Jordon Hemingway: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2025 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Jordon Hemingway |
| Field | Surface Earth Evolution |
| Address | Evolution der Erdoberfläche ETH Zürich, NO G 65 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 633 21 47 |
| jordon.hemingway@eaps.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Earth and Planetary Sciences |
| Relationship | Assistant Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 651-4004-00L | The Global Carbon Cycle - Reduced | 3 credits | 2G | T. I. Eglinton, L. Bröder, J. Hemingway, S. Paradis Vilar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The carbon cycle connects different reservoirs of C, including life on Earth, atmospheric CO2, and economically important geological reserves of C. Much of this C is in reduced (organic) form, and is composed of complex chemical structures that reflect diverse biological activity, processes and transformations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | A wealth of information is held within the complex organic molecules, both in the context of the contemporary carbon cycle and its links to is other biogeochemical cycles, as well as in relation to Earth's history, the evolution of life and climate on this planet. In this course we will learn about the role of reduced forms of carbon in the global cycle, how these forms of carbon are produced, move around the planet, and become sequestered in the geological record, and how they can be used to infer biological activity and conditions on this planet in the geologic past. The course encompasses a range of spatial and temporal scales, from molecular to global, and from the contemporary environment to earliest life. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is good preparation for the combined Field-Lab Course: "651-4044-02 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Field Course" and "651-4044-01 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Lab Practical" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competencies |
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| 651-4044-02L | Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Field Course  Does not take place this semester. Lectures from "Micropalaeontology and Molecular Palaeontology" and "The Global Carbon Cycle - Reduced" are recommended but not mandatory for participation in the field course. Priority is given to D-EAPS students. If space is available UZH Geography and Earth System Sciences students may attend this field course at full cost. Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-EAPS Link | 2 credits | 4P | T. I. Eglinton, J. Hemingway | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Geochemistry: C-sequestration in glacial flood plains, soil formation on different bedrocks, nutrient scavenging in lakes Geo-Ecology: Geochemical, hydrologic, atmospheric interactions Geo-Microbiology: Pioneering organisms in "new" habitats in glacial retreat areas, their role in carbon cycling. Microbes dissolving/forming minerals Lifestyles: Physiological adaptation to extreme conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Illustrating basic geological, chemical and geo-biological topics under natural conditions and relating them to past, present and future global environmental conditions in high mountain habitats. Each course participant focuses on a scientific question related to one of the course topics, searches for details in the literature and presents a short summary of his / her course research on the last day of the course. Didactic Approach: Preparation lectures, investigation of field sites, sampling and sample preservation and follow-up analyses for the lab module (651-4044-01L), studying papers, exercises on concept formulation, ecosystem modeling, presentation of field results. The preparation for the fieldwork is designed as a partial distance-learning course via the internet. Field Guides along with other course material can be viewed before the field course. Detailed introduction to the topics takes place during the course week. Students will need to complete a variety of assignments and participate at discussion forums on OLAT before and during the field course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The field course (651-4044-02L) will take place in the Biogeoscience Arena Silvretta. It can be followed by a semester project in the laboratory (independent sign-up under 651-4044-01L). Which sites will be visited in the Biogeoscience Arena Silvretta depends on the weather, accessibility in case of early snow, and the time. Selection of topics depending on course focus: 1. Biogeochemical processes in rock weathering and the formation of minerals: Gonzen, former iron mine; Alvaneu, sulfur springs. Chemical and microbially mediated transformation of carbonates and gypsum: Albula valley region. 2. Geomicrobiology and hydrogeochemistry in thermal spring (Tamina gorge, Pfäffers) and cold water mineral springs of the Lower Engadin Window: Highly mineralized spring water emerging from low-grade metamorphic rocks (Bündner shist) by ion exchange processes and release of rock interstitial fluids. 3. Geochemical nutrient sequestration in high mountain lakes and in snow and ice: Joeri lake area (Silvretta gneiss). 4. Coupled processes in biogeochemical iron, manganese, and phosphorus cycling: Jöri lake XIII. 5. Primary processes in soil and peat formation (inorganic to organic transition, carbon sequestration) and microbial colonization: Glacial retreat flood plains, early vegetation on deltas, and moraine soils. 6. Lifestyles under extreme conditions: Microorganisms and small invertebrates in ice (Cryoconite holes, Silvretta glacier), snow, and highly mineralized spring water. 7. Formation and weathering of serpentinite (Totalp), effects on soil formation, and on vegetation. 