Martin Herbert Schroth: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2018

Name	Prof. Dr. Martin Herbert Schroth
Address	Organische Umweltchemie ETH Zürich, CHN G 50.2 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 60 39
E-mail	martin.schroth@env.ethz.ch
URL	http://www.envchem.ethz.ch/about-us/mschroth.html
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Adjunct Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-0230-00L	Microbial Ecology Number of participants limited to 15 Enrollment possible until June 1st, 2018. The waiting list will be deleted after June 30,2018.	2 credits	3P	M. H. Schroth, J. Zeyer
Abstract	The field course "Microbial ecology" allows students to learn state-of-the-art methods that are commonly used to study microbial structures and functions in natural habitats. The course includes lectures, field work, excursions, training in the laboratory, and student presentations of the collected data. The focus will be on habitats including microbial mats, alpine wetlands, and stratified lakes.
Learning objective	Characterization of microbial structures and functions in natural habitats by using state-of-the-art molecular, chemical and physical tools.
Content	The field course is taught jointly with the University of Basel in an alpine research station in Val Piora (TI). The methods to be addressed include flux measurements, microsensors, determination of depth profiles, microbiological techniques, etc. The students will also learn to take samples in aquatic and terrestrial systems.
Lecture notes	Handouts will be available in the course.
Literature	M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, P.V. Dunlap & J. Parker "Brock Biology of Microorganisms", Pearson
Prerequisites / Notice	The course is taught from 22.07.2018 - 28.07.2018. The course fee for students is CHF 350.-, which includes the cost for housing, food, and equipment.
701-0420-01L	Practical Training in Biogeochemistry	7 credits	14P	B. Wehrli, P. U. Lehmann Grunder, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, A. Voegelin, S. Winton
Abstract	First, the students learn how to analyze soil systems with physical, chemical and microbiological methods. Later, the students train their experimental skills by conducting kinetic experiments in the laboratory and by quantifying process rates under field conditions in a river.
Learning objective	The students learn to apply physical, chemical and microbiological analysis tools in the laboratroy and the field. They use their theoretical knowledge to interpret their own data, and to critically assess and document them.
Lecture notes	Descriptions of the methodologies will be provided.
701-1302-00L	Term Paper 2: Seminar Number of participants is limited. Only for Environmental Sciences MSc. Prerequisite: Term Paper 1: Writing (701-1303-00L).	2 credits	1S	M. Ackermann, L. Winkel, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli
Abstract	This class is the 2nd part of a series and participation is conditional on the successful completion of the Term paper Writing class (701-1303-00L). The results from the term paper written during the winter term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed.
Learning objective	The goal of the term paper Seminars is to train the student's ability to communicate the results to a wider audience and the ability to respond to questions and comments.
Content	Each student presents the results of the term paper to the other students and advisors and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
Lecture notes	None
Literature	Term paper
Prerequisites / Notice	The term papers will be made publically available after each student had the opportunity to make revisions. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the presentation and ensuing discussion.
701-1303-00L	Term Paper 1: Writing Only for Environmental Sciences MSc.	5 credits	6A	M. Ackermann, L. Winkel, N. Gruber, J. Hering, R. Kretzschmar, M. Lever, K. McNeill, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli
Abstract	The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarize 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 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 a well-defined set of research subjects, and to summarize the findings concisely in a paper of scientific quality. The paper will be evaluated based on its ability to communicate an understanding of a topic, and to identify key outstanding questions. Results from this term paper will be presented to the fellow students and involved faculty in the following semester (Term paper seminars)
Content	Each student is expected to write a paper with a length of approximately 15 pages. The students can choose from a list of topics prepared by the supervisors, but the final topic will be determined based on a balance of choice and availability. The students will be guided and advised by their advisors throughout the term. The paper itself should contain the following elements: Motivation and context of the given topic (25%), Concise presentation of the state of the science (50%), Identification of open questions and perhaps outline of opportunities for 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. Specialized knowledge is not expected, nor required, neither is new research.
Lecture notes	Guidelines and supplementary material will be handed out at the beginning of the class.
Literature	Will be identified based on the chosen topic.
Prerequisites / Notice	Each term paper will be reviewed by one fellow student and one faculty. The submission of a written review is a condition for obtaining the credit points. There is no final exam. Grade is assigned based on the quality of the term paper and the submission of another student's review.
701-1310-00L	Environmental Microbiology	3 credits	2V	M. H. Schroth, M. Lever
Abstract	Microorganisms catalyze a large number of reactions that are of great importance to terrestrial and aquatic environments. To improve our understanding of the dynamics of a specific environment, it is important to gain a better understanding of microbial structures and their functions under varying environmental conditions.
Learning objective	Students will learn basic concepts in microbial ecology. Qualitative and quantitative concepts will be presented to assess microbial communities and associated processes in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Microbial diversity in such ecosystems will be illustrated in discussions of selected habitats.
Content	Lectures will cover general concepts of environmental microbiology including (i) quantification of microbial processes, (ii) energy fluxes in microbial ecosystems, (iii) application of state-of-the-art microbiological and molecular tools, and (iv) use of isotope methods for identification of microbial structures and functions. Topics to illustrate the microbial diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will include (i) interactions between microbes and mineral/metallic solid phases, (ii) microbial carbon and nutrient cycling, (iii) microbial processes involved in the turnover of greenhouse gases, (iv) biofilms and microbial mats, (v) bioremediation, (vi) microorganisms in extreme habitats, and (vii) microbial evolution and astrobiology.
Lecture notes	available at time of lecture - will be distributed electronically as pdf's
Literature	Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Madigan M. et al., Pearson, 14th ed., 2015