Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor Information
Biochemical-Physical Direction (Programme Regulations 2010)
3. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
Electives
For the Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Sciences students can in principle choose from all subjects taught at the Bachelor level at ETH Zurich.



At the beginning of the 2. year an individual study programme is established for every student in discussion with the Director of Studies in interdisciplinary sciences. For details see Programme Regulations 2010/2018.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
252-0027-00LIntroduction to Programming Information W7 credits4V + 2UT. Gross
AbstractIntroduction to fundamental concepts of modern programming and operational skills for developing high-quality programs, including large programs as in industry. The course introduces software engineering principles with an object-oriented approach based.
ObjectiveMany people can write programs. The "Introduction to Programming" course goes beyond that basic goal: it teaches the fundamental concepts and skills necessary to perform programming at a professional level. As a result of successfully completing the course, students master the fundamental control structures, data structures, reasoning patterns and programming language mechanisms characterizing modern programming, as well as the fundamental rules of producing high-quality software. They have the necessary programming background for later courses introducing programming skills in specialized application areas.
ContentBasics of object-oriented programming. Objects and classes. Pre- and postconditions, class invariants, design by contract. Fundamental control structures. Assignment and references. Fundamental data structures and algorithms. Recursion. Inheritance and interfaces, basic concepts of Software Engineering such as the software process, specification and documentation, debugging, reuse and quality assurance.
Lecture notesThe lecture slides are available for download on the course page.
LiteratureSee the course page for up-to-date information.
Prerequisites / NoticeThere are no special prerequisites. Students are expected to enroll in the other courses offered to first-year students of computer science.
252-0847-00LComputer Science Information W5 credits2V + 2UM. Schwerhoff, F. Friedrich Wicker
AbstractThe course covers the fundamental concepts of computer programming with a focus on systematic algorithmic problem solving. Taught language is C++. No programming experience is required.
ObjectivePrimary educational objective is to learn programming with C++. After having successfully attended the course, students have a good command of the mechanisms to construct a program. They know the fundamental control and data structures and understand how an algorithmic problem is mapped to a computer program. They have an idea of what happens "behind the scenes" when a program is translated and executed. Secondary goals are an algorithmic computational thinking, understanding the possibilities and limits of programming and to impart the way of thinking like a computer scientist.
ContentThe course covers fundamental data types, expressions and statements, (limits of) computer arithmetic, control statements, functions, arrays, structural types and pointers. The part on object orientation deals with classes, inheritance and polymorphism; simple dynamic data types are introduced as examples. In general, the concepts provided in the course are motivated and illustrated with algorithms and applications.
Lecture notesEnglish lecture notes will be provided during the semester. The lecture notes and the lecture slides will be made available for download on the course web page. Exercises are solved and submitted online.
LiteratureBjarne Stroustrup: Einführung in die Programmierung mit C++, Pearson Studium, 2010
Stephen Prata, C++ Primer Plus, Sixth Edition, Addison Wesley, 2012
Andrew Koenig and Barbara E. Moo: Accelerated C++, Addison-Wesley, 2000
401-0373-00LMathematics III: Partial Differential Equations Information W4 credits2V + 1UT. Ilmanen, C. Busch
AbstractExamples of partial differential equations. Linear partial differential equations. Separation of variables. Fourier series, Fourier transform, Laplace transform. Applications to solving commonly encountered linear partial differential equations (Laplace's Equation, Heat Equation, Wave Equation).
ObjectiveClassical tools to solve the most common linear partial differential equations.
Content1) Examples of partial differential equations
- Classification of PDEs
- Superposition principle

2) One-dimensional wave equation
- D'Alembert's formula
- Duhamel's principle

3) Fourier series
- Representation of piecewise continuous functions via Fourier series
- Examples and applications

4) Separation of variables
- Solution of wave and heat equation
- Homogeneous and inhomogeneous boundary conditions
- Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions

5) Laplace equation
- Solution of Laplace's equation on the rectangle, disk and annulus
- Poisson formula
- Mean value theorem and maximum principle

6) Fourier transform
- Derivation and definition
- Inverse Fourier transformation and inversion formula
- Interpretation and properties of the Fourier transform
- Solution of the heat equation

7) Laplace transform (if time allows)
- Definition, motivation and properties
- Inverse Laplace transform of rational functions
- Application to ordinary differential equations
Lecture notesSee the course web site (linked under Lernmaterialien)
Literature1) S.J. Farlow, Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and
Engineers, Dover Books on Mathematics, NY.

