Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
MAS in Sustainable Water Resources 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/
Foundation Courses
102-0287-00L	Fluvial Systems	W	3 credits	2G	P. Molnar
Abstract	The course presents a view of the catchment processes of sediment production and transport that shape the landscape. Focus is on sediment fluxes from sources on hillslopes to the river network. Students learn about how a fluvial system functions, how to identify sediment sources and sinks, how to make predictions with numerical models, develop sediment budgets, and quantify geomorphic change.
Learning objective	The course has two fundamental aims: (1) The first aim is to provide environmental engineers with the physical process basis needed to understand fluvial system change, using the right language and terminology to describe landforms. We will cover the main geomorphic concepts of landscape change, e.g. thresholds, equilibrium, criticality, to describe change. Students will learn about the importance of the concepts of connectivity and timescales of change. (2) The second aim is to provide quantitative skills in making simple and more complex predictions of change and the data and models required. We will learn about typical landscape evolution models, and about hillslope erosion model concepts like RUSLE. We will learn how to identify sediment sources and sinks, and develop simple sediment budgets with the right data needed for this purpose. Finally we will learn about methods to describe the topology of river networks as conduits of sediment through the fluvial system.
Content	The course consists of four sections: (1) Introduction to fluvial forms and processes and geomorphic concepts of landscape change, including climatic and human activities acting on the system. Concepts like thresholds, equilibrium, self-organised criticality, etc. are presented. (2) Landscape evolution modelling as a tool for describing the shape of the land surface. Soil formation and sediment production at long timescales. (3) The processes of sediment production, upland sheet-rill-gully erosion, basin sediment yield, rainfall-triggered landsliding, sediment budgets, and the modelling of the individual processes involved. Here we combine model concepts with field observations and look at many examples. (4) Processes in the river, floodplain and riparian zone, including river network topology, channel geometry, aquatic habitat, role of riparian vegetation, including basics of fluvial system management. The main focus of the course is on the hydrology-sediment connections at the field and catchment scale.
Lecture notes	There is no script.
Literature	The course materials consist of a series of 13 lecture presentations and notes to each lecture. The lectures were developed from textbooks, professional papers, and ongoing research activities of the instructor. All material is on the course webpage.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisites: Basic Hydrology and Watershed Modelling (or contact instructor).
101-0267-01L	Numerical Hydraulics	W	3 credits	2G	M. Holzner
Abstract	In the course Numerical Hydraulics the basics of numerical modelling of flows are presented.
Learning objective	The goal of the course is to develop the understanding of the students for numerical simulation of flows to an extent that they can later use commercial software in a responsible and critical way.
Content	The basic equations are derived from first principles. Possible simplifications relevant for practical problems are shown and their applicability is discussed. Using the example of non-steady state pipe flow numerical methods such as the method of characteristics and finite difference methods are introduced. The finite volume method as well as the method of characteristics are used for the solution of the shallow water equations. Special aspects such as wave propagation and turbulence modelling are also treated. All methods discussed are applied pratically in exercises. This is done using programs in MATLAB which partially are programmed by the students themselves. Further, some generelly available softwares such as BASEMENT for non-steady shallow water flows are used.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes, powerpoints shown in the lecture and programs used can be downloaded. They are also available in German.
Literature	Given in lecture
102-0227-00L	Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling in Urban Water Management Number of participants limited to 50.	W	6 credits	4G	E. Morgenroth, M. Maurer
Abstract	Systematic introduction of material balances, transport processes, kinetics, stoichiometry and conservation. Ideal reactors, residence time distribution, heterogeneous systems, dynamic response of reactors. Parameter identification, local sensitivity, error propagation, Monte Carlo simulation. Introduction to real time control (PID controllers). Extensive coding of examples in Berkeley Madonna.
Learning objective	The goal of this course is to provide the students with an understanding and the tools to develop their own mathematical models, to plan experiments, to evaluate error propagation and to test simple process control strategies in the field of process engineering in urban water management.
Content	The course will provide a broad introduction into the fundamentals of modeling water treatment systems. The topics are: - Introduction into modeling and simulation - The material balance equations, transport processes, transformation processes (kinetics, stoichiometry, conservation) - Ideal reactors - Hydraulic residence time distribution and modeling of real reactors - Dynamic behavior of reactor systems - Systems analytical tools: Sensitivity, parameter identification, error propagation, Monte Carlo simulation - Introduction to process control (PID controller, fuzzy control)
Lecture notes	Copies of overheads will be made available.
