Martin Herbert Schroth: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020 |
Name | Prof. Dr. Martin Herbert Schroth |
Address | Organische Umweltchemie ETH Zürich, CHN G 50.2 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 44 633 60 39 |
martin.schroth@env.ethz.ch | |
URL | http://www.envchem.ethz.ch/about-us/mschroth.html |
Department | Environmental Systems Science |
Relationship | Adjunct Professor |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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529-0030-00L | Laboratory Course: Elementary Chemical Techniques | 3 credits | 6P | N. Kobert, A. de Mello, M. H. Schroth | |
Abstract | This practical course provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques. The experiments cover a wide range of techniques, including analytical and synthetic techniques (e. g. investigation of soil and water samples or the preparation of simple compunds). Furthermore, the handling of gaseous substances is practised. | ||||
Learning objective | This course is intended to provide an overview of experimental chemical methods. The handling of chemicals and proper laboratory techniques represent the main learning targets. Furthermore, the description and recording of laboratory processes is an essential part of this course. | ||||
Content | The classification and analysis of natural and artificial compounds is a key subject of this course. It provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques, and the experiments cover a wide range of analytic and synthetic tasks: Selected samples (e.g. soil and water) will be analysed with various methods, such as titrations, spectroscopy or ion chromatography. The chemistry of aqeous solutions (acid-base equilibria and solvatation or precipitation processes) is studied. The synthesis of simple inorganic complexes or organic molecules is practised. Furthermore, the preparation and handling of environmentally relevant gaseous species like carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides is a central subject of the Praktikum. | ||||
Lecture notes | The script will be published on the web. Details will be provided on the first day of the semester. | ||||
Literature | A thorough study of all script materials is requested before the course starts. | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Safety concept: https://chab.ethz.ch/studium/bachelor1.html | ||||
701-0401-AAL | Hydrosphere 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. Kipfer, M. H. Schroth | |
Abstract | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | ||||
Learning objective | Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed. | ||||
Content | Topics of the course. Physical properties of water (i.e. density and equation of state) - global water resources Exchange at boundaries - energy (thermal & kinetic), gas exchange Mixing and transport processes in open waters - vertical stratification, large scale transport - turbulence and mixing - mixing and exchange processes in rivers Groundwater and its dynamics - ground water as part of the terrestrial water cycle - ground water hydraulics, Darcy's law - aquifers and their properties - hydrochemistry and tracer - ground water use Case studies - 1. Water as resource, 2. Water and climate | ||||
Lecture notes | In addition to the self-learning literature handouts are distributed. | ||||
Literature | Textbooks for self-studying. Surface water. 'Physics and Chemistry in Lakes', ed: Lerman, A., Imboden, D.M., and Gat, J., Springer Verlag, 1995: Chapter 4: Imboden, D.M., and Wüest, A. 'Mixing Mechanisms in Lakes' 'Environmental Organic Chemistry', ed: Schwarzenbach, R., Imboden, D. M., and Gschwend, Ph., Willey, 2002: Chapter 6.4: Air-Water Partitioning Chapter 19.2: Bottleneck Boundaries Ground water: Fetter, C.W. 'Applied Hydrogeology', Prentice Hall, 2002 (4th edition): Chapters 1 - 6, 8, 10, 11. Optional additional readers. Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a. | ||||
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"). |