Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2017

Earth Sciences Bachelor Information
Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
1. Semester
First Year Examinations
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
529-2001-02LChemistry I Information O4 credits2V + 2UW. Uhlig, J. E. E. Buschmann, S. Canonica, P. Funck, E. C. Meister, R. Verel
AbstractGeneral Chemistry I: Chemical bond and molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium.
ObjectiveIntroduction to general and inorganic chemistry. Basics of the composition and the change of the material world. Introduction to the thermodynamically controlled physico-chemical processes. Macroscopic phenomena and their explanation through atomic and molecular properties. Using the theories to solve qualitatively and quantitatively chemical and ecologically relevant problems.
Content1. Stoichiometry

2. Atoms and Elements (Quantenmechanical Model of the Atom)

3. Chemical Bonding

4. Thermodynamics

5. Chemical Kinetics

6. Chemical Equilibrium (Acids and Bases, Solubility Equilibria)
Lecture notesOnline-Skript mit durchgerechneten Beispielen.
Literature- Charles E. Mortimer, Chemie - Das Basiswissen der Chemie. 12. Auflage, Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, 2015.

Weiterführende Literatur:
Brown, LeMay, Bursten CHEMIE (deutsch)
Housecroft and Constable, CHEMISTRY (englisch)
Oxtoby, Gillis, Nachtrieb, MODERN CHEMISTRY (englisch)
401-0251-00LMathematics IO6 credits4V + 2UL. Halbeisen
AbstractThis course covers mathematical concepts and techniques necessary to model, solve and discuss scientific problems - notably through ordinary differential equations.
ObjectiveMathematics is of ever increasing importance to the Natural Sciences and Engineering. The key is the so-called mathematical modelling cycle, i.e. the translation of problems from outside of mathematics into mathematics, the study of the mathematical problems (often with the help of high level mathematical software packages) and the interpretation of the results in the original environment.

The goal of Mathematics I and II is to provide the mathematical foundations relevant for this paradigm. Differential equations are by far the most important tool for modelling and are therefore a main focus of both of these courses.
Content1. Single-Variable Calculus:
review of differentiation, linearisation, Taylor polynomials, maxima and minima, antiderivative, fundamental theorem of calculus, integration methods, improper integrals.

2. Linear Algebra and Complex Numbers:
systems of linear equations, Gauss-Jordan elimination, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, cartesian and polar forms for complex numbers, complex powers, complex roots, fundamental theorem of algebra.

3. Ordinary Differential Equations:
separable ordinary differential equations (ODEs), integration by substitution, 1st and 2nd order linear ODEs, homogeneous systems of linear ODEs with constant coefficients, introduction to 2-dimensional dynamical systems.
Literature- Thomas, G. B.: Thomas' Calculus, Part 1 (Pearson Addison-Wesley).
- Bretscher, O.: Linear Algebra with Applications (Pearson Prentice Hall).
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: familiarity with the basic notions from Calculus, in particular those of function and derivative.

