2018-2019 / OCEA0027-1

Applications of stable isotopes in marine sciences

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)3 crédits 
 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)4 crédits 

Lecturer

Gilles Lepoint, Loïc Michel

Coordinator

Gilles Lepoint

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Analyse of the natural distribution of stable isotopes (= non radioactive isotopes) of light element C,H,N,O,S) is applied to study different problems of marine ecology and bio-geochemistry. 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 (including sample preparation) and interpretation (mixing models and isotopic niches).

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

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
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

Recommended or required readings

powerpoint presentation and note (in preparation)

Assessment methods and criteria

noted workshop and written work
+ oral exam + written exam (Multiple choice questions and open questions)

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Assistance to theory and practive mandatory

Contacts

Dr. Gilles Lepoint, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, 04/366.33.27, G.Lepoint@uliege.be
Dr. Loïc Michel, IFREMER Brittany, Loic.michel@uliege.be