Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Physics Bachelor Information
Additional Courses, Seminars and Colloquia
Seminars and Colloquia
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
227-0980-00LSeminar on Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Information E-0 credits1SK. P. Prüssmann, S. Kozerke, M. Weiger Senften
AbstractCurrent developments and problems of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
ObjectiveGetting insight into advanced topics in magnetic resonance imaging
227-1043-00LNeuroinformatics - Colloquia (University of Zurich)
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH as an incoming student.
UZH Module Code: INI701

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
Link
E-0 credits1KS.‑C. Liu, R. Hahnloser, V. Mante
AbstractThe colloquium in Neuroinformatics is a series of lectures given by invited experts. The lecture topics reflect the current themes in neurobiology and neuromorphic engineering that are relevant for our Institute.
ObjectiveThe goal of these talks is to provide insight into recent research results. The talks are not meant for the general public, but really aimed at specialists in the field.
ContentThe topics depend heavily on the invited speakers, and thus change from week to week.
All topics concern neural computation and their implementation in biological or artificial systems.
402-0396-00LRecent Research Highlights in Astrophysics (University of Zurich)
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH as an incoming student.
UZH Module Code: AST006

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
Link
E-0 credits1SUniversity lecturers
AbstractResearch colloquium
Objective
Selection of Higher Semester Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
» Electives (Physics Master)
402-0811-00LProgramming Techniques for Scientific Simulations IW5 credits4GR. Käppeli
AbstractThis lecture provides an overview of programming techniques for scientific simulations. The focus is on basic and advanced C++ programming techniques and scientific software libraries. Based on an overview over the hardware components of PCs and supercomputer, optimization methods for scientific simulation codes are explained.
ObjectiveThe goal of the course is that students learn basic and advanced programming techniques and scientific software libraries as used and applied for scientific simulations.
402-0713-00LAstro-Particle Physics I Information W6 credits2V + 1UA. Biland
AbstractThis lecture gives an overview of the present research in the field of Astro-Particle Physics, including the different experimental techniques. In the first semester, main topics are the charged cosmic rays including the antimatter problem. The second semester focuses on the neutral components of the cosmic rays as well as on some aspects of Dark Matter.
ObjectiveSuccessful students know:
- experimental methods to measure cosmic ray particles over full energy range
- current knowledge about the composition of cosmic ray
- possible cosmic acceleration mechanisms
- correlation between astronomical object classes and cosmic accelerators
- information about our galaxy and cosmology gained from observations of cosmic ray
ContentFirst semester (Astro-Particle Physics I):
- definition of 'Astro-Particle Physics'
- important historical experiments
- chemical composition of the cosmic rays
- direct observations of cosmic rays
- indirect observations of cosmic rays
- 'extended air showers' and 'cosmic muons'
- 'knee' and 'ankle' in the energy spectrum
- the 'anti-matter problem' and the Big Bang
- 'cosmic accelerators'
Lecture notesSee lecture home page: Link
LiteratureSee lecture home page: Link
402-0737-00LEnergy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)W6 credits2V + 1UP. Morf
Abstract
ObjectiveWhy is energy important for life and our society?
How did energy use change over time? Which effects did these changes have on the environment?
What are the physical basics of energy technologies?
When, why and how did technology and science of energy come together?
What are the limits and benefits of all the various energy technologies?
How can different energy technologies be compared?
Can we understand the changes in the current energy systems?
How will the energy systems of the future look like?
How fast can we and should we alter the current energy transition?
Which could be the overall guide lines for a working energy system of the future?
ContentPhysical basics of energy, thermodynamics and life. Introduction to self-organisation, and systems.
Energy and making use of it - a short history and overview on energy technologies
Coal, oil and natural gas – fossil fuels
Hydro, Wind- & Solarpower (Geothermal- and Tidal power) – the quest for renewable energy
Nuclear power, radioactivity and ultimate storage – the quest for a safe technology
Breeding and Nuclear Fusion – can it work at all?
Energy storage – available technologies and a technology outlook
Climate change, decarbonisation – how much time do we have?
Energy efficiency, recycling and other resource conservation measures
Energy systems – how everything can play together
