Name | Prof. Dr. Martin Ackermann |
Field | Microbial Systems Ecology |
Address | Ökologie Mikrobieller Systeme Eawag, Eawag BU F07 Ueberlandstrasse 133 8600 Dübendorf SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 58 765 51 22 |
martin.ackermann@env.ethz.ch | |
Department | Environmental Systems Science |
Relationship | Full Professor / Director EAWAG |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
701-0220-00L | Practical Course Microbiology Only for BSc Environmental Sciences. Enrollment of this lecture is necessary until three weeks before course begins. After that date a place cannot be garanteed. | 2 credits | 3P | M. Ackermann, F. Hammes, D. R. Johnson, T. Julian, S. Robinson | |
Abstract | The course offers an introduction into experimental work with microorganisms; it also demonstrates applications of microbiology in the environmental sciences. | ||||
Learning objective | Acquisition of basic knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: experimental work with microbes; analysis of resistance to antibiotics; genetic modification of microbes; analysis of pathogenic bacteria. | ||||
Content | Introduction into sterile work with microbes including cultivation; analysis of resistance to antibiotics; isolation of microbes from environmental systems; observation of microbes with microscopy; genetic modification of microbes for practical applications in environmental systems; analysis of the inactivation of bacteria. The course is based on a combination of practical work and lectures on the scientific background. | ||||
Lecture notes | Course material will be distributed. | ||||
701-1302-00L | Term Paper 2: Seminar Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L). Only for Environmental Sciences MSc and Science, Technology and Policy MSc. | 2 credits | 1S | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, D. Mitrano, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, M. Sander, 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. | ||||
701-1303-00L | Term Paper 1: Writing Only for Environmental Sciences MSc and Science, Technology and Policy MSc. | 5 credits | 6A | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, D. Mitrano, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, M. Sander, 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 course. 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 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. 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 students 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. 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"). | ||||
752-4001-AAL | Microbiology 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. | 2 credits | 4R | M. Ackermann | |
Abstract | Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, Prokaryotic Diversity, Human-Microbe Interactions, Biotechnology. | ||||
Learning objective | Vermittlung der Grundlagen im Fach Mikrobiologie. | ||||
Content | Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Themen: Bakterielle Zellbiologie, Molekulare Genetik, Wachstumsphysiologie, Biochemische Diversität, Phylogenie und Taxonomie, Prokaryotische Vielfalt, Interaktion zwischen Menschen und Mikroorganismen sowie Biotechnologie. | ||||
Lecture notes | Wird von den jeweiligen Dozenten ausgegeben. | ||||
Literature | Die Behandlung der Themen erfolgt auf der Basis des Lehrbuchs Brock, Biology of Microorganisms |