Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title From Sampling to Models in Ocean Biogeochemistry
Code ENVS413
Coordinator Prof C Mahaffey
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Claire.Mahaffey@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

Develop an appreciation of how models are constrained by observation and the uncertainties in observations.;

Provide an integrated view from laboratory analyses, field experiments and models for the cycling of carbon, nutrients and trace metals in the ocean;

Develop analogue models based on laboratory experiments ;

Acquire skills in error analysis, calibration and experimental design;

Receive training in research and industry standard analytical instruments including nutrient analysers, spectrofluorometric, voltammetric and chromatographic systems.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students should be able to design and carry out an experiment to measure key biogeochemical processes and write a concise and informative report

(LO2) Students should be able to critically analyse and interpret a biogeochemical data set and calculate key parameters to be used in models (.e.g growth rates, nutrient assimilation rates)

(LO3) Students should develop an appreciated of how models are constrained by observations and the uncertainties in observations

(LO4) Students should develop skills in error analysis, calibration and experimental design

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Working in groups and teams - Time management

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Numeracy/computational skills - Reason with numbers/mathematical concepts

Syllabus
 

Two or three of the following concepts will be covered per year:

Rates of biological processes including carbon and nitrogen fixation, respiration, net community production and gross primary production;

Development of Michaelis-Menten kinetics curves;

Response of phytoplankton to the addition of various nutrients and trace metals;

Dissolution/precipitation and sorption/desorption of trace metals;

Biological carbon budget in shelf sea system.

In each case, there will be a focus on experimental design and the derived relationships will be related to how biogeochemical processes are represented in models.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures and small group discussions
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 10

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory experiments and time-series measurements requiring 10 mins per day
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 hours every other week
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 8

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

     4

   10

8

 46
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 104
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Computer based practical assessment, 3 hours Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 12, semester 1  3 hours, computer ba    50       
Oral Presentation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 4, semester 1  1500 words    25       
Assessment 3 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 8, semester 1  1500 words    25       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.