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
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
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.
Recommended or required readings
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Powerpoint posted on e-campus
Biogeochemistry 1
> Online oral examination (update 10/12/2020)
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
Additional information:
Oral exam
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