Duration
Biogeochemistry 1 : 20h Th
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry) : 20h Th
Number of credits
Master in oceanography, research focus (MER - Erasmus mundus) | 6 crédits | |||
Master in oceanography, research focus (Mundus ECT+ : Environmental contamination and toxicology) | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
Biogeochemistry 1 : Odile Crabeck, Bruno Delille
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry) : Odile Crabeck, Bruno Delille
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 global biogeochemical cycles of the major chemical elements in the oceans entering the organic matter (C, O, N, P, Si ...) are presented together with anthropogenic perturbations.
We will address the carbon cycle, how the oceans contribute to the uptake of CO2 emitted from human activities and recent geo-engineering techniques aiming to increase the ocean capacity to uptake atmospheric CO2. We will also discuss one of the consequences of this uptake, the so-called ocean acidification. We will also address specifically the nitrogen, phosphate, silicium, oxygen cycles.
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
We will address biogeochemical cycles (other than the major compounds 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. In addition we will pay attention to the polar ocean and one of its components: the sea-ice. This will require to first discuss sea ice physical processes
We will address
- Importance of biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem structure: the case of the Southern Ocean
- Iron cycle
- Sulphur cycle
- Air-sea exchange
- Marine aerosols
- 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 marine biogeochemical cycles and their pertubation by anthropogenic activities
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
Mostly lectures, but at least one session of tutorial work, and regular quizz.
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
Blended learning
Additional information:
Most modules are face to face and some display online.
10 classes of 2h during the 1st semester.
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Blended learning
Additional information:
Most modules are face to face and some will be online sessions
From October to December, generally one session of 2-3 hours a week. Planning defined by the Master MER secretariat.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Biogeochemistry 1
see e-campus
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Powerpoint posted on e-campus
Biogeochemistry 1
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Additional information:
Oral exam January 2024
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Biogeochemistry 1
Bring a device to access (computer, tab, smartphone) to the internet during the lectures.
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Bring a device to access (computer, tab, smartphone) to the internet during the lectures.
Contacts
Biogeochemistry 1
Bruno Delille Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be
Odile Crabeck ocrabeck@uliege.be
Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)
Bruno DELILLE Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be
Odile Crabeck ocrabeck@ulg.ac.be