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701-1235-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS
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Cloud Microphysics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Zamin A Kanji, Dr. Cuiqi Zhang, Dr. Diego Villanueva Ortiz
The lecture takes place if a minimum of 7 students register for it. Priority is given to PhD students majoring in Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, and remaining open spaces will be offered to the following groups: - Msc in Atmospheric and Climate Science - MSc in Environmental Sciences - Fachstudent, University of Bern / MSc in Climate Sciences, University of Bern - Mobility-Students: Earth and Climate Sciences - Mobility-Students: Environmental Sciences All participants will be on the waiting list at first. All students will be informed on September 15th, 2025, if they can participate in the lecture. Students still on the waiting list on September 15, are nonetheless encouraged to come to the introductory lecture on September 16. If more spaces become available later in the week due to dropouts, waitlisted students will be accepted into the course.
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Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:00

Abstract

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.

Objective

Students are able to explain the physical processes leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation, and apply these principles to interpret atmospheric observations and solve realistic problems given related to each topic covered in class. Independent supported learning. Students should be able to master the skill of self learning by the end of the course.

Content

see: http://www.iac.ethz.ch/edu/courses/master/modules/cloud-microphysics.html and: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=26189

Resources

Lecture Notes

This course will be designed as a reading course in 1-2 small groups of 10-12 students maximum. It will be based on the textbook below. The students are expected to read chapters of this textbook prior to the class so that open issues, fascinating and/or difficult aspects can be discussed in depth. Check the course website for lecture dates and location.

Literature

Pao. K. Wang: Physics and Dynamics of Clouds and Precipitation, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2013

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
The final grade will be based on the oral exam for which a bonus of up to 1/4 grade can be obtained from the assignments. Handing in of the approximately 9 assignments is not mandatory. Students need an average mark of 80% on the assignments (excluding the lowest score) in order to achieve the bonus.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
22.09.2025
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Cloud Microphysics
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 29)
2 h weekly
exercise Cloud Microphysics
  • Tue 12:15-13:00 (CHN D 29)
1 h weekly

Offered In