Mathe-Lab (Assistance):
Mondays 12-14, Tuesdays 17-19, Wednesdays 17-19, in Room HG E 41.
651-3001-00LDynamic Earth IO6 credits4V + 2UG. Bernasconi-Green, E. Kissling, O. Bachmann, T. Kraft, M. Lupker, M. Schönbächler, S. Willett
AbstractProvides a basic introduction into Earth Sciences, emphasizing different rock-types and the geological rock-cycle, as well as introduction into geophysics and plate tectonic theory.
ObjectiveUnderstanding basic geological and geophysical processes
ContentOverview of the Earth as a system, with emphasis on plate tectonic theory and the geological rock-cycle. Provides a basic introduction to crystals and minerals and different rock-types. Lectures include processes in the Earth's interior, physics of the earth, planetology, introduction to magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Excercises are conducted in small groups to provide more in depth understanding of concepts and content of the lectures.
Lecture noteswerden abgegeben.
LiteratureGrotzinger, J., Jordan, T.H., Press, F., Siever, R., 2007, Understanding Earth, W.H. Freeman & Co., New York, 5th Ed.
Press, F. Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Jordon, T.H., 2008, Allgemeine Geologie. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, 5.Auflage.
Prerequisites / NoticeExercises and short excursions in small groups (10-15 students) will be lead by student assistants. Specific topics in earth sciences will be discussed using examples and case studies. Hand samples of the major rock types will be described and interpreted. Short excursions in the region of Zurich will permit direct experience with earth science processes (e.g. earth surface processes) and recognition of earth science problems and solutions relevant for modern society (e.g. building materials, water resources). Working in small groups will allow for discussion and examination of actual earth science themes.
First Year Additional Compulsory Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
529-0030-00LLaboratory Course: Elementary Chemical TechniquesO3 credits6PN. Kobert, M. Morbidelli, M. H. Schroth, B. Wehrli
AbstractThis practical course provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques.
The experiments cover a wide range of techniques, including analytical and synthetic techniques (e. g. investigation of soil and water samples or the preparation of simple compunds). Furthermore, the handling of gaseous substances is practised.
ObjectiveThis course is intended to provide an overview of experimental chemical methods.
The handling of chemicals and proper laboratory techniques represent the main
learning targets. Furthermore, the description and recording of laboratory processes is an essential part of this course.
ContentThe classification and analysis of natural and artificial compounds is a key subject of this
course. It provides an introduction to elementary laboratory techniques, and the experiments cover a wide range of analytic and synthetic tasks:
Selected samples (e.g. soil and water) will be analysed with various methods, such as titrations,
spectroscopy or ion chromatography. The chemistry of aqeous solutions (acid-base equilibria and solvatation or precipitation processes) is studied.
The synthesis of simple inorganic complexes or organic molecules is practised.
Furthermore, the preparation and handling of environmentally relevant gaseous species like carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides is a central subject of the Praktikum.
Lecture notesThe script will be published on the web.
Details will be provided on the first day of the semester.
LiteratureA thorough study of all script materials is requested before the course starts.
General Courses in Earth Sciences
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
651-3301-00LCrystals and MineralsO4 credits2V + 1.5UP. Brack, E. Reusser
AbstractTo 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.
ObjectiveQualitatives und teilweise quantitatives Verständnis für den Aufbau von Kristallen und Mineralien, für die Zusammenhänge zwischen chemischer Zusammensetzung, Kristallstruktur und physikalischen Eigenschaften, für das Wachstum von Kristallen sowie wichtiger identifikationsrelevanter makroskopischer Eigenschaften; selbständige Identifikation der rund 70 wichtigsten Mineralarten.
Contento 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.
Literature1. 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
651-4143-00LGeobiology Information O3 credits2VT. I. Eglinton
AbstractWe will study traces in the lithosphere that have been left behind by organisms in 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.
ObjectiveThe 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.
ContentThe 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 and (c) on organisms which regulate and maintain geochemical cycling.
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 save 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.
Lecture notesLecture slides, a list with recommended text books, scientific articles and recorded lectures to specific topics will be available in electronic form on the learning management site OLAT. Access requires that participants who are enrolled in MyStudies, will login to the course "Geobiology-17" in OLAT via the switch aai authorisation system.
Link
LiteratureWill become available on the Course Internet Site on OLAT:
Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course builds on the contents of the natural science topics that are parts of the Basics, the Focus Areas and the Supplementary Courses as required for the Swiss federal Matura (Guidelines for the Swiss Matura Exam, 2012). In order to be able to repeat some of these contents and to better prepare for the course before it starts, one can find links to preparatory material (video clips) on the course website on OLAT.
651-4271-00LData Analysis and Visualisation with Matlab in Earth SciencesO3 credits3GS. Wiemer, G. De Souza, T. Tormann
AbstractThis 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.
ObjectiveThe following concepts are introduced in the course:
- Effective data analysis and visualisation in 2D and 3D
- Working with matrices and arrays
- Programming and development of algorithms
- Learning to effectively use animations
- Statistical description of a dataset
- Interactive data-mining
- Uncertainty, error propagation and bootstrapping
- Regression analysis
- Testing hypotheses
3. Semester
Basic Courses II
Core Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0000-03LLaboratory Course in Physics for Students in Earth Sciences Information O2 credits4PA. Biland, M. Doebeli
AbstractThe central aim is to provide an individual experience of the physical phenomena and the basic principles of the experiment. By conducting simple physical experiments the student will learn how to properly use physical instruments and how to evaluate the results correctly.
ObjectiveThis laboratory course aims to provide basic knowledge of
- the setup of a physics experiment,
- the use of measurement instruments,
- various measuring techniques,
- the analysis or measurement errors,
- and the interpretation of the measured quantities.
ContentFehlerrechnung, 9 ausgewählte Versuche zu folgenden Themen:

Transversalschwingung einer Saite, Mechanische Resonanz, Innere Reibung in Flüssigkeiten, Absoluter Nullpunkt der Temperaturskala, Universelle Gaskonstante, Spezifische Verdampfungswärme, Spezifische Wärme, Interferenz und Beugung, Drehung der Polarisationsebene, Spektrale Absorption, Energieverteilung im Spektrum, Spektroskopie, Leitfähigkeit eines Elektrolyten, Elektrische Leitfähigkeit und Wärmeleitfähigkeit, Radioaktivität, Radioaktive Innenluft, Dichte und Leitfähigkeit, Fluss durch ein poröses Medium, Lärm.

