EMSC6023 Marine Biogeochemistry
| Offered By | Research School of Earth Sciences |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Earth and Marine Science |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2012 and First Semester, 2013 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This is an advanced course that explores the relationships between marine chemistry, marine biological and geochemical processes - with a focus on developing an understanding of the interplay and responses between ocean chemistry, marine biology and global change. Topics covered include the theory and application of chemical and isotopic tracers in oceanography and palaeoceanography, macro- and micro-nutrient cycling, sediment and suspended particulate interactions, element speciation, and biomineralization. Practical work will cover a range of standard and sophisticated laboratory methods for nutrients, elemental, isotopic and chemical speciation analysis, as well as a field sampling excursion to the South Coast of NSW. There will be a 1 day field trip to Narooma. For 2011 the field trip is expected to be held in September. Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip; in 2010 it was $130. Payment may be made at the Science Cashier, Bldg 42, or online at ScienceShop.
Note: lectures and practicals in this course are attended by undergraduate students enrolled in EMSC3023
|
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Explain the chemical processes that influence carbon uptake by the ocean 2. Comprehend the processes involved determining the nutrient structure of the ocean 3. Undertake chemical analysis of water samples collected in the field setting and relate them to theory 4. Describe the biogeochemical processes that influence compounds and organisms in the ocean and interpret findings within the recent literature |
| Indicative Assessment |
A combination of theory examination, practical/laboratory assignments, an essay topic and/or a poster presentation.
Students in the this graduate version of this course will be required to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the material in the assessment items. |
| Workload |
A maximum of 26 hours of lectures/tutorials and 39 hours of laboratory and tutorial classes |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Earth and Marine Sciences |
|
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills |
Bachelor degree with a broad chemistry background |
| Requisite Statement |
Prerequisite: Bachelor degree including chemistry to a first year level. |
| Incompatibility | |
| Preliminary Reading |
Chemical Oceanography and the Global Carbon Cycle" (2008) Emerson, S. and J. I. Hedges, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK |
| Academic Contact | Dr Michael Ellwood and Dr Stephen Eggins |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.
