OCEA0025-1 : Dynamics of nutrients in marine environment

Study Programmes 2015-2016

OCEA0025-1

Dynamics of nutrients in marine environment, part I : chemical and biochemical aspects

Duration :

7,5h Th, 7,5h Pr, 10h FW

Number of credits :

Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)		3
Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)		3

Lecturer :

François Fripiat

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

This course deals with the biogeochemical aspects associated with the study of the dynamics of nutrients in the marine environment (with a special emphasis on the nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon cycle). After introducing each cycle, we will focus on a selection of analytical techniques used to estimate concentration and flow of nutrients in the marine environment. These techniques will involve using stable and/or radioactive isotopes, as well as geochemical tracers.

Learning outcomes of the course :

To provide the theoretical concepts required to study the dynamic of nutrients in the marine environment.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Basic understanding of chemistry, biology and oceanography.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

A full day practical work will be dedicated to analytical techniques used to study the N cycles (Vrije Universiteit Brussel).

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

The theory course begins in the first semester in Liège (unless upon student request). 4 Lectures of 2.5h duration (French or English depending of the students) and 1 full-day of practical work in Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel).