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

Cloud Microphysics

Does not take place this semester. The course will only be held if there is a minimum number of 8 participating students. 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 at the beginning of February, if they can participate in the lecture.Students still on the waiting list on 15.02.2026, are nonetheless encouraged to come to the introductory lecture on 16.02.2026. If more spaces become available later in the week due to dropouts, waitlisted students will be accepted into the course.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:19

Abstract

Clouds are a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon central to the hydrological cycle and the Earth`s climate. Interactions between cloud particles can result in precipitation, glaciation or evaporation of the cloud depending on its microstructure and microphysical processes.

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=24542

Resources

Lecture Notes

This course is designed as a reading course in one small group of 10 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.

Literature

Physics and Dynamics of Clouds and Precipitation By Pao K. Wang Cambridge University Press

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
15.02.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Cloud Microphysics
Does not take place this semester. The course will only be held if there is a minimum number of 8 participating students.
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Cloud Microphysics
Does not take place this semester. If more than 8 students register in the course, the students will be split into two groups. Group A will be in lecture for 1.5 hours (13.00 - 14.30) while Group B is in tutorial, and then Group B comes to lecture for 1.5 hours (14.30 - 16.00 hrs) while Group A is in tutorial. The first and last lectures will be the full class together. The 12 lectures in between will be split into two groups. If a max of 8-9 students register, we will conduct the class in a single group. Lecture from 13.15 to 15.00 and Tutorial from 15.15-16.00
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In