Die Auswahl der Versuche kann zwischen den verschiedenen Studiengängen variieren.
Lecture notesAnleitungen zum Physikalischen Praktikum
Examination Block 1
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0063-00LPhysics IIO5 credits3V + 1UA. Vaterlaus
AbstractIntroduction to the "way of thinking" and the methodology in Physics, with the help of demonstration experiments. The Chapters treated are Electromagnetism, Refraction and Diffraction of Waves, Elements of Quantum Mechanics with applications to Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Phase Transitions, Transport Phenomena. Whenever possible, examples relevant to the students' main field of study are given.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the scientific methodology. The student should develop his/her capability to turn physical observations into mathematical models, and to solve the latter.
ContentElektromagnetismus, Elektromagnetische Wellen, Wellenoptik, Strahlenoptik, Quantenoptik, Quantenmechanik, Thermische Eigenschaften, Transportphänomene, Wärmestrahlung
Lecture notesSkript wird verteilt.
LiteratureFriedhelm Kuypers
Physik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler
Band 2 Elektrizität, Optik, Wellen
Wiley-VCH, 2012
ISBN 3527411445, 9783527411443

Douglas C. Giancoli
Physik
3. erweiterte Auflage
Pearson Studium

Hans J. Paus
Physik in Experimenten und Beispielen
Carl Hanser Verlag, München, 2002, 1068 S.

Paul A. Tipler
Physik
Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1998, 1522 S., ca Fr. 120.-

David Halliday Robert Resnick Jearl Walker
Physik
Wiley-VCH, 2003, 1388 S., Fr. 87.- (bis 31.12.03)

dazu gratis Online Ressourcen (z.B. Simulationen): Link
701-0023-00LAtmosphere Information O3 credits2VE. Fischer, T. Peter
AbstractBasic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer.
ObjectiveUnderstanding of basic physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. Understanding of mechanisms of and interactions between: weather - climate, atmosphere - ocean - continents, troposhere - stratosphere. Understanding of environmentally relevant structures and processes on vastly differing scales. Basis for the modelling of complex interrelations in the atmospehre.
ContentBasic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer.
Lecture notesWritten information will be supplied.
Literature- John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, New York, 1998.
- Gösta H. Liljequist, Allgemeine Meteorologie, Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1974.
651-3400-00LGeochemistry I Information
Dieser Kurs ersetzt 651-3400-00 Geochemie. Sofern Geochemie absolviert wurde, darf der Kurs nicht belegt werden.
O4 credits3GM. Schönbächler, D. Vance
AbstractIntroduction to geochemistry and its application to the study of the origin and evolution of the Earth and planets.
ObjectiveGain an overview of geochemical methods used in various fields of Earth Sciences and how they can be applied to study geological processes in the Earth’s mantle, crust, oceans and atmosphere.
ContentThis course is an introduction into geochemistry with a special focus on the basic concepts used in this rapidly evolving field. The course deals with the geochemist's toolbox: the basic chemical and nuclear properties of elements from the periodic table and how these elements can be used to ask fundamental questions in Earth Sciences. The important concepts used in solid-solution-gas equilibria are introduced. The concepts of chemical reservoirs and geochemical cycles are discussed with examples from the carbon cycle in the Earth. The course also addresses geological applications in low- and high-temperature geochemistry, including the formation of continents, the differentiation of the Earth, the geochemistry of ocean and continental waters.
Lecture notesAvailable
LiteratureH. Y. McSween et al.: Geochemistry - Pathways and Processes,
2nd ed. Columbia Univ. Press (2003)

William White: Geochemistry, Wiley-Blackwell Chichester (2013)
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite: chemical thermodynamics, basic inorganic chemistry and physics.
Examination Block 2
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0071-00LMathematics III: Systems AnalysisO4 credits2V + 1UN. Gruber, M. Vogt
AbstractThe objective of the systems analysis course is to deepen and illustrate the mathematical concepts on the basis of a series of very concrete examples. Topics covered include: linear box models with one or several variables, non-linear box models with one or several variables, time-discrete models, and continuous models in time and space.
ObjectiveLearning and applying of concepts (models) and quantitative methods to address concrete problems of environmental relevance. Understanding and applying the systems-analytic approach, i.e., Recognizing the core of the problem - simplification - quantitative approach - prediction.
ContentLink
Lecture notesOverhead slides will be made available through Ilias.
LiteratureImboden, D.S. and S. Pfenninger (2013) Introduction to Systems Analysis: Mathematically Modeling Natural Systems. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer Verlag.

Link
651-3543-00LGeophysik I
Dieser Kurs ersetzt 651-3543-00 Seismologie. Sofern Seismologie absolviert wurde, darf Geophysik I nicht absolviert werden.
O4 credits2V + 1UD. Giardini, M. O. Saar
AbstractGeneral knowledge of seismology, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Objective
651-3507-00LIntroduction to Oceanography and HydrogeologyO3 credits2VD. Vance, M. O. Saar
AbstractThe course provides an introduction to hydrogeology and oceanography for all Earth Science students at ETH. It provides an overview of the physical controls on water flow in streams, aquifers, and the oceans. It also deals with the basics of groundwater chemistry, biogeochemical cycling in the oceans, the role of the oceans as carbon reservoirs and their dynamic redox state.
ObjectiveTo understand and describe the basic principles of the hydrologic cycle and water flow in streams and aquifers.