2) N. Hungerbühler, Einführung in partielle Differentialgleichungen
für Ingenieure, Chemiker und Naturwissenschaftler, vdf
Hochschulverlag, 1997.

Additional books:

3) T. Westermann: Partielle Differentialgleichungen, Mathematik für
Ingenieure mit Maple, Band 2, Springer-Lehrbuch, 1997 (chapters
XIII,XIV,XV,XII)

4) E. Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, John Wiley & Sons
(chapters 1,2,11,12,6)

For additional sources, see the course web site (linked under Lernmaterialien)
Prerequisites / NoticeRequired background:

1) Multivariate functions: partial derivatives, differentiability, Jacobian matrix, Jacobian determinant

2) Multiple integrals: Riemann integrals in two or three variables, change of variables

2) Sequences and series of numbers and of functions

3) Basic knowledge of ordinary differential equations
401-1151-00LLinear Algebra I Information W7 credits4V + 2UT. H. Willwacher
AbstractIntroduction to the theory of vector spaces for students of mathematics or physics: Basics, vector spaces, linear transformations, solutions of systems of equations, matrices, determinants, endomorphisms, eigenvalues, eigenvectors.
Objective- Mastering basic concepts of Linear Algebra
- Introduction to mathematical methods
Content- Basics
- Vectorspaces and linear maps
- Systems of linear equations and matrices
- Determinants
- Endomorphisms and eigenvalues
Literature- R. Pink: Lineare Algebra I und II. Summary. Link: Link
- G. Fischer: Lineare Algebra. Springer-Verlag 2014. Link: Link
- K. Jänich: Lineare Algebra. Springer-Verlag 2004. Link: Link
- H.-J. Kowalsky, G. O. Michler: Lineare Algebra. Walter de Gruyter 2003. Link: Link
- S. H. Friedberg, A. J. Insel and L. E. Spence: Linear Algebra. Pearson 2003. Link
- H. Schichl and R. Steinbauer: Einführung in das mathematische Arbeiten. Springer-Verlag 2012. Link: Link
401-2303-00LComplex Analysis Information W6 credits3V + 2UP. Biran
AbstractComplex functions of one variable, Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy theorem and integral formula, singularities, residue theorem, index of closed curves, analytic continuation, special functions, conformal mappings, Riemann mapping theorem.
ObjectiveWorking knowledge of functions of one complex variables; in particular applications of the residue theorem.
LiteratureB. Palka: "An introduction to complex function theory."
Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics. Springer-Verlag, 1991.

E.M. Stein, R. Shakarchi: Complex Analysis. Princeton University Press, 2010

Th. Gamelin: Complex Analysis. Springer 2001

E. Titchmarsh: The Theory of Functions. Oxford University Press

D. Salamon: "Funktionentheorie". Birkhauser, 2011. (In German)

L. Ahlfors: "Complex analysis. An introduction to the theory of analytic functions of one complex variable." International Series in Pure and Applied Mathematics. McGraw-Hill Book Co.

K.Jaenich: Funktionentheorie. Springer Verlag

R.Remmert: Funktionentheorie I. Springer Verlag

E.Hille: Analytic Function Theory. AMS Chelsea Publications
401-2333-00LMethods of Mathematical Physics I Information Restricted registration - show details W6 credits3V + 2UG. Felder
AbstractFourier series. Linear partial differential equations of mathematical physics. Fourier transform. Special functions and eigenfunction expansions. Distributions. Selected problems from quantum mechanics.
Objective
402-0263-00LAstrophysics IW10 credits3V + 2UH. M. Schmid
AbstractThis introductory course will develop basic concepts in astrophysics as applied to the understanding of the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe.
ObjectiveThe course provides an overview of fundamental concepts and physical processes in astrophysics with the dual goals of: i) illustrating physical principles through a variety of astrophysical applications; and ii) providing an overview of research topics in astrophysics.
402-2203-01LClassical Mechanics Information W7 credits4V + 2UM. Gaberdiel
AbstractA conceptual introduction to theoretical physics: Newtonian mechanics, central force problem, oscillations, Lagrangian mechanics, symmetries and conservation laws, spinning top, relativistic space-time structure, particles in an electromagnetic field, Hamiltonian mechanics, canonical transformations, integrable systems, Hamilton-Jacobi equation.
ObjectiveFundamental understanding of the description of Mechanics in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation. Detailed understanding of important applications, in particular, the Kepler problem, the physics of rigid bodies (spinning top) and of oscillatory systems.
402-2883-00LPhysics IIIW7 credits4V + 2UU. Keller
AbstractIntroductory course on quantum and atomic physics including optics and statistical physics.
ObjectiveA basic introduction to quantum and atomic physics, including basics of optics and equilibrium statistical physics. The course will focus on the relation of these topics to experimental methods and observations.
ContentEvidence for Quantum Mechanics: atoms, photons, photo-electric effect, Rutherford scattering, Compton scattering, de-Broglie waves.

