Bernhard Wehrli: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2022

Name Prof. em. Dr. Bernhard Wehrli
FieldAquatische Chemie
Address
Stutzstrasse 51
6005 Luzern
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41413611856
E-mailbernhard.wehrli@env.ethz.ch
DepartmentEnvironmental Systems Science
RelationshipProfessor emeritus

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
701-0034-20LIntegrated Practical: Cycle of Matter in Lakes Restricted registration - show details 2 credits3PB. Wehrli
AbstractWe analyse a lake as a biogeochemical environmental system.
1. Catchment: We determine the material loads of in- and outflows and trends in the lake's reservoir
2. Sediment archives: We estimate sedimentation rates and reconstruct the environmental history.
3. Light and dark: We analyse vertical water profiles and estimate rates of photosynthesis and respiration.
Learning objectiveStudents learn how to analyze a lake as a biogeochemical system
• They apply relevant methods for sampling and analyzing chemical parameters of rivers, lake water and the sediment.
• They calculate fluxes via the in- and outflows and they determine long-term changes in the budget of a lake
• Students are able to estimate sedimentation rates and to reconstruct environmental history from sediment records
• They apply simple models to quantify process rates of photosynthesis and respiration based on the daily and seasonal dynamics of chemical concentrations in the water column.
ContentViele Schweizer Seen haben seit den 1950er Jahre eine Phase der Überdüngung durchgemacht. Dank verbesserter Abwasserbehandlung, Phosphatverbot und Massnahmen in der Landwirtschaft hat sich die Wasserqualität in vielen Seen in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark verbessert. Die Zielsetzung einer mittleren Produktion und einer genügenden Sauerstoffversorgung in der Tiefe ist in vielen Fällen erreicht worden. Der Gemeindeverband am Sempachersee hat zusätzliche See-interne Massnahmen durchgeführt. In diesem Praktikum analysieren wir den aktuellen Zustand der Nährstoffbelastung aus Landwirtschaft und Abwasser, wir rekonstruieren langfristige Trends und wir ermitteln die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Stoffkreisläfen von Phosphor, Stickstoff, Sauerstoff und den Treibhausgasen von Kohlenstoff.
Lecture notesDetailed handouts will be distributed via Moodle
Literaturehttps://sempachersee.ch/ website in German
Prerequisites / Noticenone
701-0900-00LThe Sustainable Development Goals in Context2 credits2GB. Wehrli, O. Kassab
AbstractThe United Nations Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an opportunity for the international community to shape the course of sustainable development. With their range of expertise, universities can develop the science to help achieving the SDGs. The lectures center on sustainability challenges and provide context from academics and societal actors.
Learning objective1. Students know important dimensions of sustainable development and the discourses in the context of the SDGs
2. Students get an overview how ETH Zurich contributes to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs
3. The lecture series enables students to contribute to sustainable development during their studies and research, as graduates on the job market, and as members of the society
4. Writing and reviewing a short blog post trains students to communicate acquired knowledge effectively for a broader audience.
ContentKick-Off: Introduction to the SDGs:
1 – Education, gender and inequality
2 – Health, well-being and demography
3 – Climate change, decarbonization and sustainable industry
4 – Sustainable food, land, water and oceans
5 – Sustainable cities and communities
6 – Digital revolution for sustainable development
Conclusion: Student inputs: Wrap up and synthesis
Lecture notes1-2 short papers will be posted on the Moodle each weak.
LiteratureSelected scientific articles:

Sachs, J. D. (2019). Six Transformations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Nature Sustainability, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0352-9

Schwan, G. (2019): Sustainable Development Goals: A call for global partnership and cooperation. GAIA 28/2, 73, DOI: https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.28.2.1
Prerequisites / NoticeOpen to advanced Bachelor and all Master level students enrolled at ETH Zurich
860-0015-00LSupply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I Restricted registration - show details 3 credits2GB. Wehrli, F. Brugger, K. Dolejs Schlöglova, S. Hellweg, C. Karydas
AbstractStudents critically assess the economic, social, political, and environmental implications of extracting and using energy resources, metals, and bulk materials along the mineral resource cycle for society. They explore various decision-making tools that support policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resources, and gain insight into different perspectives from government, industry, and NGOs.
Learning objectiveStudents will be able to:
- Explain basic concepts applied in resource economics, economic geology, extraction, processing and recycling technologies, environmental and health impact assessments, resource governance, and secondary materials.
- Evaluate the policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resource extraction.
- Examine decision-making tools for mineral resource related projects.
- Engage constructively with key actors from governmental organizations, mining and trading companies, and NGOs, dealing with issues along the mineral resource cycle.
Prerequisites / NoticeBachelor of Science, Architecture or Engineering, and enrolled in a Master's or PhD program at ETH Zurich. Students must be enrolled in this course in order to participate in the case study module course 860-0016-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources II.
860-0016-00LSupply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources II Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 12.
First priority will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science, Technology, and Policy Program. These students must confirm their participation by DATUM by registration through myStudies. Students on the waiting list will be notified at the start of the semester.

Prerequisite is 860-0015-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I.
3 credits2UB. Wehrli, F. Brugger, S. Pfister
AbstractStudents integrate their knowledge of mineral resources and technical skills to frame and investigate a commodity-specific challenge faced by countries involved in resource extraction. By own research they evaluate possible policy-relevant solutions, engaging in interdisciplinary teams coached by tutors and experts from natural social and engineering sciences.
Learning objectiveStudents will be able to:
- Integrate, and extend by own research, their knowledge of mineral resources from course 860-0015-00, in a solution-oriented team with mixed expertise
- Apply their problem solving, and analytical skills to critically assess, and define a complex, real-world mineral resource problem, and propose possible solutions.
- Summarize and synthesize published literature and expert knowledge, evaluate decision-making tools, and policies applied to mineral resources.
- Document and communicate the findings in concise group presentations and a report.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite is 860-0015-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I. Limited to 12 participants. First priority will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science, Technology, and Policy Program. These students must confirm their participation by February 7th by registration through MyStudies. Students on the waiting list will be notified at the start of the semester.