2020-2021 / OCEA0220-1

Biogeochemical Cycles in the Polar Ocean and Sea Ice

Duration

20h Th

Number of credits

 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

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

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

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

This course is a follow-up of BIOC0701-1. It is not mandatory to have attended the lecture, but it is recommended.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

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

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

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

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

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. It won't be possible to have practical work. Tutorial work could be cancelled as well.

Recommended or required readings

see 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.

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

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

Contacts

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