Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

MAS in Sustainable Water Resources Information
The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS.
For further information please visit: http://www.mas-swr.ethz.ch/
Elective Courses
Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
101-0259-00LRiver RevitalizationW3 credits2GV. Weitbrecht, M. Detert, M. Koksch, C. Weber
AbstractChannel formation of alluvial rivers (regime width, planforms) is presented. Fluvial hydraulics and sediment transport theory are summarized. Principles of environmentally friendly hydraulic engineering are derived from river morphology. Special attention is given to the application to flood protection and river revitalization projects.
Learning objectiveThe main processes of alluvial river channel formation are presented. Fluvial hydraulics and sediment transport theories are summarized. From these elements basic principles of environmentally friendly hydraulic engineering are derived.
Lecture notesno lecture notes
Prerequisites / NoticeRiver Engineering (Lecture 101-0258-00L)
101-0278-00LFlood ProtectionW3 credits2GR. Boes, J. Eberli
AbstractConcepts and structural measures to prevent or mitigate flood damage, planning methods to implement projects in practice
Learning objectiveTo get to know processes leading to flood damage, the different concepts and structural measures allowing to prevent or mitigate flood damage, as well as promising practical planning methods to implement flood protection measures in practice.
ContentExplanation of relevant processes: flooding, aggradation, sedimentations, erosion, debris flows.
Concept of different objectives of protection for various land uses (from rural areas to industrial regions).
General possibilities of flood protection / control.
Land use planning on the basis of hazard zones.
Classical procedures against flood damage with the use of examples such as increase of flow capacity, release structures, flood detention basins, polder.
Property protection as continuative measure.
Maintenance.
Considering of overload case, Emergency procedures.
Damage determination and risk analysis.
Management of residual risk.
Conflict of objective during implementation of procedures.
Situatively adjusted approach.
Case studies (group work).
Field trip.
Lecture notesFlood protection script
LiteratureGuidelines of Swiss federal administration (especially Federal Office for the Environment, FOEN)
102-0838-00LWater Supply, Sanitation and Waste Infrastructure and Services in Developing CountriesW3 credits2GC. Zurbrügg
AbstractIntroduction to water supply, excreta, wastewater and solid waste management in developing countries. Highlights links between infrastructure, services and health, resource conservation and environmental protection. New concepts and approaches for sustainable sanitation infrastructure and services for developing countries - especially poor urban areas.
Learning objectiveStudents receive an introduction to issues of water supply, excreta, waste water and solid waste management in developing countries. They understand the connections between water, wastewater and waste management, health, resource conservation and environmental protection. Besides, they learn how water supply, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure and services can be combined and improved, in order to achieve the development policy goals in terms of disease prevention, resource conservation, and environmental protection.
ContentOverview of the global health situation, water supply, and liquid and solid waste management situation in developing countries. Technical and scientific fundamentals of water supply, sanitation and solid waste management. Material flows in water supply, sanitation and waste management. New concepts and approaches for sustainable sanitation infrastructure and services for developing countries - especially poor urban areas. Exercises: students will work in groups on a case study and develop improvement options for water, sanitation and waste management.
Lecture notesCourse notes and further reading will be made available on the ETHZ Moodle portal.
LiteratureThe selected literature references will be made available on Moodle.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents will work in groups on a case study and develop improvement options for water, sanitation and waste management. The case study work will be marked (1/3 of final grade). Written Semesterendprüfung of 90 min (counts for 2/3 of final grade)
363-0514-00LEnergy Economics and Policy
It is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example,"Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.
W3 credits2GM. Filippini
AbstractAn introduction to energy economics and policy that covers the following topics: energy demand, economics of energy efficiency, investments and cost analysis, energy markets (fossil fuels,electricity and renewable energy sources), market failures and behavioral anomalies, market-based and non-market based energy policy instruments and regulation of energy industries.
Learning objectiveThe students will develop the understanding of economic principles and tools necessary to analyze energy issues and to formulate energy policy instruments. Emphasis will be put on empirical analysis of energy demand and supply, market failures, behavioral anomalies, energy policy instruments, investments in power plants and in energy efficiency technologies and the reform of the electric power sector.
ContentThe course provides an introduction to energy economics principles and policy applications. The first part of the course will introduce the microeconomic foundation of energy demand and supply as well as market failures and behavioral anomalies. In a second part, we introduce the concept of investment analysis (such as the NPV), in the context of energy efficient investments. In the last part, we use the previously introduced concepts to analyze energy policies: from a government perspective, we discuss the mechanisms and implications of market oriented and non-market oriented policy instruments as well as the regulation of energy industries.

