General Information
| Course Code | AM_450332 |
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| Credits | 6 EC |
| Period | P4 |
| Course Level | 400 |
| Language of Tuition | English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Course Coordinator | W. Heffernan |
| Examiner | W. Heffernan |
| Teaching Staff |
W. Heffernan prof. dr. ir. S. Houweling prof. dr. J.E. Vonk |
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Part of programme(s)
Master
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Practical Information
You need to register for this course yourself. The (de)registration deadlines can be found on VU.nl
| Teaching Methods | Computer lab, Lecture |
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Target audiences
This course is also available as:
Course Objective
To better understand the importance of biogeochemical cycles in the Earth system, with specific attention to the role of biogeochemistry in climate change including for example ocean acidification, nitrogen and CO2 fertilisation, and impacts on society.
Course Content
Biogeochemical cycles are crucial for mankind and the Earth system. For example, they govern our food supply, regulate climate on long time scales based on the balance between weathering rates and volcanic eruptions, on short time scales via emissions of fossil fuels and climate-carbon feedbacks in oceans and permafrost regions, etc. The main subject of this course is the exchange of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus between the soil, water, atmosphere, and biota on global and local scales in different climatic zones (tropics, temperate, boreal and arctic zone) and environments. Each week consists of two lectures focused around a theme which will be followed by a practical where you will work with actual data to better understand links between biogeochemical cycles and the Earth system. The themes include the global terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycle and its relation to climate; the terrestrial nitrogen cycle and links to food production and pollution as well as climate; forests including deforestation and forest fires; carbon and nitrogen cycles in Arctic ecosystems and wetlands with a special focus on permafrost dynamics; and oceanic cycles of nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. All these cycles are linked through the atmosphere which will be another theme during the course.
Additional Information Teaching Methods
14 Lectures, 7 practicals that include group work, discussion, and presentations
Method of Assessment
Evaluation of the practicals, student participation in group work, student engagement during class discussions, written exam, and possibly an essay
Literature
Lecture notes and scientific papers will be made available during the course.
Additional Information Target Audience
MSc students Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Environment and Resource management
Recommended background knowledge
We will use the Python scripting language during practicals and elemental knowledge of scripting is required (a manual will be provided), although some exercises can also be done using Excel