Cara Magnabosco: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Cara Magnabosco |
| Field | Geobiology |
| Address | Professur für Geobiologie ETH Zürich, NO E 5 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 36 71 |
| cara.magnabosco@eaps.ethz.ch | |
| URL | https://geobiology.ethz.ch/ |
| Department | Earth and Planetary Sciences |
| Relationship | Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 651-4143-00L | Geobiology Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-ERDW: Link | 3 credits | 2V + 1U | T. I. Eglinton, C. Magnabosco, C. Welte, S. Wohlwend | |
| Abstract | We will study traces in the lithosphere that have been left behind by organisms during the course of Earth history and mineral components, which were built through biological processes or used as sources of energy and nutrients by organisms. Traces of life from the past will be compared with the development of the diversity of today's organisms. | ||||
| Learning objective | The course will allow you to ask questions about the origin and the evolution of life on Earth, to understand contemporary hypotheses and create new methods of developing them further. Theory is supplemented with observations in the field, exercises and the application of simple mathematical models. The course will enable you to integrate geobiological knowledge into topics that will be taught in subsequent earth science courses and into the current understanding of Earth history. You will learn to better understand modern geological settings and, if necessary, to recommend biogeochemically well-founded and responsible interventions or protective measures. | ||||
| Content | The course focuses on (a) geobiochemical cycles that play major roles in Earth history in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, (b) biosynthetic and metabolic processes, which are essential for life, (c) organisms which regulate and maintain geochemical cycling, and (d) chemical signals of past life in the geological record. Accordingly, we must understand -- how biological cells and its components are built from essential elements and molecules, -- how cells function and which life styles organisms developed, -- where organisms can exist and which factors select for their presence, -- where biologically useable forms of energy come from, and under which conditions they can be exploited, -- how biological metabolism can change environmental conditions and composition, -- which biological products can lead to signals preserved in the rock record, and how biomolecules and elements are altered in sedimentary deposits, -- how organic and inorganic components are cycled through the biosphere, and how biogeochemical cycles function, -- how "biological innovations" evolved and changed in response to environmental changes. Applied Case Studies, which supplement and illustrate the contents: -- Scientific applications of geobiological knowledge are found in fields like Microbial Ecology, Geochemistry, Palaeontology, Sedimentology, Petrology, Ocean Research, Environmental Sciences, Astrobiology and Archaeology. -- Practical applications of geobiological knowledge are needed in fields like stabilisation of existing and design of safe waste repositories, surveilling ground water resources, sewage treatment, exploitation of and prospecting for fossil carbon sources, soil remediation, mineral exploration and leaching, forensic science and medicine. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Als integraler Bestandteil der Vorlesung wird eine Exkursion durchgeführt. Mit der Belegung akzeptieren die Studierenden die Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen für Exkursionen und Feldkurse des D-ERDW: https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/erdw/department/dokumente/studium/exkursionen/AGB_ERDW_Exkursionen_dt.pdf | ||||
| 651-4145-00L | Seminar on Precambrian Geobiology and Biogeochemical Cycles  | 1 credit | 1S | J. Hemingway, C. Magnabosco | |
| Abstract | The Precambrian Earth experienced several environmental states—all drastically different from today—that are recorded in sedimentological, fossil, and genetic records. We will review "classic" and more recent scientific literature on the evolution of chemical and biological processes to critically evaluate what we do and don't know about how our planet's biogeochemistry has changed through time. | ||||
| Learning objective | For decades, researchers have attempted to reconstruct Precambrian environmental states and their relative timing using tracers recorded in the sedimentological, fossil, and genetic records. Here, by reading and discussing “classic” and more recently published scientific papers, students will learn about influential discoveries related to Earth history within the fields of geobiology and geochemistry. In completing the course, students will specifically learn: * Why Earth’s surface chemical composition evolved from anoxic to oxic environments * How life evolved from simple prokaryotic metabolisms to multicellular eukaryotes * The importance of geological, chemical, and biological feedback mechanisms * How to discern between biologic innovation and environmental importance * How to summarize, interpret, and discuss current evidence for what is and isn’t known about Earth’s geochemical and geobiological evolution * How to assess opposing scientific viewpoints and outstanding questions in the literature | ||||
| Content | Each lecture period will consist of a presentation and discussion—to be led by 1-2 students (depending on class size)—covering a given paper or set of papers. All students are expected to read the relevant papers before class and come prepared for discussion. Lecture periods will be divided between “review” presentations aimed at introducing the background and fundamentals of each topic and “debate” or “comparison”-style presentations, in which two (sometimes opposing) views of a given topic will be discussed and assessed. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Where available, presentations and notes will be provided online during the course. | ||||
| Literature | All required and recommended scientific publications will be provided online during the course. | ||||