Nicolas Gruber: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name Prof. Dr. Nicolas Gruber
FieldUmweltphysik
Address
I. f. Biogeochemie/Schadstoffdyn.
ETH Zürich, CHN E 31.2
Universitätstrasse 16
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 632 03 52
Fax+41 44 632 16 91
E-mailnicolas.gruber@env.ethz.ch
URLhttps://up.ethz.ch/people/person-detail.NDU4Mzg=.TGlzdC8xNzUxLC0zMDYxNTA1MjU=.html
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipFull Professor

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
651-4095-01LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 1 Information Restricted registration - show details 1 credit1KH. Joos, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, C. Schär, S. Schemm, S. I. Seneviratne, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
ObjectiveThe students are exposed to different atmospheric science topics and learn how to take part in scientific discussions.
651-4095-02LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 2 Information Restricted registration - show details 1 credit1KH. Joos, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, C. Schär, S. Schemm, S. I. Seneviratne, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
ObjectiveThe students are exposed to different atmospheric science topics and learn how to take part in scientific discussions.
651-4095-03LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 3 Information Restricted registration - show details 1 credit1KH. Joos, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, C. Schär, S. Schemm, S. I. Seneviratne, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
ObjectiveThe students are exposed to different atmospheric science topics and learn how to take part in scientific discussions.
701-0029-00LEnvironmental Systems II3 credits2VA. Patt, H. Bugmann, N. Gruber
AbstractThe lecture provides a science-based exploration of three important environmental systems: Inland waters, forest, and of food systems.
ObjectiveThe students are able to explain important functions of the three environmental systems, to discuss critical drivers, trends and conflicts of their use and to compare potential solutions.
ContentAquatic ecosystems and their function, water use and its impact, water pollution and water treatment, water and health, water technologies, water & energy.

Forests and agroforest systems, trends and drivers of land use changes, sustainable forest management.

The main functions, trends and challenges of agricultural and food systems are discussed based on the four dimensions of food security (availability, access, utilization of food and stability of the food systems).
Lecture notesLecture notes or other documentation are provided by instructors and accessible via moodle.
701-0033-00LLaboratory Course in Physics for Students of Environmental Sciences Information Restricted registration - show details
Only students from 3th Semester BSc Environmental Sciences on are admitted to this lecture.
2 credits4PM. Münnich, A. Biland, N. Gruber
AbstractLearning with the basic principles of scientific experimentation. By performing experiments in different fields of experimental physics the students will learn the usage of measurement instruments as well as the correct analysis and assessment of the measurements. Physics as a personal experience will play an important role in it.
ObjectiveWorking in a laboratory forms an important part of modern scientific education. Using simple experimental setup the laboratory course will provide basic knowledge of:
- the setup of experiments,
- various measurement techniques,
- the use of various measurement instruments,
- the correct performance of experiments,
- the analysis of the accuracy of the measurements,
- and the interpretations of the measured quantities.
The course will also deepen the knowledge of experimental physics.

In addition to experiments selected from the physics lab for physicists, this lab course offers experiments specially developed for bachelor students in environmental sciences, which illustrate the mutual relationships between physical processes and chemical and biological phenomena.
ContentThe students select 4 out of 18 offered experiments which they like to perform. For each of these experiments the students document and analyze their measurements, estimate in written reports the accuracy of their results and compare these with the values expected according to the laws of physics.
Lecture notesManuals for the experiments are provided online on the Moodle pages of the course.
701-1302-00LTerm Paper 2: Seminar Restricted registration - show details
Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L).

Only for Environmental Sciences MSc and Science, Technology and Policy MSc.
2 credits1SL. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, K. McNeill, D. Mitrano, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, M. Sander, M. H. Schroth, C. Schubert
AbstractThis 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.
ObjectiveThe 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.
ContentEach student presents the results of their term paper to fellow students and advisors and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
Lecture notesGuidelines and supplementary material are distributed on the Moodle platform.
Prerequisites / NoticeThere 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.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationassessed
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingassessed
701-1303-00LTerm Paper 1: Writing Restricted registration - show details
Only for Environmental Sciences MSc and Science, Technology and Policy MSc.
5 credits6AL. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Casacuberta Arola, K. Deiner, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kipfer, R. Kretzschmar, K. McNeill, D. Mitrano, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, M. Sander, M. H. Schroth, C. Schubert
AbstractThe 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.
ObjectiveThe 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.
ContentEach 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 notesGuidelines and supplementary material are distributed on the Moodle platform.
LiteratureOriginal scientific literature will be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / NoticePlease 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").
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationassessed
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingassessed
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
701-1346-00LCarbon Mitigation Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 100

