2020-2021 / OCEA0055-5

Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean

Biogeochemistry 1

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Duration

Biogeochemistry 1 : 20h Th
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry) : 20h Th

Number of credits

 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (MER - Erasmus mundus)6 crédits 
 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (Erasmus Mundus ECT+ : Environmental Contamination and Toxicology)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Biogeochemistry 1 : Bruno Delille, Anne Mouchet
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry) : 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 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

We will address biogeochemical cycles (other than the main carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles that are addressed in the module "biogeochemical cycles 1"), their role in the ecosystem structure, their importance in the context of global changes and especially the emission 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: the case of the Southern Ocean
  • Iron cycle
  • Sulphur cycle
  • Oceanic acidification
  • Physical  processes in sea ice
  • Introduction to biology in sea ice
  • Biogeochemistry of sea ice

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 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

To understand the origin and evolution of the main biochemical phenomena that govern the Earth.
At the end of the lecture:


  • You should have a sense of the interactions between physical oceanography, biogeochemistry and ecosystem functioning
  • You will be able to read a paper dealing with sea ice
  • You won't be scared to integrate sea ice component in your future work

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Biogeochemistry 1

A correct knowledge in biology and chemistry

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

This course is a follow-up of OCEA0055-A-b

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Biogeochemistry 1

none

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Mostly lecture, but at least one session of tutorial work, and regular quizz.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid 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 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

From October to December, generally one session of 2-3 hours a week. Planning defined by the Master MER secretariat.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

If possible, lectures will be given in hybrid mode (face-to-face, online and offline). Online platform will be lifesize (Lifesize (https://call.lifesizecloud.com/5919884). Offline lectures (powerpoint with speech recorded) will be posted on e-campus. Tutorial work could be cancelled.

Recommended or required readings

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Powerpoint posted on e-campus

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Biogeochemistry 1

> Online oral examination (update 10/12/2020)

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Normally a written exam. This will be adapted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and very likely replaced by an oral exam.
 
> Online oral examination (update 10/12/2020)

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Bring a device to access (computer, tab, smartphone) to the internet during the lectures.

Contacts

Biogeochemistry 1

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

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

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