Quantum mechanics: wavefunctions, operators, Schrodinger's equation, infinite and finite square well potentials, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atoms, spin.

Atomic structure: Perturbation to basic structure, including Zeeman effect, spin-orbit coupling, many-electron atoms. X-ray spectra, optical selection rules, emission and absorption of radiation, including lasers.

Optics: Fermat's principle, lenses, imaging systems, diffraction, interference, relation between geometrical and wave descriptions, interferometers, spectrometers.

Statistical mechanics: probability distributions, micro and macrostates, Boltzmann distribution, ensembles, equipartition theorem, blackbody spectrum, including Planck distribution
Lecture notesLecture notes will be provided electronically during the course.
LiteratureQuantum mechanics/Atomic physics/Molecules: "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta", H. Hakan and H. C. Wolf, ISBN 978-3-642-05871-4

Optics: "Optics", E. Hecht, ISBN 0-321-18878-0

Statistical mechanics: "Statistical Physics", F. Mandl 0-471-91532-7
551-0103-00LFundamentals of Biology II: Cell BiologyW5 credits5VS. Werner, J. Fernandes de Matos, U. Kutay, G. Schertler, U. Suter, I. Zemp
AbstractThe goal of this course is to provide students with a wide general understanding in cell biology. With this material as a foundation, students have enough of a cell biological basis to begin their specialization not only in cell biology but also in related fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacological sciences, molecular biology, and others.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to provide students with a wide general understanding cell biology. With this material as a foundation, students have enough of a cell biological basis to begin their specialization not only in cell biology but also in related fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacological sciences, molecular biology, and others.
ContentThe focus is animal cells and the development of multicellular organisms with a clear emphasis on the molecular basis of cellular structures and phenomena. The topics include biological membranes, the cytoskeleton, protein sorting, energy metabolism, cell cycle and division, viruses, extracellular matrix, cell signaling, embryonic development and cancer research.
Lecture notesThe lectures are presented in the Powerpoint format. These are available on the WEB for ETH students over the nethz (Moodle). Some lectures are available on the ETH WEB site in a live format (Livestream) at the above WEB site.
LiteratureThe lectures follow Alberts et al. `Molecular Biology of the Cell' 6th edition, 2014, ISBN 9780815344322 (hard cover) and ISBN 9780815345244
(paperback).
Prerequisites / NoticeSome of the lectures are given in the English language. Certain sections of the text-book must be studied by self-instruction.
529-0051-00LAnalytical Chemistry IW3 credits3GD. Günther, M.‑O. Ebert, G. Schwarz, R. Zenobi
AbstractIntroduction into the most important spectroscopical methods and their applications to gain structural information.
ObjectiveKnowledge about the necessary theoretical background of spectroscopical methods and their practical applications
ContentApplication oriented basics of organic and inorganic instrumental analysis and of the empirical employment of structure elucidation methods:
Mass spectrometry: Ionization methods, mass separation, isotope signals, rules of fragmentation, rearrangements.
NMR spectroscopy: Experimental basics, chemical shift, spin-spin coupling.
IR spectroscopy: Revisiting topics like harmonic oscillator, normal vibrations, coupled oscillating systems (in accordance to the basics of the related lecture in physical chemistry); sample preparation, acquisition techniques, law of Lambert and Beer, interpretation of IR spectra; Raman spectroscopy.
UV/VIS spectroscopy: Basics, interpretation of electron spectra. Circular dichroism (CD) und optical rotation dispersion (ORD).
Atomic absorption, emission, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: Basics, sample preparation.
Lecture notesScript will be for the production price
Literature- R. Kellner, J.-M. Mermet, M. Otto, H. M. Widmer (Eds.) Analytical Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1998;
- D. A. Skoog und J. J. Leary, Instrumentelle Analytik, Springer, Heidelberg, 1996;
- M. Hesse, H. Meier, B. Zeeh, Spektroskopische Methoden in der organischen Chemie, 5. überarbeitete Auflage, Thieme, Stuttgart, 1995
