OCEA0027-1 : Applications of stable isotopes in marine sciences

Study Programmes 2015-2016

OCEA0027-1

Applications of stable isotopes in marine sciences

Duration :

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits :

Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)		4
Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)		4

Lecturer :

Gilles Lepoint

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

Analyse of the natural distribution of stable isotopes (= non radioactive isotopes) of light element (H, C, O, N) is applied to study different problems of marine ecology and bio-geochemistry. Stable isotopes are also used as experimental tracers. The course is divided in 3 parts: 1 general presentation of stable isotopes and theory of isotopic effects; 2 Illustration of some applications of isotopic techniques to marine ecology and biogeochemistry; 3. Practical work to initiate student to stable isotopes measurements and interpretation.

Learning outcomes of the course :

1. to present stable isotopes and their applications in marine studies

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

basics in Chemistry and Ecology
adapted for students using these technics in their master or PhD thesis or wanting to inform themselves on trophic ecology technics

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

PPT presentation
Practical could be combined with Ecotoxicology course (K Das). Sampling at sea, sample preparation and measurements of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios to illustrate trophic application of stable isotopes
written report is the basis for oral exam (French or English) + written exam (French or English is necessary)

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

presentiel oral course: 4 days, workshop: one day (sampling) + 2-3for sample preparation, isotopic measurement, etc. schedule to be established with students