Throughout the entire class, we combine the course material with insights from current research in energy economics. This combination will enable students to understand standard scientific literature in the field of energy economics. Moreover, the class aims to show students how to put real life situations in the energy sector in the context of insights from energy economics.

During the first part of the course a set of environmental and resource economics tools will be given to students through lectures. The applied nature of the course is achieved by discussing several papers in a seminar. To this respect, students are required to work in groups in order to prepare a presentation of a paper.

The evaluation policy is designed to verify the knowledge acquired by students during the course. For this purpose, a short group presentation will be graded. At the end of the course there will be a written exam covering the topics of the course. The final grade is obtained by averaging the presentation (20%) and the final exam (80%).
Prerequisites / NoticeIt is recommended for students to have taken a course in introductory microeconomics. If not, they should be familiar with microeconomics as in, for example, "Microeconomics" by Mankiw & Taylor and the appendices 4 and 7 of the book "Microeconomics" by Pindyck & Rubinfeld.
401-6624-11LApplied Time SeriesW5 credits2V + 1UM. Dettling
AbstractThe course starts with an introduction to time series analysis (examples, goal, mathematical notation). In the following, descriptive techniques, modeling and prediction as well as advanced topics will be covered.
Learning objectiveGetting to know the mathematical properties of time series, as well as the requirements, descriptive techniques, models, advanced methods and software that are necessary such that the student can independently run an applied time series analysis.
ContentThe course starts with an introduction to time series analysis that comprises of examples and goals. We continue with notation and descriptive analysis of time series. A major part of the course will be dedicated to modeling and forecasting of time series using the flexible class of ARMA models. More advanced topics that will be covered in the following are time series regression, state space models and spectral analysis.
Lecture notesA script will be available.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course starts with an introduction to time series analysis that comprises of examples and goals. We continue with notation and descriptive analysis of time series. A major part of the course will be dedicated to modeling and forecasting of time series using the flexible class of ARMA models. More advanced topics that will be covered in the following are time series regression, state space models and spectral analysis.
651-1504-00LSnowcover: Physics and ModellingW4 credits3GM. Schneebeli, H. Löwe
AbstractSnow is a fascinating high-temperature material and relevant for applications in glaciology, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, polar climatology, remote sensing and natural hazards. This course introduces key concepts and underlying physical principles of snow, ranging from individual crystals to polar ice sheets.
Learning objectiveThe course aims at a cross-disciplinary overview about the phenomenology of relevant processes in the snow cover, traditional and advanced experimental methods for snow measurements and theoretical foundations with key equations required for snow modeling. Tutorials and short presentations will also consider the bigger picture of snow physics with respect to climatology, hydrology and earth science.
ContentThe lectures will treat snow formation, crystal growth, snow microstructure, metamorphism, ice physics, snow mechanics, heat and mass transport in the snowcover, surface energy balance, snow models, wind transport, snow chemistry, electromagnetic properties, experimental techniques.

The tutorials include a demonstration/exercise part and a presentation part. The demonstration/exercise part consolidates key subjects of the lecture by means of small data sets, mathematical toy models, order of magnitude estimates, image analysis and visualization, small simulation examples, etc. The presentation part comprises short presentations (about 15 min) based on selected papers in the subject.