Priority is given to the target groups: Bachelor and Master Environmental Sciences and PHD Environmental Sciences until 20.09.2022.
Waiting list will be deleted 30.09.2022.
3 credits2GN. Gruber
AbstractFuture climate change can only kept within reasonable bounds when CO2 emissions are drastically reduced. In this course, we will discuss a portfolio of options involving the alteration of natural carbon sinks and carbon sequestration. The course includes introductory lectures, presentations from guest speakers from industry and the public sector, and final presentations by the students.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to investigate, as a group, a particular set of carbon mitigation/sequestration options and to evaluate their potential, their cost, and their consequences.
ContentFrom the large number of carbon sequestration/mitigation options, a few options will be selected and then investigated in detail by the students. The results of this research will then be presented to the other students, the involved faculty, and discussed in detail by the whole group.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureWill be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeExam: No final exam. Pass/No-Pass is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
701-5001-00LEthics and Scientific Integrity for Doctoral Students Restricted registration - show details 1 credit1SN. Gruber, E. Lieberherr, A. Widmer
AbstractThis course sensitises doctoral students to ethical issues that may arise during their doctorate. After an introduction to ethics and good scientific practice, students are familiarised with resources that can assist them with ethical decision-making. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and train their newly acquired skills in an interactive, discipline specific context.
ObjectiveDoctoral students learn how to identify, analyse and address ethical issues in their own scientific research. Furthermore, they are encouraged to reflect on their professional role as scientific researchers.
ContentPart I
The self-paced e-learning course consists of 5 modules:

Module 1: Ethics
Introduction to moral theory (with emphasis on practical guidance regarding decision making)

Module 2: Ethics in scientific research
Introduction to ethical issues that occur within scientific research (i.e. regarding authorship, cooperation, data use and sharing, and other aspects that are subject to scientific integrity and good scientific practice).

Module 3: Collecting resources
A variety of tools and resources that help identify ethical issues are presented and explained

Module 4: Setting up a strategy
Example examination of a case regarding its ethical scope (students develop their own strategy to examine situations for their ethical implications).

Module 5: Making decisions
Different ways of addressing ethical issues are presented and explained (i.e. how to make hard choices or solve ethical dilemmas).

Part II
The second, face-to-face part of this course focuses on discipline-specific aspects in the general area of Environmental Sciences. It provides an interactive learning environment. Students get to apply their knowledge, and they are encouraged to reflect on ethical problems and to critically discuss them with fellow doctoral students.
Prerequisites / NoticeFor doctoral students only
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesDecision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsassessed
851-0178-00LEthics and Scientific Integrity for Doctoral Students Restricted registration - show details
This course is interdisciplinary. If your department offers this course, please register there. The following departments offer this course in the fall semester 2022:
D-BAUG, D-ERDW, MaP Doctoral School, D-USYS


Doctoral students from D-GESS will have the opportunity to register for a discipline-specific course in spring semester 2023.
1 credit2UG. Achermann, E. Bobst, N. Gruber, E. Vayena
AbstractThis course sensitises doctoral students to ethical issues that may occur during their doctorate. After an introduction to ethics and good scientific practice, students are familiarised with resources that can assist them with ethical decision-making. Students get the chance to apply and deepen their knowledge in an interactive face-to-face workshop.
ObjectiveDoctoral students learn how to identify, analyse and address ethical issues in their own scientific research. In addition, they will reflect on their professional role as scientific researchers.
ContentContent:

Part I on Moodle
The self-paced e-learning course on Moodle consists of 5 modules:

Module 1: Ethics
- Introduction to moral theory (with emphasis on practical guidance regarding decision making)

Module 2: Ethics in scientific research
- Introduction to ethical issues that occur within scientific research (i.e. regarding authorship, cooperation, data use and sharing, and other aspects that are subject to scientific integrity and good scientific practice).

Module 3: Collecting resources
- A variety of tools and resources that help identify ethical issues are presented and explained

Module 4: Setting up a strategy
- Example examination of a case regarding its ethical scope (students develop their own strategy to examine situations for their ethical implications).

Module 5: Making desicions
- Different ways of addressing ethical issues are presented and explained (i.e. how to make hard choices, or solve ethical dilemmas. But also where to seek advice if needed).

Part II
The second, face-to-face part (group sessions) of this course provides an interactive learning environment (workshop). Students get to apply their knowledge, and they are encouraged to reflect on ethical problems and to critically discuss them with fellow doctoral students.
Prerequisites / NoticeFor doctoral students only.

The first part on Moodle (part I) must be successfully completed before the face-to-face workshop (part II).

Hence, when you choose a group make sure you have enough time to finish the first part on Moodle before the workshop starts (appr. 20 hours).
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesDecision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsassessed