Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2018

Computational Science and Engineering Master Information
Core Courses
Two core courses out of three must be attended and examinations must be taken in both.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
401-3632-00LComputational StatisticsW10 credits3V + 2UM. H. Maathuis
AbstractComputational Statistics deals with modern statistical methods of data analysis (aka "data science") for prediction and inference. The course provides an overview of existing methods. The course is hands-on, and methods are applied using the statistical programming language R.
ObjectiveIn this class, the student obtains an overview of modern statistical methods for data analysis, including their algorithmic aspects and theoretical properties. The methods are applied using the statistical programming language R.
ContentSee the class website
Prerequisites / NoticeAt least one semester of (basic) probability and statistics.

Programming experience is helpful but not required.
263-2300-00LHow To Write Fast Numerical Code Information Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Number of participants limited to 84.

Prerequisite: Master student, solid C programming skills.
W6 credits3V + 2UM. Püschel
AbstractThis course introduces the student to the foundations and state-of-the-art techniques in developing high performance software for numerical functionality such as linear algebra and others. The focus is on optimizing for the memory hierarchy and for special instruction sets. Finally, the course will introduce the recent field of automatic performance tuning.
ObjectiveSoftware performance (i.e., runtime) arises through the interaction of algorithm, its implementation, and the microarchitecture the program is run on. The first goal of the course is to provide the student with an understanding of this interaction, and hence software performance, focusing on numerical or mathematical functionality. The second goal is to teach a general systematic strategy how to use this knowledge to write fast software for numerical problems. This strategy will be trained in a few homeworks and semester-long group projects.
ContentThe fast evolution and increasing complexity of computing platforms pose a major challenge for developers of high performance software for engineering, science, and consumer applications: it becomes increasingly harder to harness the available computing power. Straightforward implementations may lose as much as one or two orders of magnitude in performance. On the other hand, creating optimal implementations requires the developer to have an understanding of algorithms, capabilities and limitations of compilers, and the target platform's architecture and microarchitecture.

This interdisciplinary course introduces the student to the foundations and state-of-the-art techniques in high performance software development using important functionality such as linear algebra functionality, transforms, filters, and others as examples. The course will explain how to optimize for the memory hierarchy, take advantage of special instruction sets, and, if time permits, how to write multithreaded code for multicore platforms. Much of the material is based on state-of-the-art research.

Further, a general strategy for performance analysis and optimization is introduced that the students will apply in group projects that accompany the course. Finally, the course will introduce the students to the recent field of automatic performance tuning.
Fields of Specialization
Astrophysics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0394-00LTheoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
W10 credits4V + 2UL. M. Mayer, J. Yoo
AbstractThis is the second of a two course series which starts with "General Relativity" and continues in the spring with "Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology", where the focus will be on applying general relativity to cosmology as well as developing the modern theory of structure formation in a cold dark matter Universe.
Objective
ContentThe course will cover the following topics:
- Homogeneous cosmology
- Thermal history of the universe, recombination, baryogenesis and nucleosynthesis
- Dark matter and Dark Energy
- Inflation
- Perturbation theory: Relativistic and Newtonian
- Model of structure formation and initial conditions from Inflation
- Cosmic microwave background anisotropies
- Spherical collapse and galaxy formation
- Large scale structure and cosmological probes
LiteratureSuggested textbooks:
H.Mo, F. Van den Bosch, S. White: Galaxy Formation and Evolution
S. Carroll: Space-Time and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity
S. Dodelson: Modern Cosmology
Secondary textbooks:
S. Weinberg: Gravitation and Cosmology
V. Mukhanov: Physical Foundations of Cosmology
E. W. Kolb and M. S. Turner: The Early Universe
N. Straumann: General relativity with applications to astrophysics
A. Liddle and D. Lyth: Cosmological Inflation and Large Scale Structure
Prerequisites / NoticeKnowledge of General Relativity is recommended.
Physics of the Atmosphere
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-1216-00LNumerical Modelling of Weather and Climate Information W4 credits3GC. Schär, U. Lohmann
AbstractThe guiding principle of this lecture is that students can understand how weather and climate models are formulated from the governing physical principles and how they are used for climate and weather prediction purposes.
ObjectiveThe guiding principle of this lecture is that students can understand how weather and climate models are formulated from the governing physical principles and how they are used for climate and weather prediction purposes.
ContentThe course provides an introduction into the following themes: numerical methods (finite differences and spectral methods); adiabatic formulation of atmospheric models (vertical coordinates, hydrostatic approximation); parameterization of physical processes (e.g. clouds, convection, boundary layer, radiation); atmospheric data assimilation and weather prediction; predictability (chaos-theory, ensemble methods); climate models (coupled atmospheric, oceanic and biogeochemical models); climate prediction.