First practical experience with modern methods measuring snow properties can be acquired in a field excursion.
Lecture notesLecture notes and selected publications.
Prerequisites / NoticeWe strongly recommend the field excursion to Davos on Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Davos. We will demonstrate traditional and modern field-techniques (snow profile, Near-infrared photography, SnowMicroPen) and you will have the chance to use the instruments yourself. The excursion includes a visit of the SLF cold laboratories with the micro-tomography setup and the snowmaker.
651-4095-01LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 1 Information Restricted registration - show details W1 credit1KC. Schär, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, H. Joos, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, S. I. Seneviratne, K. Steffen, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Learning objective-get insight into ongoing research in different fields related to atmospheric and climate science
ContentThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Prerequisites / NoticeTo acquire credit points for this colloquium, please confirm your attendance of 8 colloquia per semester by using the form which is provided at the course webpage.
651-4095-02LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 2 Information Restricted registration - show details W1 credit1KC. Schär, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, H. Joos, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, S. I. Seneviratne, K. Steffen, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Learning objective-get insight into ongoing research in different fields related to atmospheric and climate sciences
Prerequisites / NoticeTo acquire credit points for this colloquium, please confirm your attendance of 8 colloquia per semester by using the form which is provided at the course webpage.
651-4095-03LColloquium Atmosphere and Climate 3 Information Restricted registration - show details W1 credit1KC. Schär, H. Wernli, D. N. Bresch, D. Domeisen, N. Gruber, H. Joos, R. Knutti, U. Lohmann, T. Peter, S. I. Seneviratne, K. Steffen, M. Wild
AbstractThe colloquium is a series of scientific talks by prominent invited speakers assembling interested students and researchers from around Zürich. Students take part of the scientific discussions.
Learning objective-get insight into ongoing research in different fields related to atmospheric and climate sciences
Prerequisites / NoticeTo acquire credit points for this colloquium, please confirm your attendance of 8 colloquia per semester by using the form which is provided at the course webpage.
701-1226-00LInter-Annual Phenomena and Their Prediction Information W2 credits2GC. Appenzeller
AbstractThis course provides an overview of the current ability to understand and predict intra-seasonal and inter-annual climate variability in the tropical and extra-tropical region and provides insights on how operational weather and climate services are organized.
Learning objectiveStudents will acquire an understanding of the key atmosphere and ocean processes involved, will gain experience in analyzing and predicting sub-seasonal to inter-annual variability and learn how operational weather and climate services are organised and how scientific developments can improve these services.
ContentThe course covers the following topics:

Part 1:
- Introduction, some basic concepts and examples of sub-seasonal and inter-annual variability
- Weather and climate data and the statistical concepts used for analysing inter-annual variability (e.g. correlation analysis, teleconnection maps, EOF analysis)

Part 2:
- Inter-annual variability in the tropical region (e.g. ENSO, MJO)
- Inter-annual variability in the extra-tropical region (e.g. Blocking, NAO, PNA, regimes)

Part 3:
- Prediction of inter-annual variability (statistical methods, ensemble prediction systems, monthly and seasonal forecasts, seamless forecasts)
- Verification and interpretation of probabilistic forecast systems
- Climate change and inter-annual variability

Part 4:
- Scientific challenges for operational weather and climate services
- A visit to the forecasting centre of MeteoSwiss
Lecture notesA pdf version of the slides will be available at
http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/interannual-phenomena.html
LiteratureReferences are given during the lecture.
701-1232-00LRadiation and Climate ChangeW3 credits2GM. Wild
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.
Learning objectiveThe aim of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental role of radiation in the context of Earth's energy balance and 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
701-1252-00LClimate Change Uncertainty and Risk: From Probabilistic Forecasts to Economics of Climate Adaptation Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2V + 1UD. N. Bresch, R. Knutti
AbstractThe course introduces the concepts of predictability, probability, uncertainty and probabilistic risk modelling and their application to climate modeling and the economics of climate adaptation.
Learning objectiveStudents will acquire knowledge in uncertainty and risk quantification (probabilistic modelling) and an understanding of the economics of climate adaptation. They will become able to construct their own uncertainty and risk assessment models (in Python), hence basic understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course.
ContentThe first part of the course covers methods to quantify uncertainty in detecting and attributing human influence on climate change and to generate probabilistic climate change projections on global to regional scales. Model evaluation, calibration and structural error are discussed. In the second part, quantification of risks associated with local climate impacts and the economics of different baskets of climate adaptation options are assessed – leading to informed decisions to optimally allocate resources. Such pre-emptive risk management allows evaluating a mix of prevention, preparation, response, recovery, and (financial) risk transfer actions, resulting in an optimal balance of public and private contributions to risk management, aiming at a more resilient society.
The course provides an introduction to the following themes:
1) basics of probabilistic modelling and quantification of uncertainty from global climate change to local impacts of extreme events
2) methods to optimize and constrain model parameters using observations
3) risk management from identification (perception) and understanding (assessment, modelling) to actions (prevention, preparation, response, recovery, risk transfer)
4) basics of economic evaluation, economic decision making in the presence of climate risks and pre-emptive risk management to optimally allocate resources
Lecture notesPowerpoint slides will be made available.
LiteratureMany papers for in-depth study will be referred to during the lecture.
Prerequisites / NoticeHands-on experience with probabilistic climate models and risk models will be acquired in the tutorials; hence good understanding of scientific programming forms a prerequisite of the course, in Python (teaching language, object oriented) or similar. Basic understanding of the climate system, e.g. as covered in the course 'Klimasysteme' is required.

