Kristopher McNeill: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2022

Name	Prof. Dr. Kristopher McNeill
Field	Environmental Chemistry
Address	Organische Umweltchemie ETH Zürich, CHN F 31.2 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
E-mail	kristopher.mcneill@env.ethz.ch
URL	http://www.envchem.ethz.ch
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0420-01L	Practical Training in Biogeochemistry	7 credits	14P	L. Winkel, H. Bürgmann, P. U. Lehmann Grunder, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, A. Voegelin
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 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").
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, T. Julian, M. Scheringer
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.