Overview

The purpose of the module is to:

• Examine the essential processes in marine biogeochemistry
• Understand how biology, geology and chemistry are linked in the oceans
• Use examples of man-made additions to the oceans to highlight the main processes
• Gain experience and skills in laboratory techniques relevant to an understanding of marine biogeochemistry

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%:Attend practical session. Basic understanding, gained from taught material, practicals and directed reading, under examination conditions. Basic ability to appreciate and describe the processes that influence biogeochemical cycles in the oceans with particular reference to man-made changes. Basic appreciation of the concept of calibration in analytical chemistry and interpretation of data generated during laboratory experiments.

-good -Equivalent to score in the "B" range 60% to 70%Attend practical sessions and perform practical work and analysis of data in a competent manner. Demonstrate a good knowledge, gained from taught material, practicals and directed reading, under examination conditions and an ability to use this knowledge to answer unseen questions. Able to appreciate and describe the processes that influence biogeochemical cycles in the oceans with particular reference to man-made changes. Able to appreciate the concept of calibration in analytical chemistry and interpretation of data generated during laboratory experiments.

-excellent -Equivalent to score in the "A" range 70% or higherAttend practical sessions and carry out experimental work carefully and in an enquiring manner. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge, gained from taught material, practicals and directed reading, of taught material under exam conditions and be able to extrapolate or use additional information obtained by independent reading. Considerable appreciation and clear ability to describe the processes that influence biogeochemical cycles in the oceans with particular reference to man-made changes. Considerable appreciation the concept of calibration in analytical chemistry and interpretation of data generated during laboratory experiments.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciate how man-made changes to the oceans affect biogeochemical processes

• Demonstrate a knowledge of fundamental biogeochemical processes in the oceans

• Master some introductory laboratory techniques associated with the analysis of seawater