Hands-on experience with simple models will be acquired in the tutorials.
Lecture notesSlides and lecture notes will be made available at
Link
LiteratureList of literature will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: to follow this course, you need some basic background in atmospheric science, numerical methods (e.g., "Numerische Methoden in der Umweltphysik", 701-0461-00L) as well as experience in programming
701-1232-00LRadiation and Climate ChangeW3 credits2GM. Wild, W. Ball
AbstractThis lecture focuses on the prominent role of radiation in the energy balance of the Earth and in the context of past and future climate change.
ObjectiveThe aim of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental role of radiation in the context of climate change.
ContentThe course will cover the following topics:
Basic radiation laws; sun-earth relations; the sun as driver of climate change (faint sun paradox, Milankovic ice age theory, solar cycles); radiative forcings in the atmosphere: aerosol, water vapour, clouds; radiation balance of the Earth (satellite and surface observations, modeling approaches); anthropogenic perturbation of the Earth radiation balance: greenhouse gases and enhanced greenhouse effect, air pollution and global dimming; radiation-induced feedbacks in the climate system (water vapour feedback, snow albedo feedback); climate model scenarios under various radiative forcings.
Lecture notesSlides will be made available, lecture notes for part of the course
LiteratureAs announced in the course
701-1228-00LCloud Dynamics: Hurricanes Information W4 credits3GU. Lohmann
AbstractHurricanes are among the most destructive elements in the atmosphere. This lecture will discuss the physical requirements for their formation, life cycle, damage potential and their relationship to global warming. It also distinguishes hurricanes from thunderstorms and tornadoes.
ObjectiveAt the end of this course students will be able to distinguish the formation and life cycle mechanisms of tropical cyclones from those of extratropical thunderstorms/cyclones, project how tropical cyclones change in a warmer climate based on their physics and evaluate different tropical cyclone modification ideas.
Lecture notesSlides will be made available
LiteratureA literature list can be found here: Link
Prerequisites / NoticeAt least one introductory lecture in Atmospheric Science or Instructor's consent.
401-5930-00LSeminar in Physics of the Atmosphere for CSEW4 credits2SH. Joos, C. Schär
AbstractIn this seminar the knowledge exchange between you and the other students is promoted. You attend lectures on scientific writing and you train your scientific writing skills by writing a proposal for your MSc thesis. You receive critical and constructive feedback through an in-depth review process by scientific writing experts and your future supervisors.
ObjectiveIn this seminar the knowledge exchange between you and the other students is promoted. You attend lectures on scientific writing and you train your scientific writing skills by writing a proposal for your MSc thesis. You receive critical and constructive feedback through an in-depth review process by scientific writing experts and your future supervisors.
Chemistry
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
529-0474-00LQuantum ChemistryW6 credits3GM. Reiher, T. Weymuth
AbstractIntroduction into the basic concepts of electronic structure theory and into numerical methods of quantum chemistry. Exercise classes are designed to deepen the theory; practical case studies using quantum chemical software to provide a 'hands-on' expertise in applying these methods.
ObjectiveNowadays, chemical research can be carried out in silico, an intellectual achievement for which Pople and Kohn have been awarded the Nobel prize of the year 1998. This lecture shows how that has been accomplished. It works out the many-particle theory of many-electron systems (atoms and molecules) and discusses its implementation into computer programs. A complete picture of quantum chemistry shall be provided that will allow students to carry out such calculations on molecules (for accompanying experimental work in the wet lab or as a basis for further study of the theory).
ContentBasic concepts of many-particle quantum mechanics. Derivation of the many-electron theory for atoms and molecules; starting with the harmonic approximation for the nuclear problem and with Hartree-Fock theory for the electronic problem to Moeller-Plesset perturbation theory and configuration interaction and to coupled cluster and multi-configurational approaches. Density functional theory. Case studies using quantum mechanical software.
Lecture notesHand outs will be provided for each lecture (they are supplemented by (computer) examples that continuously illustrate how the theory works).
LiteratureTextbooks on Quantum Chemistry:
F.L. Pilar, Elementary Quantum Chemistry, Dover Publications
I.N. Levine, Quantum Chemistry, Prentice Hall

Hartree-Fock in basis set representation:
A. Szabo and N. Ostlund, Modern Quantum Chemistry: Introduction to Advanced Electronic Structure Theory, McGraw-Hill

