2019-2020 / OCEA0055-5

Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean

Biogeochemistry 1

Biogeochemistry 2

Duration

Biogeochemistry 1 : 20h Th
Biogeochemistry 2 : 20h Th

Number of credits

 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (MER - Erasmus mundus)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Biogeochemistry 1 : Bruno Delille, Anne Mouchet
Biogeochemistry 2 : Bruno Delille, Anne Mouchet

Coordinator

Bruno Delille

Language(s) of instruction

English 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

Biogeochemistry 1

The course starts with the origin of the different chemical elements constituting the Earth and their temporal evolution. The large reservoirs are then described, together with the main biogeochemical processes prevailing in them. Finally, the global biogeochemical cycles of the major chemical elements entering the organic matter (C, O, N, P, Si ...) together with the water cycle are discussed. The course also adresses characteristic times and modelling biogeochemical cycles.
The thoretical content is presented during 20h of theoretical lectures. This is supplemented by 2 days of practical work, with one day at sea.

Biogeochemistry 2

We will address biogeochemical cycles (other than the main carbon, nitrogen and phosphours cycles that are addressed in the modul "biogeochemical cycles 1"), their role in the ecosystem structure, their importance in the context of global changes and especially the emmission of some climate gases. We will also address a particular perturbation of the carbon cycle: the oceanic acidification.
We will address

  • Importance of biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem structure: case of the Southern Ocean
  • Iron cycle
  • Sulphur cyle
  • Oceanic acidification

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Biogeochemistry 1

To understand the main biogeochemical cycles that govern the "Earth" system and get the tools for their modeling.

Biogeochemistry 2

To understand the origin and evolution of the main biochemical phenomena that govern the Earth.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Biogeochemistry 1

A correct knowledge in biology and chemistry

Biogeochemistry 2

This course is a follow-up of BIOC0701-1

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Biogeochemistry 1

none

Biogeochemistry 2

None.

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

Biogeochemistry 1

2h weekly during 1st semester. Day to be decided with the students.
Dates for practical work will be decided according to the availability of R.V. Belgica.

Biogeochemistry 2

Starts in january. Hours to be defined with students.

Recommended or required readings

Biogeochemistry 2

Powerpoint posted on e-campus

Assessment methods and criteria

Biogeochemistry 1

Exam

Biogeochemistry 2

Depending on the number of students, written exam or small review of litterature

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Biogeochemistry 1

Anne Mouchet A.Mouchet@ulg.ac.be
Bruno Delille Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be

Biogeochemistry 2

Bruno DELILLE Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be
Anne MOUCHETA.Mouchet@ulg.ac.be

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts

Items online

Biogeochemistry 1

Link
Electronic versions will be made available here: