Denise Mitrano: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021 |
Name | Prof. Dr. Denise Mitrano |
Field | Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials |
Address | Umweltchemie von Anthropogenem M. ETH Zürich, CHN F 50.2 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 44 633 60 09 |
denise.mitrano@usys.ethz.ch | |
URL | http://www.ecam.ethz.ch |
Department | Environmental Systems Science |
Relationship | Assistant Professor |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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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, 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 | |
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 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 | Please 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"). | ||||
701-1351-00L | Nanomaterials in the Environment | 3 credits | 2G | B. Nowack, T. Bucheli, D. Mitrano | |
Abstract | The lecture provides an overview on the behavior and effects of engineered nanomaterials in the environment. The course will cover definitions, analysis, fate in technical and natural systems, effects (nano-ecotoxicology) and environmental risk assessment of nanomaterials. In addition, microplastics as an additional particulate contaminant will also be covered. | ||||
Learning objective | - Successful application of knowledge gained in the traditional disciplines of environmental sciences (e.g. biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry) to elucidate nanomaterial fate and behavior in the environment - Identify key parameters of nanomaterials that potentially influence their environmental fate and behavior - Get acquainted with the most common analytical tools for the quantification of nanomaterials in the environment - Critical assessment of current state of research in this juvenile field, including the sometimes controversial literature data | ||||
Content | Topics - Definitions; nano-effects; engineered, natural and incidental nanoparticles - Sources and release; Material flow modeling - Analysis in environmental samples - Fate in technical systems: water treatment, waste incineration - Fate in the environment: water and soil - Effects: nano-ecotoxicology - Environmental risk assessment - Life cycle assessment - Microplastics | ||||
Lecture notes | Handouts will be provided | ||||
Literature | will be provided during lecture |