Literature	There will be a required textbook that students need to purchase: Willi Gujer (2008): Systems Analysis for Water Technology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg
Prerequisites / Notice	Studends should have a general understanding of urban water management as many examples are taken from processes relevant to related systems. This course is offered in parallel with the course Process Engineering Ia. It is beneficial but not necesssary to follow both courses simultaneously.
102-0217-00L	Process Engineering Ia	W	3 credits	2G	E. Morgenroth
Abstract	Biological processes used in wastewater treatment, organic waste management, biological resource recovery. Focus on fundamental principles of biological processes and process design based on kinetic and stoichiometric principles. Processes include anaerobic digestion for biogas production and aerobic wastewater treatment.
Learning objective	Students should be able to evaluate and design biological processes. Develop simple mathematical models to simulate treatment processes.
Content	Stoichiometry Microbial transformation processes Introduction to design and modeling of activated sludge processes Anaerobic processes, industrial applications, sludge stabilization
Lecture notes	Copies of overheads will be made available.
Literature	There will be a required textbook that students need to purchase (see http://www.sww.ifu.ethz.ch/education/lectures/process-engineering-ia.html for further information).
Prerequisites / Notice	For detailed information on prerequisites and information needed from Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling the student should consult the lecture program and important information (syllabus) of Process Engineering Ia that can be downloaded at http://www.sww.ifu.ethz.ch/education/lectures/process-engineering-ia.html
102-0617-00L	Basics and Principles of Radar Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications	W	3 credits	2G	I. Hajnsek
Abstract	The course will provide the basics and principles of Radar Remote Sensing (specifically Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)) and its imaging techniques for the use of environmental parameter estimation.
Learning objective	The course should provide an understanding of SAR techniques and the use of the imaging tools for bio/geophysical parameter estimation. At the end of the course the student has the understanding of 1. SAR basics and principles, 2. SAR polarimetry, 3. SAR interferometry and 4. environmental parameter estimation from multi-parametric SAR data
Content	The course is giving an introduction into SAR techniques, the interpretation of SAR imaging responses and the use of SAR for different environmental applications. The outline of the course is the following: 1. Introduction into SAR basics and principles 2. Introduction into electromagnetic wave theory 3. Introduction into scattering theory and decomposition techniques 4. Introduction into SAR interferometry 5. Introduction into polarimetric SAR interferometry 6. Introduction into bio/geophysical parameter estimation (classification/segmentation, soil moisture estimation, earth quake and volcano monitoring, forest height inversion, wood biomass estimation etc.)
Lecture notes	Handouts for each topic will be provided
Literature	First readings for the course: Woodhouse, I. H., Introduction into Microwave Remote Sensing, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2006. Lee, J.-S., Pottier, E., Polarimetric Radar Imaging: From Basics to Applications, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. Complete literature listing will be provided during the course.
102-0215-00L	Urban Water Management II	W	4 credits	2G	M. Maurer, P. Staufer
Abstract	Technical networks in urban water engineering. Water supply: Optimization, water hammer, corrosion and hygiene. Urban drainage: Urban hydrology, non stationary flow, pollutant transport, infiltration of rainwater, wet weather pollution control. General planning, organisation and operation of regional drainage systems.
Learning objective	Consolidation of the basic procedures for design and operation of technical networks in water engineering.
Content	Demand Side Management versus Supply Side Management Optimierung von Wasserverteilnetzen Druckstösse Kalkausfällung, Korrosion von Leitungen Hygiene in Verteilsystemen Siedlungshydrologie: Niederschlag, Abflussbildung Instationäre Strömungen in Kanalisationen Stofftransport in der Kanalisation Einleitbedingungen bei Regenwetter Versickerung von Regenwasser Generelle Entwässerungsplanung (GEP)
Lecture notes	Written material and copies of the overheads will be available.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisite: Introduction to Urban Water Management
701-1253-00L	Analysis of Climate and Weather Data	W	3 credits	2G	C. Frei
Abstract	An introduction into methods of statistical data analysis in meteorology and climatology. Applications of hypothesis testing, extreme value analysis, evaluation of deterministic and probabilistic predictions, principal component analysis. Participants understand the theoretical concepts and purpose of methods, can apply them independently and know how to interpret results professionally.
Learning objective	Students understand the theoretical foundations and probabilistic concepts of advanced analysis tools in meteorology and climatology. They can conduct such analyses independently, and they develop an attitude of scrutiny and an awareness of uncertainty when interpreting results. Participants improve skills in understanding technical literature that uses modern statistical data analyses.
