Course Syllabus
Synopsis
Origins and history of the elements during the formation of the Earth. Total cycles of the major and other elements, their role in productivity and food web structure, their importance in climatic changes.
Aims
To provide an overview of the biogeochemical cycles in the ocean and how they have governed and govern the Earth system.
Objectives
At the end of the Unit, you should:
- understand the principal biogeochemical cycles which govern the Earth system and to acquire the basic concepts for their modelling.
- understand the origin and the evolution of the principal biogeochemical phenomena which govern the Earth system
Key Skills Acquired
At the end of the Unit, you should be able to:
- Undertake basic modelling of biogeochemical cycles
Programme
- Origins of the elements and their history during the formation of the Earth.
- Description of the large reservoirs and the major biogeochemical phenomena.
- Global cycles of the major elements intervening in the constitution of the organic matter (C, N, O, P) are analyzed. Concepts of characteristic times and the aspects of modeling of these cycles are also approached.
- Biogeochemical cycles of other elements (Fe, S), their role in the productivity and the food web structure, their importance in the context of the climatic changes.
- Importance of the biogeochemical cycles, in the structuring of the ecosystem: case of the Antarctic Ocean
- Disturbance of the carbon cycle: oceanic acidification.
- Two practical work days including 1 day at sea. Practical work will take place according to the availabilities of the R.V. Belgica.
Learning & Teaching (20 hr Th; 2×10 hr; field work)
20 meetings of 2h of theoretical course. Dates to be fixed with the students.
Teaching Staff
B Delille (Coord.); A Mouchet
Semester: 1
Timetable slot: To be advised
ECTS: 6
Level: Optional
Bibliography
Power-point available on http://www.co2.ULiège.ac.be/student/ address
Assessment
- Examination: 75-50%
- Written Report: 25-50%
Course Evaluation
By completion of University Unit Evaluation Questionnaire by students, annual assessment by Unit Co-ordinator. A full external review by the ULiège Academic Quality & Standards Committee.