- E. Pretsch, P. Bühlmann, C. Affolter, M. Badertscher, Spektroskopische Daten zur Strukturaufklärung organischer verbindungen, 4. Auflage, Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg, 2001-
Kläntschi N., Lienemann P., Richner P., Vonmont H: Elementanalytik. Instrumenteller Nachweis und Bestimmung von Elementen und deren Verbindungen. Spektrum Analytik, 1996, Hardcover, 339 S., ISBN 3-86025-134-1.
Prerequisites / NoticeExcercises are integrated in the lectures. In addition, attendance in the lecture 529-0289-00 "Instrumental analysis of organic compounts" (4th semester) is recommended.
529-0121-00LInorganic Chemistry I Information W3 credits2V + 1UA. Mezzetti
AbstractComplexes of the transition metals: structure, bonding, spectroscopic properties, and synthesis.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the binding theory in complexes of the transition metals. Interpretation of structure, bonding, and spectroscopic properties. General synthetic strategies.
ContentThe chemical bond (overview). Symmetry and group theory. The chemical bond of coordination compunds (Valence Bond Theory, Crystal Field Theory, Molecular Orbital Theory (sigma- and pi-bonding). pi-Accepting ligands (CO, NO, olefins, dioxygen, dihydrogen, phosphines and phosphites). Electronic spectra of coordination compounds (Tanabe-Sugano diagrams). Coordination numbers and isomers in complexes. Dynamic phenomena (stereochemical nonrigidity). Complexes and kinetics.
Lecture notesCan be bought at the HCI-shop
Literature- J. E. Huheey: Anorganische Chemie, Prinzipien von Struktur und Reaktivität, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 3. Auflage, 2003.
752-4001-00LMicrobiologyW2 credits2VM. Ackermann, M. Schuppler, J. Vorholt-Zambelli
AbstractTeaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, Prokaryotic Diversity, Human-Microbe Interactions, Biotechnology.
ObjectiveTeaching of basic knowledge in microbiology.
ContentDer Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Themen: Bakterielle Zellbiologie, Molekulare Genetik, Wachstumsphysiologie, Biochemische Diversität, Phylogenie und Taxonomie, Prokaryotische Vielfalt, Interaktion zwischen Menschen und Mikroorganismen sowie Biotechnologie.
Lecture notesWird von den jeweiligen Dozenten ausgegeben.
LiteratureDie Behandlung der Themen erfolgt auf der Basis des Lehrbuchs Brock, Biology of Microorganisms
701-0243-01LBiology III: Essentials of EcologyW3 credits2VC. Buser Moser
AbstractThis lecture presents an introduction to ecology. It includes basic ecological concepts and the most important levels of complexity in ecological research. Ecological concepts are exemplified by using aquatic and terrestrial systems; corresponding methodological approaches are demonstrated. In a more applied part of the lecture threats to biodiversity and the appropriate management are discussed.
ObjectiveThe objective of this lecture is to teach basic ecological concepts and the different levels of complexity in ecological research: the individual, the population, the community and the ecosystem level.
The students should learn ecological concepts at these different levels in the context of concrete examples from terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Corresponding methods for studying the systems will be presented.
A further aim of the lecture is that students achieve an understanding of biodiversity, why it is threatened and how it can be managed.
Content- Übersicht der aquatischen und terrestrischen Lebensräume mit ihren Bewohnern
- Einfluss von Umweltfaktoren (Temperatur, Strahlung, Wasser, Nährstoffe etc.) auf Organismen; Anpassung an bestimmte Umweltbedingungen
- Populationsdynamik: Ursachen, Beschreibung, Vorhersage und Regulation
- Interaktionen zwischen Arten (Konkurrenz, Koexistenz, Prädation, Parasitismus, Nahrungsnetze)
- Lebensgemeinschaften: Struktur, Stabilität, Sukzession
- Ökosysteme: Kompartimente, Stoff- und Energieflusse
- Biodiversität: Variation, Ursachen, Gefährdung und Erhaltung
- Aktuelle Naturschutzprobleme und -massnahmen
- Evolutionäre Ökologie: Methodik, Spezialisierung, Koevolution
Lecture notesUnterlagen, Vorlesungsfolien und relevante Literatur sind in der Lehrdokumentenablage abrufbar. Die Unterlagen für die nächste Vorlesung stehen jeweils spätestens am Freitagmorgen zur Verfügung.
LiteratureGenerelle Ökologie:
Townsend, Harper, Begon 2009. Ökologie. Springer, ca. Fr. 70.-

