N. Gruber, V. Picotti, S. Schemm, J. Schwaab, C. Steger, H. Wernli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Lectures, exercises and excursions serve as an introduction to atmospheric sciences, soil science and hydrology. Students 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 a.o. 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 atmospheric sciences, hydrology and soil science: - Understanding basic chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere that influence weather and climate - Fundamentals about the classification of soils, soil-forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biology and ecology, soil degradation and protection - Knowledge of water balance, principles of integral water management and climatic factors in the field of hydrology Students develop an understanding of the relevance of these topics 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course unit consists of the three courses "Climate", "Soil" and "Water", which are organized in modules. Module 1 “Climate”, 25.–28.09.2023 - Atmospheric dynamics: weather conditions, precipitation formation, weather forecast - Carbon Cycle: atmospheric CO2 concentrations and its interaction with the physical climate system - Land-climate dynamics: interaction between the land surface and the climate system - Hydrology and water cycle: extreme precipitation, influence of climate change on the cryosphere - Introduction to geology: formation of rocks, geologic times, structural geology Module 2 “Soil”, 2.10.–5.10.23 - Introduction to soils: definition, function, formation, classification and mapping - Soil physics: soil texture, soil structure, soil water potentials, hydraulic conductivity - Soil chemistry and fertility: clay minerals and oxides, cation exange capacity, soil pH, essential plant nutrients - Soil biology and ecology: soil fauna and microflora, fungi, bacteria, food web, organic matter - Soil degradation and threats to soil resources: erosion, compactation, sealing, contamination, salinization Module 3 “Water”, 09.10.–12.10.2023 Basics: - Water supply: water balance, groundwater, water quality (water protection) - River restoration - Flooding, evapotranspiration/cooling of landscapes - Hydropower (everything is managed - lake levels, water flows, pumping) - hydrology in the anthropocene - Water management and storage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Course material will be provided. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The course material includes a reading list. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The courses "Climate", "Water" and "Soil" are organized with the Fundamental Studio I as joint one-week modules. The weekly schedules will be provided with the course materials. Module 1 "Climate", 25.–28.09.2023 Module 2 "Soil", 2.10.–5.10.23 Module 3 "Water", 09.10.–12.10.2023 - The courses are held in English - The written session examination covers all three courses "Climate", "Soil" and "Water". | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | 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. The course "Pedosphäre" teaches and examines the competences process understanding and systems understanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Definition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Polybook | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-0533-00L | Soil and Water Chemistry | 3 credits | 2G | R. Kretzschmar, D. I. Christl, L. Winkel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course covers chemical and biogeochemical processes in soils and water and their influence on the behavior and cycling of nutrients and pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Approaches for quantitative modeling of the processes are introduced and applied in selected examples. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | 1. Understanding of important chemical properties and processes of soils and water and their influence on the behavior (e.g., chemical speciation, bioavailability, mobility) of nutrients and pollutants. 2. Quantitative applications of chemical equilibria to processes in natural systems. The course "Soil and Water Chemistry" teaches, applies and examines the competences process understanding, systems understanding, and modelling. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Chemical equilibria in aqueous solutions, gas equilibria, precipitation and dissolution of mineral phases, silicate weathering, weathering kinetics, formation of secondary minerals (clay minerals, oxides, sulfides), redox processes in natural systems, pH buffering and acidification, salinity and salinization, environmental behavior of selected essential and toxic trace elements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture slides on Moodle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | –Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 in Sigg/Stumm – Aquatische Chemie, 6. Auflage, vdf, 2016. –Chapter 2 and 5 in Scheffer/Schachtschabel – Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde, 17. Auflage, Springer Spektrum, 2018 (or English edition). –Selected Chapters in: Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, 2005. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The lecture courses Pedosphere and Hydrosphere are highly recommended. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. Mitrano, M. Müller, M. Sander, M. Schölmerich, 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 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-1303-00L | Term Paper 1: Writing | 5 credits | 11A | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, K. McNeill, D. Mitrano, M. Müller, M. Sander, M. Schölmerich, 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 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 | Please enrol latest until the first week of the semester. Contact termpaper(at)env.ethz.ch if you don't yet have access to MyStudies. 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"). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 701-1695-00L | Soil Science Seminar | 0 credits | 1S | R. Kretzschmar, A. Carminati, S. Dötterl, E. Frossard, M. Hartmann | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||