Major topics: Important sources and sinks of atmospheric aerosols and their importance for men and environment. Particle emissions from combustion systems, means to reduce emissions like particle filters.

Aerosols I deals with basic physical and chemical properties of aerosol particles. The importance of aerosols in the atmosphere and in other fields is discussed.

This atmospheric chemistry laboratory course introduces students to state-of-the-art instruments and methods for the investigation of the physico-chemical properties of aerosol particles at the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry (Paul Scherrer Institute). We will use a flowtube to coat black carbon particles with organic material and to observe the changes in their physical-optical properties.

Clouds are a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon central to the hydrological cycle and the Earth's climate. Interactions between aerosol particles and water vapour result in clouds and interactions between cloud particles result in precipitation, glaciation or evaporation of the cloud depending on the microstructure and microphysical processes involved.