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651-4918-00L 2 Credits BSC , MSC D-ERDW

Machine Learning for Earth and Planetary Sciences I

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Men-Andrin Meier, Dr. Leila Mizrahi, Dr. Dario Jozinovic, Dr. Laura Laurenti
Machine Learning for Earth and Planetary Sciences I focuses on supervised learning and does not require enrollment in Machine Learning for Earth and Planetary Sciences II (unsupervised and probabilistic learning focused) or Machine Learning for Earth and Planetary Sciences III (project focused).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22

Abstract

This is a 7-week hands-on course on the basics of machine learning and neural networks (first 7 weeks of semester). With numerous examples from across the geosciences we learn how to use supervised machine learning techniques to solve geoscience problems in a data driven way.

Objective

The core objective is to understand the logic behind neural network algorithms, and to learn how to use them to tackle your own research problems. This course should prepare you to employ supervised ML techniques e.g. for your BSc or MSc thesis project. You will learn how to use and handle large data sets of various kinds, including point measurements (e.g. ocean temperatures), time series (e.g. seismograms) and image data (e.g. maps). We will go through and develop a wide range of example problems, and learn how to apply different types of neural networks to solve scientific problems.

Content

The class consists of 4 hours of interactive lectures per week, and 4 hours per week of partially supervised exercises. During the lectures we go through, and further develop, a series of jupyter notebooks. In the exercises you apply and modify the concepts learned in class to other, similar problems. Brief introduction to python coding Single- and multi-parameter optimisation ● Grid search ● Linear least squares ● Non-linear least squares Neural networks for regression and classification ● Theory ● Model design ● Model optimisation ● Performance evaluation ● Training and practical considerations Convolutional neural networks Modern architectures overview and application in geosciences ● Recurrent neural networks ● Variational Autoencoders ● Generative and large language models

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Graded weekly exercises.

Registration & Places

Max Places
30

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Machine Learning for Earth and Planetary Sciences I
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (NO F 11)
  • Fri 08:15-10:00 (NO F 11)
32 h semesterly

Offered In

  • Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
    • Majors
      • Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
        • Electives (Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The following elective courses are strongly recommended for students interested in the "Space Systems" focus: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)
  • Earth Sciences Master
    • Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)