Textbooks on Computational Chemistry:
F. Jensen, Introduction to Computational Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons
C.J. Cramer, Essentials of Computational Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge in quantum mechanics (e.g. through course physical chemistry III - quantum mechanics) required
327-0613-00LComputer Applications: Finite Elements in Solids and Structures Information
The course will only take place if at least 7 students are enrolled.
W4 credits2V + 2UA. Gusev
AbstractTo introduce the Finite Element Method to the students with a general interest in the topic
ObjectiveTo introduce the Finite Element Method to the students with a general interest in the topic
ContentIntroduction; Energy formulations; Displacement finite elements; Solutions to the finite element equations; Linear elements; Convergence, compatibility and completeness; Higher order elements; Beam and frame elements, Plate and shell elements; Dynamics and vibration; Generalization of the Finite Element concepts (Galerkin-weighted residual and variational approaches)
Lecture notesAutographie
Literature- Astley R.J. Finite Elements in Solids and Structures, Chapman & Hill, 1992
- Zienkiewicz O.C., Taylor R.L. The Finite Element Method, 5th ed., vol. 1, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000
401-5940-00LSeminar in Chemistry for CSEW4 credits2SP. H. Hünenberger, M. Reiher
AbstractThe student will carry out a literature study on a topic of his or her liking or suggested by the supervisor in the area of computer simulation in chemistry, the results of which are to be presented both orally and in written form.

For more information: Link
Objective
Fluid Dynamics
One of the course units
151-0208-00L Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems
151-0212-00L Advanced CFD Methods
is compulsory.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
151-0208-00LComputational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer ProblemsO4 credits2V + 2UD. W. Meyer-Massetti
AbstractNumerical methods for the solution of flow, heat and mass transfer problems are presented and practised by analytical and computer solutions for simple examples.
Subjects: solution process, physical and mathematical models, basic equations, discretization methods, numerical solution of advection, diffusion and Poisson equations, turbulent flows.
ObjectiveKnowledge of and practical experience with important discretisation and solution methods for computational fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer problems
ContentAufbauend auf den Lehrveranstaltungen über Fluiddynamik, Thermodynamik, Computational Methods for Engineering Application I (empfehlenswertes Wahlfach, 4. Semester) und Informatik (Programmieren) werden numerische Methoden für Berechnungsaufgaben der Fluiddynamik, Energie- und Verfahrenstechnik dargestellt und an einfachen Beispielen geübt.

1. Einleitung
Übersicht, Anwendungen
Problemlösungsprozess, Fehler
2. Rekapitulation der Grundgleichungen
Formulierung, Anfangs- und Randbedingungen
3. Numerische Diskretisierungsverfahren
Finite-Differenzen- und Finite-Volumen-Verfahren
Grundbegriffe: Konsistenz, Stabilität, Konvergenz
4. Lösung der grundlegenden Gleichungstypen
Wärmeleitungs/Diffusionsgleichung (parabolisch)
Poisson-Gleichung (elliptisch)
Advektionsgleichung/Wellengleichung (hyperbolisch)
und Advektions-Diffusions-Gleichung
5. Berechnung inkompressibler Strömungen
6. Berechnung turbulenter Strömungen
Lecture notesLecture notes are available (in German)
Literaturea list of references is supplied
Prerequisites / NoticeIt is crucial to actively solve the analytical and practical (programming) exercises.
151-0212-00LAdvanced CFD MethodsW4 credits2V + 1UP. Jenny
AbstractFundamental and advanced numerical methods used in commercial and open-source CFD codes will be explained. The main focus is on numerical methods for conservation laws with discontinuities, which is relevant for trans- and hypersonic gas dynamics problems, but also CFD of incompressible flows, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo and the Lattice Boltzmann method are explained.
ObjectiveKnowing what's behind a state-of-the-art CFD code is not only important for developers, but also for users in order to choose the right methods and to achieve meaningful and accurate numerical results. Acquiring this knowledge is the main goal of this course.

Established numerical methods to solve the incompressible and compressible Navier-Stokes equations are explained, whereas the focus lies on finite volume methods for compressible flow simulations. In that context, first the main theory and then numerical schemes related to hyperbolic conservation laws are explained, whereas not only examples from fluid mechanics, but also simpler, yet illustrative ones are considered (e.g. Burgers and traffic flow equations). In addition, two less commonly used yet powerful approaches, i.e., the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and Lattice Boltzmann methods, are introduced.

