MASC528 GEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

Course Objectives

The student is expected to acquire by way and at the end of the course the following:

Skills:

• Evaluating critically research published in academic and professional journals.
• Analyzing and interpreting hydrological, and biogeochemical data.
• Constructing reasoned and balanced arguments and present them in oral (presentation) and written form (poster).

Knowledge:

• Understanding the major features of global biogeochemical cycles.
• Learning about the state of the art of marine biogeochemical cycles.
• Acquire an  overview on anthropogenic impacts and alterations of biogeochemical cycles.

Course Content

Descriptive and quantitative aspects of earth as bio-geochemical system; fundamental study methods of equilibria; transport processes; chemical kinetics; biological processes; their application to carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus and other elemental cycles; stability of bio-geochemical systems; nature of human perturbation of their dynamics.

Course Learning Outcomes

The course will provide a broad background on the functioning of biogeochemical cycles with a special focus on marine environment. Students will learn about processes exchanging energy and elements among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. The main biogeochemical cycles that will be studied are: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur and iron. Special focus will be given to the biogeochemistry of the ocean on a biological timescale. An overview of main anthropogenic perturbations and impacts on biogeochemical cycles will be provided.

The program of the course is largely interdisciplinary combining together physical, chemical and biological oceanography. It will be adapted to be followed by students with a heterogeneous different backgrund.