Sebastian Dötterl: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019

Name Prof. Dr. Sebastian Dötterl
Name variantsSebastian Doetterl
Sebastian Dötterl
FieldSoil Ressources
Address
Professur für Bodenressourcen
ETH Zürich, CHN F 31.1
Universitätstrasse 16
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 633 60 20
E-mailsdoetterl@usys.ethz.ch
URLhttps://soilres.ethz.ch/
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipAssistant Professor (Tenure Track)

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
701-0034-06LIntegrated Practical: Soil Restricted registration - show details 1.5 credits3PR. Kretzschmar, S. Dötterl, D. Or, L. Walthert
AbstractDuring three full-day field trips and two half-day field exercises, various aspects of soil morphology, soil genesis, and soil functioning are discussed using practical examples.
ObjectiveGaining practical knowledge in soil science in the field.
ContentSoil description in the field, soil formation in Zurich-Nord, forest soils, carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil-water relations, soil conservation and landuse.
Lecture notesHandouts are provided during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeCourse "Pedosphere" or equivalent
701-0518-00LSoil Resources and Global Change3 credits2GM. W. Evangelou, S. Dötterl
AbstractIntroduction into problems, concepts and areas of action related to soil resources and land use
ObjectiveUnderstand the aims, problems, boundary conditions of anthropogenic use of soils
To estimate the effects of land use and the resulting stress on soils of different climate zones.
ContentSoil functions and threats to soil quality; soil erosion; impacts of land use on water and gas circulation related to soils; regional and global estimations of threats to soil functions: soil compaction, soil salinization; soil contamination by toxic substances; soil amendments, remediation of polluted soil; soil protection planning and policies
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed.
701-1646-00LCarbon and Nutrient Cycling in a Changing Climate and Land-Use5 credits3GF. Hagedorn, T. Crowther, S. Dötterl
AbstractThe course covers the pools and fluxes of carbon and nutrients in forests and dynamic landscapes and how they are affected by a changing climate and land-use. Specifically, the course explores carbon and nutrient cycling: (i) in vegetation and soils at the plot to global scale; (ii) the role of abiotic soil properties as controls; and (iii) the effects of climate changes and land management.
ObjectiveThe students learn to identify, analyze and propose solutions for problems associated with land management and climate change on carbon and nutrient cycling in forests and dynamic landscapes.
ContentAfter short thematic introductions, the students will work in small groups on the following topics:

Part 1 Carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems of Switzerland
o Carbon and nutrient cycles from the plot to national scale
o Impacts of land use changes on biomass and soil carbon
o Effects of soil warming and drought

Part 2: Rock, soil, sediment: Geomorphic cascades and soil weathering
o Weathering and geochemistry as controls on carbon and nutrient cycles
o Feedbacks between soil development, soil transport and soil loss for carbon cycling
o Global patterns and consequences of disturbance for soil landscapes

Part 3: Global biogeochemical cycles and climate change
o Global biogeochemical cycles and impacts on climate
o Carbon cycle feedbacks to climate change
o Changes in global nutrient balance

The students will work on specific projects which includes the evaluation and interpretation of data as well as the preparation of a presentation either as a poster, report or a talk.
Prerequisites / NoticeApart from a background in terrestrial ecosystems, the students must have basic knowledge in soil sciences, plant nutrition, and biogeochemical cycles. Given that the background of the students will be very heterogeneous, the course will build on individual learning and interactive teaching.

The format of the course is that the students work in small groups of 2 or 3 members on a small project in each of the three parts of the course. Introductory information will be given on the first day of the course and at the beginning of each part. For structuring the project, homework will be given from week to week. Each group will do a poster presentation (end of part 1), a short report (end of part 2) and an oral presentation (end of part 3) on their respective subjects. Active participation at all contact hours is compulsory for all students.
701-1692-00LInterdisciplinary Project Restricted registration - show details 5 credits8PF. Knaus, S. Dötterl, M. Lévesque, L. Pellissier, S. Tobias
AbstractCapstone course in which students solve complex real-world land-use problems, for which there is no single correct solution. Students work in project teams and take the role of consultants. They integrate the knowledge acquired during their previous studies and deepen their analysis, judgment and writing skills.
ObjectiveThe project-based learning context aims at developing and sharpening the following skills:
- to autonomously solve a real-world problem from the project assignment to the presentation of results,
- to autonomously develop a suitable approach to solve the questions of the project
- to apply, integrate and adapt knowledge and skills from different disciplines,
- to adequately use methods and tools to manage spatial and scalar data,
- to work in a project team and to solve possible team-conflicts.
ContentEach student group is working on a case-study, which is based on a specific problem, defined by cantonal authorities. Students are searching information from literature, developing appropriate approaches, gathering own data, analyzing (geo)data and write a coherent report. Original plans and source documents are available in their original language. Students follow and adapt a systematic problem solving cycle, consisting of:
- capturing and formulation of the problem, goal and scope definition
- capturing of the actual system state
- developing a methodological approach that delivers the results required to solve the problems or questions
- evaluating possible solutions and/or scenarios
- solution proposal and recommendation to decision-makers