Examination: graded tutorials during the semester (benotete Semesterleistung)
701-1260-00LClimatological and Hydrological Field Work Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W2.5 credits5PD. Michel, L. Gudmundsson
AbstractPractical work using selected measurement techniques in meteorology and hydrology. The course consists of field work with different measuring systems to determine turbulence, radiation, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, discharge and the atmospheric state as well as of data analysis.
Learning objectiveLearning of elementary concepts and practical experience with meteorological and hydrological measuring systems as well as data analysis.
ContentPractical work using selected measurement techniques in meteorology and hydrology. The course consists of field work with different measuring systems to determine turbulence, radiation, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, discharge and the atmospheric state as well as of data analysis.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course takes place in the hydrological research catchment Rietholzbach (field work) and at ETH (data analysis) as a block course.
701-1342-00LAgriculture and Water Quality
Does not take place this semester.
W3 credits3GC. H. Stamm, E. Frossard, W. Richner, H. Singer
AbstractLinking scientific basics of different disciplines (agronomy, soil science, aquatic chemistry) with practical questions in the context of real-world problems of diffuse pollution due to agricultural production.
Learning objectiveThis course discusses the application of scientific understanding in the context of real-world situations of diffuse pollution caused by agricultural production. It aims at understanding the relevant processes, analysing diffuse pollution and developing mitigation strategies starting from legal requirements regarding water quality.
Content- Diversity of diffuse agrochemical pollution
- Agronomic background on the use of agrochemicals
- Transport of agrochemicals from soils to water bodies
- Development of legal requirements for water quality
- Monitoring strategies in water bodies
- Mitigation strategies

- Exercises including all major topics
- 1 field excursion
Lecture notesHandouts will be provided including reference list for each topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeSome exercises require R (http://www.r-project.org/) and a laptop during the class.
701-1522-00LMulti-Criteria Decision Analysis Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.
W3 credits2GJ. Lienert
AbstractThis introduction to "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis" (MCDA) combines prescriptive Decision Theory (MAVT, MAUT) with practical application and computer-based decision support systems. Aspects of descriptive Decision Theory (psychology) are introduced. Participants apply the theory to an environmental decision problem (group work).
Learning objectiveThe main objective is to learn the theory of "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT) and apply it step-by-step using an environmental decision problem. The participants learn how to structure complex decision problems and break them down into manageable parts. An important aim is to integrate the goals and preferences of different decision makers. The participants will practice how to elicit subjective (personal) preferences from decision makers with structured interviews. They should have an understanding of people's limitations to decision-making, based on insights from descriptive Decision Theory. They will use formal computer-based tools to integrate "objective / scientific" data with "subjective / personal" preferences to find consensus solutions that are acceptable to different decision makers.
ContentGENERAL DESCRIPTION
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is an umbrella term for a set of methods to structure, formalize, and analyze complex decision problems involving multiple objectives (aims, criteria), many different alternatives (options, choices), and different actors which may have conflicting preferences. Uncertainty (e.g., of the future or of environmental data) adds to the complexity of environmental decisions. MCDA helps to make decision problems more transparent and guides decision makers into making rational choices. Today, MCDA-methods are being applied in many complex decision situations. This class is designed for participants interested in transdisciplinary approaches that help to better understand real-world decision problems and that contribute to finding sustainable solutions. The course focuses on "Multi-Attribute Value Theory" (MAVT) and "Multi-Attribute Utility Theory" (MAUT). It also gives a short introduction to behavioral Decision Theory, the psychological field of decision-making.