Aquatische Ökologie:
Lampert & Sommer 1999. Limnoökologie. Thieme, 2. Aufl., ca. Fr. 55.-;
Bohle 1995. Limnische Systeme. Springer, ca. Fr. 50.-

Naturschutzbiologie:
Baur B. et al. 2004. Biodiversität in der Schweiz. Haupt, Bern, 237 S.
Primack R.B. 2004. A primer of conservation biology. 3rd ed. Sinauer, Mass. USA, 320 pp.
701-0023-00LAtmosphere Information W3 credits2VE. Fischer, T. Peter
AbstractBasic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer.
ObjectiveUnderstanding of basic physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. Understanding of mechanisms of and interactions between: weather - climate, atmosphere - ocean - continents, troposhere - stratosphere. Understanding of environmentally relevant structures and processes on vastly differing scales. Basis for the modelling of complex interrelations in the atmospehre.
ContentBasic principles of the atmosphere, physical structure and chemical composition, trace gases, atmospheric cycles, circulation, stability, radiation, condensation, clouds, oxidation capacity and ozone layer.
Lecture notesWritten information will be supplied.
Literature- John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, New York, 1998.
- Gösta H. Liljequist, Allgemeine Meteorologie, Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1974.
701-0501-00LPedosphereW3 credits2VR. Kretzschmar
AbstractIntroduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.
ContentDefinition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation.
Lecture notesLecture notes can be purchased during the first lecture (15.- SFr)
Literature- Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016.

- Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology.
752-0100-00LBiochemistryW2 credits2VC. Frei
AbstractBasic knowledge of enzymology, in particular the structure, kinetics and chemistry of enzyme-catalysed reaction in vitro and in vivo. Biochemistry of metabolism: Those completing the course are able to describe and understand fundamental cellular metabolic processes.
ObjectiveStudents are able to understand
- the structure and function of biological macromolecules
- the kinetic bases of enzyme reactions
- thermodynamic and mechanistic basics of relevant metabolic processes
Students are able to describe the relevant metabolic reactions in detail
ContentProgram

Introduction, basics, composition of cells, biochemical units, repetition of relevant organic chemistry
Structure and function of proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids an biological membranes
Enzymes and enzyme kinetics
Catalytic strategies
Metabolism: Basic concepts and design. Repetition of basic thermodynamics
Glycolysis, fermentation
The citric acid cycle
Oxidative phosphorylation
Fatty acid metabolism
Lecture notesHorton et al. (Pearson) serves as lecture notes.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge in biology and chemistry is a prerequisite.
701-0461-00LNumerical Methods in Environmental Sciences Information W3 credits2GC. Schär
AbstractThis lecture imparts the mathematical basis necessary for the development and application of
numerical models in the field of Environmental Science. The lecture material includes an introduction into numerical techniques for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as exercises aimed at the realization of simple models.
ObjectiveThis lecture imparts the mathematical basis necessary for the development and application of
numerical models in the field of Environmental Science. The lecture material includes an introduction into numerical techniques for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as exercises aimed at the realization of simple models.
ContentClassification of numerical problems, introduction to finite-difference methods, time integration schemes, non-linearity, conservative numerical techniques, an overview of spectral and finite-element methods. Examples and exercises from a diverse cross-section of Environmental Science.

Three obligatory exercises, each two hours in length, are integrated into the lecture. The implementation language is Python (previous experience not necessary: a Phython introduction is given). Example programs and graphics tools are supplied.
Lecture notesPer Web auf Link
LiteratureList of literature is provided.
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