Course content

This course covers descriptions of the known biogeochemical processes and scientific challenges at the interfaces of seawater, landmasses, sediment and atmosphere. It will cover synthesis and extension of the information provided in marine chemistry, geochemistry, physical oceanography and biology. The course will also deal with the theory of various field techniques including sample collection, and some crucial instrumental methods for seawater analysis.

More specifically course will cover the following topics:
- Chemical composition of seawater, major and minor components, elemental speciation, ionic interactions in seawater.
- Oceans' role in the global biogeochemical cycling of the selected elements.
- Biogeochemical cycles of macro and micro nutrients.
- Trace elements and their isotopes as tracers for physical, biological and geological processes.
- Physical Oceanography, coupling climate and ocean currents and biogeochemistry.
- Trace elements toxicity for marine bioata.
- Photochemical processes in seawater, interactions between metal and organic matter.
- Sediments, sediment-water interface, their role on the oceanic cycle.
- Equilibrium and kinetic perspectives of marine processes.
- Coastal systems and geochemical processes (Fjords, estuarine and shallow near-shore waters).

In addition, selected HOT topics:
- Climate changes and feedbacks from the marine biogeochemical cycles.
- Ocean acidification and Carbon cycle.
- De-oxygenation of ocean, suboxic, anoxic-sulfidic zones.
- Limiting and controlling elements for the biological production: interactions between biogeochemical cycles and marine ecosystems.

Learning outcome

After finishing the course, the candidates will:
- have knowledge about the known marine biogeochemical processes and scientific challenges at the interfaces of seawater, landmasses, sediment and atmosphere
- integrated and thorough knowledge of the chemical processes in the marine environment provided in marine chemistry, geochemistry, physical oceanography and biology
- have learned the theory of various field techniques including sample and data collection, and some crucial instrumental methods for seawater analysis



The students shall acquire abilities to
- apply acquired knowledge within marine biogeochemistry to understand and predict how chemical, geochemical and physical processes affect marine organisms and ecosystems or vise versa
- critically present and discuss the content in scientific topics.
- communicate with colleagues in adjacent disciplines.
- work as a group member on a specific scientific topic

They will be able to use this knowledge in environmental research, monitoring and management activities.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and some seminars,

Lectures and laboratory work / fieldwork will be given in seminars / workshops and intensive teaching periods. Schedule will be given at the start of the semester.

Besides the traditional lectures, the students are divided into groups of 2 or 3 students, of which each group is given a theme (inside the curriculum) upon which they shall give an oral presentation with slides, of maximum 25 minutes. The presentation counts 30 % of the given grade. Compulsory Presentation activity.

Copies of lectures are uploaded to itslearning. Selected scientific papers are made available

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic education in chemistry or biology from universities or comparable is required. The course builds partly on knowledge corresponding to KJ2072 Environmental Chemistry and BI2060 Marine Ecology.

Course materials

Lectures and scientific publications. Will be announced in the start of the semester.

Credit reductions