STRUCTURE
The course consists of a combination of lectures, exercises in the class, exercises in small groups, reading, and one mandatory exam. Some exercises are computer assisted, applying MCDA software. The participants will choose an environmental case study to work on in small groups throughout the semester. Additional reading from the textbook Eisenführ et al. (2010) is required.

GRADING
There will be one written examination at the end of the course that covers the important theory (50 % of final grade). The group work consists of two written reports (50 %).
Lecture notesNo script (see below)
LiteratureThe course is based on: Eisenführ, Franz; Weber, Martin; and Langer, Thomas (2010) Rational Decision Making. 1st edition, 447 p., Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-02850-2.

Additional reading material will be recommended during the course. Lecture slides will be made available for download.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course requires some understanding of (basic) mathematics. The "formal" parts are not too complicated and we will guide students through the mathematical applications and use of software.

The course is limited to 25 participants (first come, first served).
701-1653-00LPolicy and Economics of Ecosystem ServicesW3 credits2GR. Garrett, A. Müller
AbstractThe course addresses ecosystem services, their value for society, the causes of their degradation, the stakeholders involved in their provision and use, and policies to reduce their degradation. One focus is on environmental economics approaches, highlighting their potential and limitations. During the spring of 2020 this course will focus on these issues through the case of the Brazilian Amazon.
Learning objectiveStudents can describe, analyse and explain
• the basic concepts used to describe ecosystem services provision and management;
• the basic social and natural science theory underlying ecosystem service degradation,
• the role and characteristics of different key stakeholders involved in ecosystem services management, including their different value systems;
• the different types of policy instruments and institutional arrangements that can be used for improved ecosystem services management and provision; and
• empirical tools to assess the performance of various policy instruments and management systems for ecosystem services provision, and to investigate the factors of success or failure of different policy instruments
ContentMany of the world's ecosystem services are being degraded or used unsustainably, which has considerable impacts on human well-being. Various aspects need to be taken into account to change this development, to work towards improved ecosystem services management and to design appropriate policy instruments and institutional contexts. First, the societal value of different ecosystem services and the trade-offs between them needs to be assessed. Second, an assessment of the causes of excessive ecosystem services degradation is needed. Potential causes include the presence of externalities and public goods, improperly designed property rights systems, divergence of private and social discount rates, and lack of information and knowledge. Third, we need to understand the drivers of human decision-making in relation to ecosystem services use. Fourth, choosing an appropriate policy instrument (or a combination thereof) requires an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different instruments, their preconditions for success and the political economy of their implementation.
Finally, it is important to assess the actual impacts of different policy and management options. This requires a careful assessment of appropriate baselines, of the situation after a policy or management change, and of the various stakeholder groups involved, etc. To address all these issues, we will first work with some broad conceptual issues and theories relevant to this field and then deepen our understanding through reading, presentations, and assignments focused on the case of the Brazilian Amazon.
Lecture notesLecture notes, homework exercises and readings will be made available on Moodle.
LiteratureThere is no single textbook for this class. Instead, a number of texts will be distributed and used during the lecture, and some texts for further reading will be indicated.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course consists of a combination of lectures, homework assignments and discussions in small groups. The final grade will be based on the homework assignments, class participation, and a group project.
A prerequisite for this course is a bachelor-level course in Environmental Economics (e.g. 363-0537-00L Resource and Environmental Economics) or Quantitative Policy Analysis and Management. In particular, students are expected to be familiar with basic environmental economics' concepts such as externality, public good, market failure, opportunity cost, social optimum and market equilibrium, the basic types of policy instruments, and methods of policy analysis. Students with no background in environmental economics or policy analysis will be expected to come up to the required standards on their own, prior to starting the class.
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