ESS505 GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
| Course Code: | 8740505 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Earth System Science |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. AYŞEN YILMAZ |
| Offered Semester: | Fall or Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
to determine the response of key biogeochemical cycles to global climate changeto understand the major biogeochemical components, processes and systems of the life on Earth
to recognize linkages and interactions between the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere through biogeochemical cycling
to understand the role of biogeochemical cycles on natural and anthropogenic environmental change;
Course Content
The origin and history of life on Earth, life and evolution, production and fate of organic material, major biogeochemical cycles (C,N,P,O, and S) and their interactions with physical, chemical and biological components of terrestrial and aquatic systems, links between local and global cycles, biogeochemical transformations and microbial loops, aerobic and anaerobic processes, climatic forcing of biogeochemical processes, anthropogenic environmental change mediated through both perturbation of biogeochemical cycles (eutrophication, ocean carbon sequestration) and through the introduction of contaminants (toxic organic compounds, heavy metals, trace elements), reconstructing the history of environmental change using chemical markers preserved in sedimentary or biological archives.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will develop up-to-date insight on multi-level functioning of Earth system biogeochemical cycles
Students will learn basic elements of global cycling of elements.
Students will be familiar with the functioning of land, aquatic and ocean ecosystem including their past functioning as inferred from geological records.