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| Version 2013-2014 |
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| OCEA0025-1 | Dynamics of nutrients in marine environment, part I : chemical and biochemical aspects
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| Duration : | 7,5h Th, 7,5h Pr, 10h FW |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Marc Elskens |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Course contents :
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| This course deals with the biogeochemical aspects associated with the study of the dynamics of nutrients in the marine environment. After introducing the concepts of new production and regeneration, and having specified their significance for studies tackling global change, we will focus on analytical techniques used to estimate concentrations and flow of nutrients in water columns. These techniques will involve using stable and/or radioactive isotopes. We will discuss how these can be applied to isotopic enrichment and dilution experiments, as well as the models required to interpret the results.
We will illustrate the experimental procedure in its entirety through a case study: the nitrogen cycle.
Finally, given the significant grown in the field of chemical metrology, and the introduction of regulation in terms of quality control, it would seem appropriate to deepen the notions of how analysis techniques work and models previously described according the international regulations in force. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| To provide the theoretical concepts required to study the dynamics of nutrients in the marine environment, while developing the spirit of critical analysis, but also selecting the best experimental procedures (experimental design), enabling the extraction of information relating to data analysis or to the study of biogeochemical cycles. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| Basic understanding of chemistry and statistical inference. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| Practical work is organised by A. Goffart in part II of the course: ecological processes. Exercise sessions relating to part I of the course will be annexed to the end the theory classes. |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| In principle, the theory course begins in the second semester (unless upon student request). As far as possible, the 2-hour lessons will take place on Friday afternoons. Specific times, as well as where the classes will take place will be given in due course. |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| There are no prepared course notes, but students will receive a copy of overheads and scientific articles or reference works illustrating the theory concepts being taught. |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| The exam will consist of a written part on the material covered during the exercise sessions (with course notes) and an oral part where the student will present and discuss his or her results in the context of the theory course (without course notes). |
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Work placement(s) :
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Organizational remarks :
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Contacts :
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| Dr. ir. Marc Elskens,
Vrije Universiteit Brussel,
Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry,
Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium
Phone: 32 2 6292716
Fax: 32 2 6293274
Email: melskens@vub.ac.be |
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