Buildings and Mobility – new technologies, new Ways of life?
Life cycle assessment of Energy Technologies – problems and possibilities
Economics of energy, learning curves, technology assessments and Innovation.
The energy transition and decarbonisation – How is your 2040, 2050?
Lecture notesWeb page:
Link
LiteratureThe Physics of Energy, R.L. Jaffe, W. Taylor, 2018
Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation, T. Seba 2014
Energy and Civilization: A History, V. Smil, 2018
Renewable Energy – Without the Hot Air, D.J.c. Mackay 2009
Prerequisites / NoticeBasics of Physics applied to Energy and Energy Technology.
Investigation on current problems (and possible solutions)
related to the energy system and the environmental interactions.
Training of scientific and multi-disciplinary methods, approaches and their limits in the exercises and discussions.
402-0461-00LQuantum Information TheoryW8 credits3V + 1UP. Kammerlander
AbstractThe goal of this course is to introduce the concepts and methods of quantum information theory. It starts with an introduction to the mathematical theory of quantum systems and then discusses the basic information-theoretic aspects of quantum mechanics. Further topics include applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum coding theory.
ObjectiveBy the end of the course students are able to explain the basic mathematical formalism (e.g. states, channels) and the tools (e.g. entropy, distinguishability) of quantum information theory. They are able to adapt and apply these concepts and methods to analytically solve quantum information-processing problems primarily related to communication and cryptography.
ContentMathematical formulation of quantum theory: entanglement, density operators, quantum channels and their representations. Basic tools of quantum information theory: distinguishability of states and channels, formulation as semidefinite programs, entropy and its properties.
Applications of the concepts and tools: communication of classical or quantum information over noisy channels, quantitative uncertainty relations, randomness generation, entanglement distillation, security of quantum cryptography.
Lecture notesDistributed via moodle.
LiteratureNielsen and Chuang, Quantum Information and Computation
Preskill, Lecture Notes on Quantum Computation
Wilde, Quantum Information Theory
Watrous, The Theory of Quantum Information
402-0580-00LSuperconductivityW6 credits2V + 1UV. Geshkenbein
AbstractSuperconductivity: thermodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry breaking, flux quantization, type I and II superconductors; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, quasiparticle spectrum, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields. Josephson effect: superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) and other applications.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the most important concepts of superconductivity both on phenomenological and microscopic level, including experimental and theoretical aspects.
ContentThis lecture course provides an introduction to superconductivity, covering both experimental as well as theoretical aspects. The following topics are covered:
Basic phenomena of superconductivity: thermodynamics, electrodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry breaking, flux quantization, properties of type I and II superconductors; mixed phase; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, coherent state, quasiparticle spectrum, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields; Josephson effects, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID)and other applications.
Lecture notesLecture notes and additional materials are available.
LiteratureM. Tinkham "Introduction to Superconductivity"
P. G. de Gennes "Superconductivity Of Metals And Alloys"
A. A. Abrikosov "Fundamentals of the Theory of Metals"
V. V. Schmidt "The Physics of Superconductors"
Prerequisites / NoticeThe preceding attendance of the scheduled lecture courses "Introduction to Solid State Physics" and "Quantum Mechanics I" are mandatory. The lectures "Quantum Mechanics II" and "Solid State Theory" provide the most optimal conditions to follow this course.
402-0674-00LPhysics in Medical Research: From Atoms to Cells Information W6 credits2V + 1UB. K. R. Müller
AbstractScanning probe and diffraction techniques allow studying activated atomic processes during early stages of epitaxial growth. For quantitative description, rate equation analysis, mean-field nucleation and scaling theories are applied on systems ranging from simple metallic to complex organic materials. The knowledge is expanded to optical and electronic properties as well as to proteins and cells.
ObjectiveThe lecture series is motivated by an overview covering the skin of the crystals, roughness analysis, contact angle measurements, protein absorption/activity and monocyte behaviour.

As the first step, real structures on clean surfaces including surface reconstructions and surface relaxations, defects in crystals are presented, before the preparation of clean metallic, semiconducting, oxidic and organic surfaces are introduced.