Content	The course introduces several advanced methods of statistical data analysis frequently used in meteorology and climatology. It introduces the thoretical background of the methods, illustrates their application with example datasets, and discusses complications from assumptions and uncertainties. Generally, the course shall empower students to conduct data analysis thoughtfully and to interprete results critically. Topics covered: exploratory methods, hypothesis testing, analysis of climate trends, measuring the skill of deterministic and probabilistic predictions, analysis of extremes, principal component analysis and maximum covariance analysis. The course is divided into lectures and computer workshops. Hands-on experimentation with example data shall encourage students in the practical application of methods and train professional interpretation of results. R (a free software environment for statistical computing) will be used during the workshop. A short introduction into R will be provided during the course.
Lecture notes	Documentation and supporting material: - slides used during the lecture - excercise sets and solutions - R-packages with software and example datasets for workshop sessions All material is made available via the lecture web-page.
Literature	For complementary reading: - Wilks D.S., 2011: Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Science. (3rd edition). Academic Press Inc., Elsevier LTD (Oxford) - Coles S., 2001: An introduction to statistical modeling of extreme values. Springer, London. 208 pp.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisites: Basics in exploratory data analysis, probability calculus and statistics (incl linear regression) (e.g. Mathematik IV: Statistik (401-0624-00L) and Mathematik VI: Angewandte Statistik für Umweltnaturwissenschaften (701-0105-00L)). Some experience in programming (ideally in R). Some elementary background in atmospheric physics and climatology.
651-4031-00L	Geographic Information Systems	W	3 credits	4G	A. Baltensweiler, M. Hägeli-Golay
Abstract	Introduction to the architecture and data processing capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS). Practical application of spatial data modeling and geoprocessing functions to a selected project from the earth sciences.
Learning objective	Knowledge of the basic architecture and spatial data handling capabilities of geographic information systems.
Content	Theoretical introduction to the architecture, modules, spatial data types and spatial data handling functions of geographic information systems (GIS). Application of data modeling principles and geoprocessing capabilities using ArcGIS: Data design and modeling, data acquisition, data integration, spatial analysis of vector and raster data, particular functions for digital terrain modeling and hydrology, map generation and 3D-visualization.
Lecture notes	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Tutorial: Introduction to ArcGIS Desktop
Literature	Longley, P. A., M. F. Goodchild, D. J. Maguire, and D. W. Rhind (2015): Geographic Information Systems and Science. Fourth Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England. DeMers, M. N. (2009): Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J., USA.
102-0468-10L	Watershed Modelling	W	6 credits	4G	P. Molnar, N. Peleg
Abstract	Watershed Modelling is a practical course on numerical water balance models for a range of catchment-scale water resource applications. The course covers GIS use in watershed analysis, models types from conceptual to physically-based, parameter calibration and model validation, and analysis of uncertainty. The course combines theory (lectures) with a series of practical tasks (exercises).
Learning objective	The main aim of the course is to provide practical training with watershed models for environmental engineers. The course is built on thematic lectures (2 hrs a week) and practical exercises (2 hrs a week). Theory and concepts in the lectures are underpinned by many examples from scientific studies. A comprehensive exercise block builds on the lectures with a series of 5 practical tasks to be conducted during the semester in group work. Exercise hours during the week focus on explanation of the tasks. The course is evaluated 50% by performance in the graded exercises and 50% by a semester-end oral examination (30 mins) on watershed modelling concepts.
Content	The first part (A) of the course is on watershed properties analysed from DEMs, and on global sources of hydrological data for modelling applications. Here students learn about GIS applications (ArcGIS, Q-GIS) in hydrology - flow direction routines, catchment morphometry, extracting river networks, and defining hydrological response units. In the second part (B) of the course on conceptual watershed models students build their own simple bucket model (Matlab, Python), they learn about performance measures in modelling, how to calibrate the parameters and how to validate models, about methods to simulate stochastic climate to drive models, uncertainty analysis. The third part (C) of the course is focussed on physically-based model components. Here students learn about components for soil water fluxes and evapotranspiration, they practice with a fully-distributed physically-based model Topkapi-ETH, and learn about other similar models. They apply Topkapi-ETH to an alpine catchment and study simulated discharge, snow, soil moisture and evapotranspiration spatial patterns. The final part (D) of the course provides open classroom discussion and simulation of a round-table discussion between modellers and clients about using watershed models in a case study.
Lecture notes	There is no textbook. Learning materials consist of (a) video-recording of lectures; (b) lecture presentations; and (c) exercise task documents that allow independent work.
Literature	Literature consist of collections from standard hydrological textbooks and research papers, collected by the instructors on the course moodle page.
Prerequisites / Notice	Basic Hydrology in Bachelor Studies (engineering, environmental sciences, earth sciences). Basic knowledge of Matlab (Python), ArcGIS (Q-GIS).

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