8. Economic aspects of geo-hydrology: mineral water market, wellness tourism, and geo-medical aspects. (not all sites listed will be visited every year. The topics might vary depending on the course focus and the participants.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The new field guides and details about the course logistics will become available on OLAT in June via Details under https://lms.uzh.ch/url/RepositoryEntry/16318464010?guest=true&lang=de (The course site will be renewed as soon as all details are available). Participants who are enrolled for this course in the excursion sign-up tool will receive further instructions during the spring semester. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Lecture slides and literature references are available on the corresponding OLAT site: Details under https://lms.uzh.ch/url/RepositoryEntry/16318464010?guest=true&lang=de | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Sites visited and course contents can vary from year to year depending on interest, accessibility and weather conditions. Field-work can last up to 8 hours daily and will take place at altitudes up to 3000m. This requires endurance and a certain physical fitness. Participants need to be prepared. Target Groups: Field course and semester project work for the upper level Bachelor curriculum and for Master students. This field course is coupled to a semester project work "651-4044-01 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Lab Practical", when samples collected during the field work will be analyzed. Students who sign up for both, the field and the lab component, have priority. It is possible, however, to participate at the field section only. The lecture course "651-4004-00L Organic Geochemistry and the Global Carbon Cycle" is a good preparations for the combined Field-Lab Course. Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-EAPS https://ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/erdw/department/dokumente/studium/exkursionen/eaps-exkursionen-agb-en.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 651-4910-00L | A Graduate Collective in Earth and Environmental Sciences | 3 credits | 3S | J. Hemingway, C. Magnabosco, C. Welte | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Doctoral students will engage in expert- and peer-led workshops to enhance skills that are crucial for their success. Scientific writing will constitute a major part. Additional topics will be chosen by students and could include project management, data visualization, genAI and presentation skills. Students will bolster their scientific networks by learning and collaborating with peers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students will learn tools and strategies that will be foundational to completing their doctoral research projects and beyond. For scientific writing, the specific learning goal is: • Effectively write scientific texts, including structuring of sections and use of fluent, reader-focused sentences and paragraphs. Other learning goals will depend on the additional workshop topics chosen and could include, for example: • Structure and visualize complex content; effectively use slide-based presentations. • Apply methods and tools to define milestones, manage risks, plan doctoral project next steps, and effectively communicate with stakeholders (e.g., supervisor, collaborators, thesis committee). • Visualize scientific data to maximize impact of graphs and plots | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | This course will equip doctoral students in Earth and Environmental Sciences with the skills crucial for success in their Ph.D. Through a blend of workshops, hands-on assignments, and peer-led sessions, students will refine their ability to produce high-quality scientific writing and will develop and refine competencies across several research-support areas. The course is divided into two primary components: Part 1: Expert-led scientific writing workshops Students will enhance their scientific writing abilities across 5 workshops by completing several short written assignments and receiving individualized feedback. Content and materials deal specifically with the demands of writing in systems-oriented natural sciences. Assignments will therefore allow students to practice components of their prospective research articles. Part 2: Peer-led skill development workshops Students will partake in an interactive, peer-led learning experience. Participants will select topics of interest from a curated list, for example including: • AI-based tools and generative AI in research • Effective presentation skills • Academic project management • Data visualization techniques • Effective reference management and smart note-taking strategies • Maintain your scientific integrity and avoid plagiarism • Publishing: dealing with journals, editors, reviewers, open access etc. Working alone or in pairs, students will research, prepare, and conduct a workshop-style session on their chosen topic, gaining experience in both teaching and subject mastery. Access to expert consultation is provided to ensure a high-quality teaching and learning experience. Experts will offer support and guidance on content and will be available during presentations to add insights or address complex questions. This course is offered by D-EAPS and ETH Library. The minimum number of students is 8. The costs for the scientific writing sessions are 350 CHF per student. Professors from D-EAPS have agreed on paying this course for their students. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is intended for doctoral students that are members of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences or of the Department of Environmental System Sciences. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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