For most exercises a C++ code will have to be modified and applied.
Content- Finite-difference vs. finite-element vs. finite-volume methods
- Basic approach to simulate incompressible flows
- Brief introduction to turbulence modeling
- Theory and numerical methods for compressible flow simulations
- Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC)
- Lattice Boltzmann method
Lecture notesPart of the course is based on the referenced books. In addition, the participants receive a manuscript and the slides.
Literature"Computational Fluid Dynamics" by H. K. Versteeg and W. Malalasekera.
"Finite Volume Methods for Hyperbolic Problems" by R. J. Leveque.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge in
- fluid dynamics
- numerical mathematics
- programming (programming language is not important, but C++ is of advantage)
151-0110-00LCompressible FlowsW4 credits2V + 1UJ.‑P. Kunsch
AbstractTopics: unsteady one-dimensional subsonic and supersonic flows, acoustics, sound propagation, supersonic flows with shocks and Prandtl-Meyer expansions, flow around slender bodies, shock tubes, reaction fronts (deflagration and detonation).
Mathematical tools: method of characteristics and selected numerical methods.
ObjectiveIllustration of compressible flow phenomena and introduction to the corresponding mathematical description methods.
ContentThe interaction of compressibility and inertia is responsible for wave generation in a fluid. The compressibility plays an important role for example in unsteady phenomena, such as oscillations in gas pipelines or exhaust pipes. Compressibility effects are also important in steady subsonic flows with high Mach numbers (M>0.3) and in supersonic flows (e.g. aeronautics, turbomachinery).
The first part of the lecture deals with wave propagation phenomena in one-dimensional subsonic and supersonic flows. The discussion includes waves with small amplitudes in an acoustic approximation and waves with large amplitudes with possible shock formation.
The second part deals with plane, steady supersonic flows. Slender bodies in a parallel flow are considered as small perturbations of the flow and can be treated by means of acoustic methods. The description of the two-dimensional supersonic flow around bodies with arbitrary shapes includes oblique shocks and Prandtl-Meyer expansions etc.. Various boundary conditions, which are imposed for example by walls or free-jet boundaries, and interactions, reflections etc. are taken into account.
Lecture notesnot available
Literaturea list of recommended textbooks is handed out at the beginning of the lecture.
Prerequisites / Noticeprerequisites: Fluiddynamics I and II
401-5950-00LSeminar in Fluid Dynamics for CSE Restricted registration - show details W4 credits2SP. Jenny, T. Rösgen
AbstractEnlarged knowledge and practical abilities in fundamentals and applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics
ObjectiveEnlarged knowledge and practical abilities in fundamentals and applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics
Prerequisites / NoticeContact Prof. P. Jenny or Prof. T. Rösgen before the beginning of the semester
Systems and Control
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
227-0216-00LControl Systems II Information W6 credits4GR. Smith
AbstractIntroduction to basic and advanced concepts of modern feedback control.
ObjectiveIntroduction to basic and advanced concepts of modern feedback control.
ContentThis course is designed as a direct continuation of the course "Regelsysteme" (Control Systems). The primary goal is to further familiarize students with various dynamic phenomena and their implications for the analysis and design of feedback controllers. Simplifying assumptions on the underlying plant that were made in the course "Regelsysteme" are relaxed, and advanced concepts and techniques that allow the treatment of typical industrial control problems are presented. Topics include control of systems with multiple inputs and outputs, control of uncertain systems (robustness issues), limits of achievable performance, and controller implementation issues.
Lecture notesThe slides of the lecture are available to download.
LiteratureSkogestad, Postlethwaite: Multivariable Feedback Control - Analysis and Design. Second Edition. John Wiley, 2005.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites:
Control Systems or equivalent
227-0224-00LStochastic Systems Information W4 credits2V + 1UF. Herzog
AbstractProbability. Stochastic processes. Stochastic differential equations. Ito. Kalman filters. St Stochastic optimal control. Applications in financial engineering.
ObjectiveStochastic dynamic systems. Optimal control and filtering of stochastic systems. Examples in technology and finance.
Content- Stochastic processes
- Stochastic calculus (Ito)
- Stochastic differential equations
- Discrete time stochastic difference equations
- Stochastic processes AR, MA, ARMA, ARMAX, GARCH
- Kalman filter
- Stochastic optimal control
- Applications in finance and engineering
Lecture notesH. P. Geering et al., Stochastic Systems, Measurement and Control Laboratory, 2007 and handouts
227-0207-00LNonlinear Systems and Control Information
Prerequisite: Control Systems (227-0103-00L)
W6 credits4GE. Gallestey Alvarez, P. F. Al Hokayem
AbstractIntroduce students to the area of nonlinear systems and their control. Familiarize them with tools for modelling and analysis of nonlinear systems. Provide an overview of the various nonlinear controller design methods.
ObjectiveOn completion of the course, students understand the difference between linear and nonlinear systems, know the the mathematical techniques for modeling and analysing these systems, and have learnt various methods for designing controllers for these systems.
Course puts the student in the position to deploy nonlinear control techniques in real applications. Theory and exercises are combined for better understanding of virtues and drawbacks in the different methods.
ContentVirtually all practical control problems are of nonlinear nature. In some cases the application of linear control methods will lead to satisfying controller performance. In many other cases however, only application of nonlinear analysis and synthesis methods will guarantee achievement of the desired objectives. During the past decades a number of mature nonlinear controller design methods have been developed and have proven themselves in applications. After an introduction of the basic methods for modelling and analysing nonlinear systems, these methods will be introduced together with a critical discussion of their pros and cons, and the students will be familiarized with the basic concepts of nonlinear control theory.