The atomic processes on surfaces are activated by the increase of the substrate temperature. They can be studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The combination with molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) allows determining the sizes of the critical nuclei and the other activated processes in a hierarchical fashion. The evolution of the surface morphology is characterized by the density and size distribution of the nanostructures that could be quantified by means of the rate equation analysis, the mean-field nucleation theory, as well as the scaling theory. The surface morphology is further characterized by defects and nanostructure's shapes, which are based on the strain relieving mechanisms and kinetic growth processes.

High-resolution electron diffraction is complementary to scanning probe techniques and provides exact mean values. Some phenomena are quantitatively described by the kinematic theory and perfectly understood by means of the Ewald construction. Other phenomena need to be described by the more complex dynamical theory. Electron diffraction is not only associated with elastic scattering but also inelastic excitation mechanisms that reflect the electronic structure of the surfaces studied. Low-energy electrons lead to phonon and high-energy electrons to plasmon excitations. Both effects are perfectly described by dipole and impact scattering.

Thin-films of rather complex organic materials are often quantitatively characterized by photons with a broad range of wavelengths from ultra-violet to infra-red light. Asymmetries and preferential orientations of the (anisotropic) molecules are verified using the optical dichroism and second harmonic generation measurements. Recently, ellipsometry has been introduced to on-line monitor film thickness, and roughness with sub-nanometer precision. These characterisation techniques are vital for optimising the preparation of medical implants.

Cell-surface interactions are related to the cell adhesion and the contractile cellular forces. Physical means have been developed to quantify these interactions. Other physical techniques are introduced in cell biology, namely to count and sort cells, to study cell proliferation and metabolism and to determine the relation between cell morphology and function.

X rays are more and more often used to characterise the human tissues down to the nanometer level. The combination of highly intense beams only some micrometers in diameter with scanning enables spatially resolved measurements and the determination of tissue's anisotropies of biopsies.
227-1037-00LIntroduction to Neuroinformatics Information W6 credits2V + 1U + 1AV. Mante, M. Cook, B. Grewe, G. Indiveri, D. Kiper, W. von der Behrens
AbstractThe course provides an introduction to the functional properties of neurons. Particularly the description of membrane electrical properties (action potentials, channels), neuronal anatomy, synaptic structures, and neuronal networks. Simple models of computation, learning, and behavior will be explained. Some artificial systems (robot, chip) are presented.
ObjectiveUnderstanding computation by neurons and neuronal circuits is one of the great challenges of science. Many different disciplines can contribute their tools and concepts to solving mysteries of neural computation. The goal of this introductory course is to introduce the monocultures of physics, maths, computer science, engineering, biology, psychology, and even philosophy and history, to discover the enchantments and challenges that we all face in taking on this major 21st century problem and how each discipline can contribute to discovering solutions.
ContentThis course considers the structure and function of biological neural networks at different levels. The function of neural networks lies fundamentally in their wiring and in the electro-chemical properties of nerve cell membranes. Thus, the biological structure of the nerve cell needs to be understood if biologically-realistic models are to be constructed. These simpler models are used to estimate the electrical current flow through dendritic cables and explore how a more complex geometry of neurons influences this current flow. The active properties of nerves are studied to understand both sensory transduction and the generation and transmission of nerve impulses along axons. The concept of local neuronal circuits arises in the context of the rules governing the formation of nerve connections and topographic projections within the nervous system. Communication between neurons in the network can be thought of as information flow across synapses, which can be modified by experience. We need an understanding of the action of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, so that the dynamics and logic of synapses can be interpreted. Finally, the neural architectures of feedforward and recurrent networks will be discussed in the context of co-ordination, control, and integration of sensory and motor information in neural networks.
401-3531-00LDifferential Geometry I Information
At most one of the three course units (Bachelor Core Courses)
401-3461-00L Functional Analysis I
401-3531-00L Differential Geometry I
401-3601-00L Probability Theory
can be recognised for the Master's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. In this case, you cannot change the category assignment by yourself in myStudies but must take contact with the Study Administration Office (Link) after having received the credits.
W10 credits4V + 1UJ. Serra
AbstractIntroduction to differential geometry and differential topology. Contents: Curves, (hyper-)surfaces in R^n, geodesics, curvature, Theorema Egregium, Theorem of Gauss-Bonnet. Hyperbolic space. Differentiable manifolds, immersions and embeddings, Sard's Theorem, mapping degree and intersection number, vector bundles, vector fields and flows, differential forms, Stokes' Theorem.
ObjectiveProvide insightful knowledge about the classical theory of curves and surfaces (which is the precursor of modern differential geometry). Invite students to use and sharpen their geometric intuition.
Introduce the language, basic tools, and some fundamental results in modern differential geometry.
Lecture notesPartial lecture notes are available from Prof. Lang's website Link
Literature- Manfredo P. do Carmo: Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces
- John M. Lee: Introduction to Smooth Manifolds
- S. Montiel, A. Ros: Curves and Surfaces
- S. Kobayashi: Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces
- Wolfgang Kühnel: Differentialgeometrie. Kurven-Flächen-Mannigfaltigkeiten
- Dennis Barden & Charles Thomas: An Introduction to Differential Manifolds
401-3461-00LFunctional Analysis I
At most one of the three course units (Bachelor Core Courses)
401-3461-00L Functional Analysis I
401-3531-00L Differential Geometry I
401-3601-00L Probability Theory
can be recognised for the Master's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. In this case, you cannot change the category assignment by yourself in myStudies but must take contact with the Study Administration Office (Link) after having received the credits.
W10 credits4V + 1UJ. Teichmann
AbstractBaire category; Banach and Hilbert spaces, bounded linear operators; basic principles: Uniform boundedness, open mapping/closed graph theorem, Hahn-Banach; convexity; dual spaces; weak and weak* topologies; Banach-Alaoglu; reflexive spaces; compact operators and Fredholm theory; closed range theorem; spectral theory of self-adjoint operators in Hilbert spaces.
ObjectiveAcquire a good degree of fluency with the fundamental concepts and tools belonging to the realm of linear Functional Analysis, with special emphasis on the geometric structure of Banach and Hilbert spaces, and on the basic properties of linear maps.
LiteratureRecommended references include the following:

