Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
General Earth Sciences Courses
651-4143-00L	Geobiology	O	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.
651-3301-00L	Crystals and Minerals	O	4 credits	2V + 1.5U	S. Petitgirard, E. Reusser, G. Spiekermann
Abstract	To understand, qualitatively and semi-quantitatively, crystal and mineral formation, the interdependence between crystals structure, chemical composition and physical properties. This dependence is especially the case for the structural dependence of optical anisotropy and the elastic properties of the minerals as well as for the growth of crystals and their defect structures.
Learning objective	To understand, qualitatively and semi-quantitatively, crystal and mineral formation, the interdependence between crystals structure, chemical composition and physical properties. This dependence is especially the case for the structural dependence of optical anisotropy and the elastic properties of the minerals as well as for the growth of crystals and their defect structures.
Content	o Symmetrien und Ordnung, Punktgruppen, Translationsgruppen, Raumgruppen. o einfache Strukturtypen, dichte Kugelpackungen, Strukturbestimmende Faktoren o Chemisch Bindungen, Beziehungen zwischen Struktur und Eigenschaften eine Kristalls. o Grundlagen von Thermodynamik und Computersimulationen in der Kristallographie. o Einführung in die Mineralogie und Mineralsystematik. o Praktikum in Mineralbestimmen aufgrund makroskopischer Eigenschaften.
Literature	1. An Introduction to Mineral Sciences. (1992). Andrew Putnis. 2. Kleber, W., Bautsch, H. J., and Bohm, J. (1998) – Einführung in die Kristallographie, Verlag Technik GmbH Berlin. 3. Minerals. (2004). Hans-Rudolf Wenk, Andrei Bulakh
651-4271-00L	Data Analysis and Visualisation with Matlab in Earth Sciences	O	3 credits	3G	G. De Souza, A. Obermann, S. Wiemer
Abstract	This lecture and the corresponding exercises provide the students with an introduction to the concepts and tools of scientific data analysis. Based on current questions in the Earth Sciences, the students solve problems of increasing complexity both in small groups and singly using the software package MATLAB. Students also learn how to effectively visualise different kinds of datasets.
Learning objective	The following concepts are introduced in the course: - Working with matrices and arrays - Programming and development of algorithms - Effective data analysis and visualisation in 2D and 3D - Learning to effectively use animations - Statistical description of a dataset - Regression analysis - Testing hypotheses
651-3402-00L	Magmatism and Metamorphose I	O	4 credits	2V + 1U	M. W. Schmidt, P. Ulmer
Abstract	This course treats the generation and evolution of igneous rocks as well as the metamorphism of igneous and sedimentary rocks as products of geodynamic processes operating within the Earth´s interior.
Learning objective	This course combines petrography, geochemistry, experimental and theoretical petrology to assess fundamental igneous and metamorphic processes controlling the generation and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks in time and space. Principle targets are (1) the generation of magmas in the Earth mantle and crust, differentiation and emplacement of magmas at depth and on the surface and (2) metamorphism of igneous and sedimentary rock series and their relationships in the framework of global tectonics. The material is mostly presented in qualitative way. A quantification of igneous and metamorphic processes based on modal mineralogy, geochemistry, phase petrology and thermodynamic principles is assessed and further promoted in the accompanying homework and exercises. Basic knowledge of rock-forming minerals and the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks are required and will be further trained during the exercises.
Content	Introduction – Historic evolution – magmatism-metamorphism-tectonics Earth mantle – composition, metamorphism, deep mantle mineralogy Partial melting of the Earth´s mantle Binary and ternary subsolidus and liquidus phase diagrams Tholeiitic magmatism – MORB and large igneous provinces (LIP) Subduction zones – Magmatism at convergent plate margins, H2O-cycle Geochemistry in igneous petrology Igneous differentiation processes at convergent plate margins Metamorphism of pelitic rocks (metapelites) and crustal melting Material cycles at convergent plate margins
Lecture notes	Lecture notes and homework are provided and additional material is made available on Moodle.
Literature	As supplementary material we recommend the book by J.D. Winter. «Principles of Igneous and metamorphic petrology», Prentice Hall, 2001.
Prerequisites / Notice	8 homework assignments (of totally 12) must be acceptably solved, the delivery of 10 acceptably solved homework assignments is acknowledged with an increase of the final grade by 0.25. The end-of-term examination will take place in the two weeks scheduled in January.

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