To conduct simple calculations of water transfer in streams and aquifers as well as of flood frequencies and magnitudes.

To discuss surface and groundwater as a water resource.

To interpret different ion distributions in aquifers in terms of bacic water chemistry, fluid-mineral reactions, water contamination, and water origin.

To understand the major features of ocean basins and the tectonic controls on their structure.

To identify the major controls on the temperature, salinity and density structure of the oceans.

To describe how these controls interact to drive surface and interior ocean circulation.

To interpret different kinds of element distribution in the oceans in terms of basic chemistry, sinks, sources and internal biogeochemical cycling.

To discuss the cycles of carbon and oxygen in the ocean, with a view to the critical analysis of how the oceans respond to, cause and record the dynamics of these cycles in Earth history.
ContentThis course provides an introduction to oceanography and hydrogeology, with a special focus on the basic physicochemical concepts that control the properties and behaviour of two major reservoirs of water on Earth.

The hydrogeology component will: 1) describe the hydrologic cycle, with a focus on the importance of groundwater to society; introduce the basic physical aspects of groundwater flow, including Darcy's law, hydraulic head, hydraulic conductivity, aquifers; 2) describe the basics of groundwater chemistry, including major ions and mean meteoric water line, basics of groundwater contamination; 3) introduce the interface with the oceans, including hydrothermal circulation at mid-ocean ridges, ocean-water intrusion into groundwater at coasts.

The oceanography component will: 1) provide an overview of the physical circulation of the oceans, including its importance for heat transfer around the surface of the Earth and for climate; 2) describe the basic processes that control the chemistry of the oceans, including its temporal and spatial variability; 3) introduce some simple concepts in biological oceanography, including the dependence of ocean ecology on nutrient distributions. There will be a specific focus on how the physics, chemistry and biology of the ocean might have changed through Earth history, and the impact of oceanic processes on Earth's climate.
Lecture notesAvailable
LiteratureTalley, L.D., Pickard, G.L., Emery, W.J. and Swift, J.H. Descriptive Physical Oceanography, an Introduction. (2011) Online textbook, available at Link.

Libes, S.M. (2009) Introduction to marine biogeochemistry. 2nd edition. Academic Press
Prerequisites / NoticeChemie I and II, Physik I and II, Mathematik I and II.
Allgemeine erdwissenschaftliche Fächer
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
651-3402-00LMagmatism and Metamorphose I Information O4 credits2V + 1UP. Ulmer
AbstractThh lectures concerns with generation and evolution of igneous rocks as products of geodynamic processes operating within the Earth's interior.
ObjectiveThis lecture combines petrography, geochemistry, experimental and theoretical petrology to assess fundamental processes controlling the generation and differentiation of igneous rocks in time and space. Principle targets are the generation of magmas in the Earth upper mantle and crust, differentiation and emplacement of magmas at depth and on the surface. The most prominent volcanic and plutonic rock series are presented and their relationships in the framework of global tectonics are discussed. The material is mostly presented in qualitative way. However, a quantification of igneous processes basing on modal mineralogy, geochemistry, phase petrology and thermodynamic principles is assessed on simple examples in the lectures and in part of the accompanying practicals.
Basic knowledge of rock-forming minerals and the classification of igneous rocks are required and will be further trained during the praticals.
ContentIntroduction – Historic evolution – Magmatism-Tectonics
Igneous Petrology and thermodynamics – Some basic principles
Representation and normalization of igneous minerals and rocks
Physical properties of magmas and emplacement mechanisms
Binary and ternary liquidus phase diagrams (principles and basaltic systems)
Physical volcanology - Tephra vs. lava
Tholeiitic magmatism 1 – MORB and flood basalts
Tholeiitic magmatism 2 – Layered Intrusions
Partial melting in the Earth upper mantle
Geochemistry in igneous petrology
Subduction magmatism (magmatism at convergent plate margins)
Calc-alkaline volcanism (Cascadian volcanoes)
Calc-alkaline plutonic rocks (Adamello batholith)
Alkaline intraplate magmatism
Liquidus phase diagrams for felsic systems: Feldspars – SiO2 – feldspatoids
CO2-rich magmas: Kimberlites, organeites and carbonatites
Volcanism versus plutonism: The role of H2O during melting and crystallization
of basalt and granite under elevated pressures
Lecture notesExtensive lecture notes are provided for CHF 15.- (sold in the first lecture)
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