Name | Prof. Dr. Kristopher McNeill |
Field | Environmental Chemistry |
Address | Organische Umweltchemie ETH Zürich, CHN F 31.2 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
kristopher.mcneill@env.ethz.ch | |
URL | http://www.envchem.ethz.ch |
Department | Environmental Systems Science |
Relationship | Full Professor |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
701-0208-00L | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Does not take place this semester. Prerequisites: Chemistry I & II and Microbiology. | 1 credit | 1G | M. Lever, K. McNeill | |
Abstract | With excursions the students gain insights into scientific as well as practical aspects of various areas in which environmental chemistry and microbiology play a key role. Topics include a.o. waste water treatment, landfills, drinking water purification, impact of agriculture on surface water quality and environmental assessment of synthetic chemicals. | ||||
Learning objective | Learning of typical problems in environmental chemistry and microbiology. Applying basic knowledge of chemistry and microbiology to environmentally relevant problems. | ||||
Content | Discussion of case studies combined with excursions. | ||||
Lecture notes | Moodle (https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=3860) Zusätzliche Unterlagen werden evtl. abgegeben. | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Chemistry I and II and Microbiology | ||||
701-0420-01L | Practical Training in Biogeochemistry | 7 credits | 14P | L. Winkel, P. U. Lehmann Grunder, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, A. Voegelin, S. Winton | |
Abstract | First, the students learn how to analyze soil systems with physical, chemical and microbiological methods. Later, the students train their experimental skills by conducting kinetic experiments in the laboratory and by quantifying process rates under field conditions in a river. | ||||
Learning objective | The students learn to apply physical, chemical and microbiological analysis tools in the laboratroy and the field. They use their theoretical knowledge to interpret their own data, and to critically assess and document them. | ||||
Lecture notes | Descriptions of the methodologies will be provided. | ||||
701-1302-00L | Term Paper 2: Seminar Limited number of participants. Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L). | 2 credits | 2S | L. Winkel, M. Ackermann, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, D. Or, 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. 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. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, A. N'Guyen van Chinh, D. Or, 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 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"). | ||||
701-1314-00L | Environmental Organic Chemistry | 3 credits | 2V | K. McNeill, T. Hofstetter, M. Sander | |
Abstract | This course is focused on environmental transformation reactions of organic chemical contaminants. An overview of important fate processes of organic pollutants will be given, along with a discussion of the factors that determine pathways and rates of transformation reactions. Special emphasis will be given to redox transformations, photochemical reactions, and enzyme-catalyzed processes. | ||||
Learning objective | The students will - further their knowledge of important classes of environmentally relevant organic compounds - become familiar with the tools for studying reaction mechanisms - learn the fundamentals of environmental photochemistry - obtain a detailed understanding of redox reactions of pollutants and biogeochemically important species - get a survey of important enzymatic transformations - learn to critically evaluate published data | ||||
Content | - Methods and tools used in the study of reaction mechanisms and kinetics - Environmental photochemistry, including direct and indirect photolysis - Redox properties of important environmental phases and redox reactions of organic pollutants - Enzyme-catalyzed reactions involved in environmentally important enzymatic processes | ||||
Lecture notes | Materials that are needed beyond the required text will be distributed in the lecture. | ||||
Literature | Schwarzenbach, R.P., P.M. Gschwend, and D.M. Imboden. Environmental Organic Chemistry. 3rd Ed. Wiley, New York (2016). | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry, Bachelor 5th semester, M. Sander, K. McNeill | ||||
701-1350-00L | Case Studies in Environment and Health | 4 credits | 2V | K. McNeill, N. Borduas-Dedekind, T. Julian | |
Abstract | This course will focus on a few individual chemicals and pathogens from different standpoints: their basic chemistry or biology, their environmental behavior, (eco)toxicology, and human health impacts. The course will draw out the common points in each chemical or pathogen's history. | ||||
Learning objective | This course aims to illustrate how the individual properties of chemicals and pathogens along with societal pressures lead to environmental and human health crises. The ultimate goal of the course is to identify common aspects that will improve prediction of environmental crises before they occur. Students are expected to participate actively in the course, which includes the critical reading of the pertinent literature and class presentations. | ||||
Content | Each class will feature the case study of a different chemical or pathogen that have had a profound effect on human health and the environment. The instructors will present eight to ten of these and the students will present a poster on their own pollutant or pathogen in groups of two. Students will be expected to contribute to the in class discussions and, on their selected topics, to lead the discussion. | ||||
Lecture notes | Handouts will be provided as needed. | ||||
Literature | Handouts will be provided as needed. |