Michael Struwe: "Funktionalanalysis I" (Skript available at Link)

Haim Brezis: "Functional analysis, Sobolev spaces and partial differential equations". Springer, 2011.

Peter D. Lax: "Functional analysis". Pure and Applied Mathematics (New York). Wiley-Interscience [John Wiley & Sons], New York, 2002.

Elias M. Stein and Rami Shakarchi: "Functional analysis" (volume 4 of Princeton Lectures in Analysis). Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2011.

Manfred Einsiedler and Thomas Ward: "Functional Analysis, Spectral Theory, and Applications", Graduate Text in Mathematics 276. Springer, 2017.

Walter Rudin: "Functional analysis". International Series in Pure and Applied Mathematics. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, second edition, 1991.
Prerequisites / NoticeSolid background on the content of all Mathematics courses of the first two years of the undergraduate curriculum at ETH (most remarkably: fluency with topology and measure theory, in part. Lebesgue integration and L^p spaces).
401-3601-00LProbability Theory Information
At most one of the three course units (Bachelor Core Courses)
401-3461-00L Functional Analysis I
401-3531-00L Differential Geometry I
401-3601-00L Probability Theory
can be recognised for the Master's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. In this case, you cannot change the category assignment by yourself in myStudies but must take contact with the Study Administration Office (Link) after having received the credits.
W10 credits4V + 1UW. Werner
AbstractBasics of probability theory and the theory of stochastic processes in discrete time
ObjectiveThis course presents the basics of probability theory and the theory of stochastic processes in discrete time. The following topics are planned:
Basics in measure theory, series of independent random variables, law of large numbers, weak convergence, characteristic functions, central limit theorem, conditional expectation, martingales, convergence theorems for martingales, Galton Watson processes, Markov chains (classification and convergence results).
ContentThis course presents the basics of probability theory and the theory of stochastic processes in discrete time. The following topics are planned:
Basics in measure theory, random series, law of large numbers, weak convergence, characteristic functions, central limit theorem, conditional expectation, martingales, convergence theorems for martingales, Galton Watson processes, Markov chains (classification and convergence results).
Lecture noteswill be available in electronic form.
LiteratureR. Durrett, Probability: Theory and examples, Duxbury Press 1996
H. Bauer, Probability Theory, de Gruyter 1996
J. Jacod and P. Protter, Probability essentials, Springer 2004
A. Klenke, Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie, Springer 2006
D. Williams, Probability with martingales, Cambridge University Press 1991
401-3621-00LFundamentals of Mathematical Statistics Information W10 credits4V + 1US. van de Geer
AbstractThe course covers the basics of inferential statistics.
Objective
402-0247-00LElectronics for Physicists I (Analogue) Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 40.
W4 credits2V + 2PG. Bison, W. Erdmann
AbstractPassive components, linear networks, transmission lines, simulation of analog circuits, semiconductor components: diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors, basic amplifier circuits, small signal analysis, differential amplifiers, noise, operational amplifiers, feedback and stability, oscillators, ADCs and DACs, introduction to CMOS technology
