Stefano Bernasconi: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Name Prof. Dr. Stefano Bernasconi
Name variantsStefano M. Bernasconi
Stefano Bernasconi
Stefano Michele Bernasconi
FieldIsotopengeochemie/Biogeochemie
Address
Geologisches Institut
ETH Zürich, NO G 51.3
Sonneggstrasse 5
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 632 36 93
E-mailstefano.bernasconi@eaps.ethz.ch
DepartmentEarth and Planetary Sciences
RelationshipAdjunct Professor and Privatdozent

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
651-1091-02LGeological Colloquium0 credits2KS. Bernasconi
AbstractInvited speakers from the entire range of Earth Sciences.
Learning objectiveSelected themes in sedimentology, tectonics, paläontology, geophysics, mineralogy, paleoclimate and engineering geology on a regional and global scale.
ContentAccording to variable program.
Lecture notesNo
LiteratureNo
Prerequisites / NoticeThe presentations are held in German. Membership of the Geological Society in Zurich is not required.
651-3070-AALFundamentals of Geology
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement.

Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
6 credits13RS. Bernasconi, W. Behr, C. A. Heinrich
Abstract
Learning objective
651-3501-00LGeochemistry II
The course replaces 651-3501-00 Isotopengeochemie und Isotopengeologie. Students who completed Isotopengeochemie und Isotopengeologie are not eligible to Geochemie II.
3 credits2GM. Schönbächler, S. Bernasconi
AbstractThe course focuses on the most important systems of radioactive and stable isotopes used in geochemistry and geology. Applications of isotope geochemistry for solving fundamental geological problems are discussed on the basis of case studies.
Learning objectiveDevelopment of a basic knowledge and understanding of the applications of the most important systems of stable and radiogenic isotopes.
ContentThe following methods will be discussed in detail: the radioactive-radiogenic systems Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb and K-Ar, as well as the stable isotope systems of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and hydrogen.

We will discuss how these methods are used in the following research fields: geochemistry of the earth, age dating, paleotemperature reconstructions, evolution of the crust and mantle reservoirs, sediment diagenesis, fluid rock interactions, hydrothermal activity, paleoceanography, biogeochemical cycles.
Lecture notesSlides are provided online.
Literature- Gunter Faure and Teresa M. Mensing. (2005): Isotopes : principles and applications. 3nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons. 897.pp

- Dickin A. P., Radiogenic Isotope Geology, (2005), Cambridge University Press

- Sharp Z.D. (2006) Principles of stable isotope geochemistry. Prentice Hall 360 pp.
can be downloaded for free from http://csi.unm.edu

William White (2011) Geochemistry
http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/classes/geo455/Chapters.HTML
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites:

Geochemie I: (Bachelor course)
651-4055-00LAnalytical Methods in Petrology and Geology3 credits2GE. Reusser, J. Allaz, S. Bernasconi, M. Guillong, L. Zehnder
AbstractPractical work in analytical chemistry for Earth science students.
Learning objectiveKnowledge of some analytical methods used in Earth sciences.
ContentIntroduction to analytical chemistry and atom physics.
X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS), Mass spectroscopy for light isotopes.
Lecture notesShort handouts for each analytical method.
651-4225-00LTopics in Geochemistry3 credits2GS. Bernasconi, G. Bernasconi-Green, J.‑D. Bodénan
AbstractIn this course we present and discuss advanced topics in geochemistry based on the critical reading of research papers. Themes include hydrothermal geochemistry, isotopes in meterorites, low temperature geochemistry and biogeochemistry.
Learning objectiveThe goal of the course is discuss topics in advanced geochemistry which were not covered in other general and specialized geochemistry courses. In addition, we aim at training the student's ability to critically evaluate research papers and to summarize the findings concisely in an oral presentation.
ContentThemes will vary from year to year and suggestions from students are welcome.
Some possible topics are:
Organic geochemistry.
Isotope geochemistry of organic matter: carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen.
Multiply-substituted isotopologues.
Mass-independent fractionations.
Mass transfer and isotopes in modern and ancient ocean-floor hydrothermal systems and subduction zone environments.
Noble gas geochemistry: terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureWill be identified based on the chosen topic.