This course is designed as an introduction to the nonlinear control field and thus no prior knowledge of this area is required. The course builds, however, on a good knowledge of the basic concepts of linear control.
Lecture notesAn english manuscript will be made available on the course homepage during the course.
LiteratureH.K. Khalil: Nonlinear Systems, Prentice Hall, 2001.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Linear Control Systems, or equivalent.
401-4938-14LStochastic Optimal Control Information
Does not take place this semester.
W4 credits2VM. Soner
AbstractDynamic programming approach to stochastic optimal control problems will be developed. In addition to the general theory, detailed analysis of several important control problems will be given.
ObjectiveGoals are to achieve a deep understanding of

1. Dynamic programming approach to optimal control;
2. Several classes of important optimal control problems and their solutions.
3. To be able to use this models in engineering and economic modeling.
ContentIn this course, we develop the dynamic programming approach for the stochastic optimal control problems. The general approach will be described and several subclasses of problems will also be discussed in including:
1. Standard exit time problems;
2. Finite and infinite horizon problems;
3. Optimal stoping problems;
4. Singular problems;
5. Impulse control problems.

After the general theory is developed, it will be applied to several classical problems including:
1. Linear quadratic regulator;
2. Merton problem for optimal investment and consumption;
3. Optimal dividend problem of (Jeanblanc and Shiryayev);
4. Finite fuel problem;
5. Utility maximization with transaction costs;
6. A deterministic differential game related to geometric flows.

Textbook will be

Controlled Markov Processes and Viscosity Solutions, 2nd edition, (W.H. Fleming and H.M. Soner) Springer-Verlag, (2005).

And lecture notes will be provided.
LiteratureControlled Markov Processes and Viscosity Solutions, 2nd edition, (W.H. Fleming and H.M. Soner) Springer-Verlag, (2005).

And lecture notes will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of Brownian motion, stochastic differential equations and probability theory is needed.
401-5850-00LSeminar in Systems and Control for CSEW4 credits2SJ. Lygeros
AbstractCourse based on individual study. Short projects involving literature review, possibly simple research tasks.
ObjectiveIntroduce students to state of the art research in systems and control.
Robotics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
151-0854-00LAutonomous Mobile Robots Information W5 credits4GR. Siegwart, M. Chli, J. Nieto
AbstractThe objective of this course is to provide the basics required to develop autonomous mobile robots and systems. Main emphasis is put on mobile robot locomotion and kinematics, envionmen perception, and probabilistic environment modeling, localizatoin, mapping and navigation. Theory will be deepened by exercises with small mobile robots and discussed accross application examples.
ObjectiveThe objective of this course is to provide the basics required to develop autonomous mobile robots and systems. Main emphasis is put on mobile robot locomotion and kinematics, envionmen perception, and probabilistic environment modeling, localizatoin, mapping and navigation.
Lecture notesThis lecture is enhanced by around 30 small videos introducing the core topics, and multiple-choice questions for continuous self-evaluation. It is developed along the TORQUE (Tiny, Open-with-Restrictions courses focused on QUality and Effectiveness) concept, which is ETH's response to the popular MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) concept.
LiteratureThis lecture is based on the Textbook:
Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots
Roland Siegwart, Illah Nourbakhsh, Davide Scaramuzza, The MIT Press, Second Edition 2011, ISBN: 978-0262015356
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