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The Global Carbon Cycle - Reduced
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:59
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.
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.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , GS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
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| lecture with exercise |
The Global Carbon Cycle - Reduced
All lessons at least until the Easter break will take place online only. Zoom links to the live lectures will be provided via Moodle and sent out by email to registered participants. Lessons will be recorded and made available via Moodle.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (The electives listed are recommended. Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.)
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Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
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Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
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Restricted Choice Modules Mineralogy and Geochemistry (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed in the major Mineralogy and Geochemistry.)
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