VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

751-5125-00L 2 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MTEC , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-ARCH , D-CHAB

You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Stable Isotope Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann, Dr. Roland Anton Werner, Dr. Alexander Knohl

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:07

Abstract

This course provides an overview about the applicability of stable isotopes (carbon 13C, nitrogen 15N, oxygen 18O and water 2H) to process-oriented ecological research questions. Topics will focus on using stable isotopes as indicators for the origin of pools and fluxes in ecosystems, for partitioning of composite fluxes, to trace and integrate processes spatially and temporally.

Objective

Students will be familiar with basic and advanced applications of stable isotopes in studies on plants, soils, water and trace gases, know relevant approaches, concepts and recent results in stable isotope ecology, know how to combine classical and modern techniques to solve ecophysiological or ecological problems, practice their English, and practice to search and analyze literature as well as to give an oral presentation.

Content

The analyses of stable isotopes often provide insights into ecophysiological and ecological processes that otherwise would not be available with classical methods only. Stable isotopes proved useful to determine origin of pools and fluxes in ecosystems, to partition composite fluxes and to integrate processes spatially and temporally. This course will provide an introduction to the applicability of stable isotopes, but also radiocarbon, to ecological research questions. Topics will focus on carbon (13C), nitrogen (15N), oxygen (18O) and water (2H) at natural abundance and tracer levels. Lectures will be supplemented by short presentations by students and lab or computer exercises.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be sold.

Literature

Will be discussed in class.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

- active participation- oral student presentation

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Stable Isotope Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems 3-4 Labortage im Januar oder Februar (nach Absprache)	Mon 10:15-12:00 (LFW C 11)	2 h weekly