ObjectiveThe lecture provides the basic knowledge necessary to understand, design and simulate analog electronic circuits. In the exercises, the concepts can be experienced in a hands-on manner. Every student has the opportunity to go through all steps of an electronic design cycle. Those include designing schematics, generating a printed circuit board layout, and the realization of a soldered prototype.
ContentPassive elements, linear complex networks, transmission lines, simulation of analog circuits (SPICE), semiconductor elements: diodes, bipolar and fieldeffect transistors, basic amplifier circuits, small signal analysis, differential amplifiers, noise in analog circuits, operational amplifiers, feedback and stability in amplifiers, oscillators, ADC's and DAC's, introduction in CMOS technology.
Practical excercises in small groups to the above themes complement the lectures.
Prerequisites / Noticeno prior knowledge in electronics is required
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesfostered
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesProblem-solvingfostered
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
402-0010-00LBasics of Computing Environments for Scientists Information
Enrollment is only possible under Link
No registration required via myStudies.

Introduction:
- IT at D-PHYS (Herzog): 29.9. 1300
- IT at D-PHYS 2. Termin (Herzog): 7.10. 1300

Modules:
- Linux Basics I (Müller): 13.10. 1300
- Linux Basics II (Müller): 20.10. 1300
- Python Ecosystem I (Becker): 27.10. 1300
- Python Ecosystem II (Becker): 3.11. 1300
- System Aspects (Herzog): 10.11. 1300
Z0 creditsC. D. Herzog, C. Becker, S. Müller
AbstractIntroduce IT services at D-PHYS and offer modules covering IT-related topics for scientists.
ObjectiveThe "IT at D-PHYS" introduction provides a good understanding of how IT works at D-PHYS and presents an overview of the IT services and their providers. It is recommended for everyone joining the department.

The remainder is structured into individual modules which can be attended separately. They give practical insights into everyday research-related IT challenges.

The "Linux Basics" modules offer an introduction to the Linux landscape and show how to work on the shell by using command line tools. The first part provides a basic understanding of Linux systems and their components. It introduces commands essential to working with local and remote machines. The second part focuses on more advanced tools and workflows and provides guidelines to scripting, automation and customization.

The "Python Ecosystem" modules present various aspects on the ecosystem around Python, without covering the programming language itself. The first part focuses on getting ready to run code. It discusses the management of Python interpreters, packages and virtual environments. The second part presents tools for writing code. From development environments (IDE, Jupyter), over code formatters and linters, to skimming selected concepts (string formatting, regular expressions).

The "System Aspects module" deals with the hardware-related side of scientific computing. To get the best performance out of your scientific code, you have to be aware of the underlying hardware and adapt to it.

Use the dedicated web page Link to register. Enrolled students are eligible for an attestation of attendance after visiting at least 3 out of the 5 modules. Refer to Link for the detailed contents.
ContentIntroduction:

IT at D-PHYS (IT service providers and IT services at D-PHYS)

Modules:

Linux Basics I (system components, basic shell usage)
Linux Basics II (advanced tools, scripting)
Python Ecosystem I (interpreters, packages, virtual environments)
Python Ecosystem II (development environments, formatter and linter, string formatting, regexp)
System Aspects (how the hardware affects your scientific code and vice versa)
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