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2011/12 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5232M Biogeochemical Cycles of the Earth System

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor Michael D. Krom
Email: m.d.krom@earth.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2011/12

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE3110

Earth System Science: BGC Cyc

Module replaces

EARS 5232M Environmental Geochemistry

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this course, we will investigate the major biogeochemical cycles, and how they may be used as tools for understanding the Earth System. The first part of the course will introduce the key background biogeochemistry. The second part of the course will look at the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorous and iron in more detail. There will be an opportunity to undertake simple scenario testing to look at how changes in the biogeochemical cycles affect the Earth System. This will include investigation of conditions in the past, the human impact today, and potential impact of human activities and natural processes in the future. The final part of the module will involve a STELLA model of a part of a global elemental cycle chosen by the student which will be worked through and then presented to the class. There will also be research seminars led by various members of staff to showcase the current frontiers of global cycles and biogeochemistry. The module is taught as one weekly 2 hour lecture slot during semester 1, plus 4 * 2 hour seminar/discussion slot during semester 2.

Objectives

On completion of the module, students will have an understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and how they can be used to understand the Earth System.

Students will develop an understanding of the general principles and science of biogeochemistry in relation to the Earth system, and then look in more detail at individual biogeochemical cycles.

Students will undertake scenario testing to look at how changes to in the biogeochemical cycles (past, present and future) affect the Earth System, and vice versa.

Students will take part in a series of seminar discussions on key areas of the biogeochemistry of the Earth System.

Students will undertake a detailed investigation into one key topic of biogeochemical cycles in Earth System Science.

Skills outcomes
During this modules, students will have the opportunity to further develop their written communication, planning and organisation, information literacy, research, problem solving, numeracy, IT and time management skills. Their written communication skills will be assessed within the context of the exam and other assessment. Students will also gain the ability to use the Stella software for looking at the impact on the Earth System of simple past and future perturbations to the biogeochemical cycles. Associated skills of problem solving, numeracy, and IT will be tested within the context of the Stella worksheets. Finally, students will have the opportunity to practise and develop their research and oral presentation skills during the research essay/talk. They will also have the opportunity to take part in scientific discussions during the seminars.

Syllabus

Part 1: During part 1 of the course we will cover the general principles and science of biogeochemistry in relation to the Earth System, including: Use of biogeochemical cycles to understand the Earth System; Box models; STELLA modelling: Water and the hydrosphere and Soil and watershed processes including Environmental Microbiology.

Part 2: In part 2 of the course, we will cover the Individual biogeochemical cycles, including: the global carbon cycle; nitrogen cycle; phosphorous cycle. In each case, we will cover the chemical forms of the element, the processes which control its transformations and finally its global cycle. We will look at various scenarios relevant to changing the cycles. We will finish by looking at Human modification of global cycles and climate change.
Part 3: Students then choose a part of a global elemental cycle and develop a STELLA model for that cycle. They will produce a short essay and presentation on this work. There will also be research seminars on aspects of Earth System Science and biogeochemical cycles.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Practical	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	2	2.00	4.00
Seminar	4	1.50	6.00
Independent online learning hours			18.00
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will be expected to undertake reading after each lecture and seminar, based on reading lists that will be given out. In addition, during part 1 of the course we will introduce the computer programme Stella, and students will be expected to practise using this software in their own time. During part 2 of the course, students will be given a variety of scenarios to test using Stella in their own time. The outcomes of this scenario testing will be discussed during the following lecture. Some of this scenario testing will be assessed. For part 3 of the course, there will be a series of seminars and discussions, after which the students will choose a topic to research, producing an essay and a presentation. Students will be expected to undertake additional reading and revision prior to the examination. An approximate breakdown of private study and independent online learning time is given below:

Reading: 28 hours
Topic research/reading: 36 hours
Revision: 36 hours


Online teaching
Software practise: 2 hours
Scenario testing: 14 hours
Assessed scenario testing: 2 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through the use of the scenario tests set as homework during part 2 of the course. These will be discussed at the beginning of the next class, where students will be able to ask questions and gain feedback. There will be several of these scenario tests prior to the assessed scenario tests so that student s have the opportunity to gain feedback on the work before the assessment. The assessment will be marked before the end of the module so that students gain marks and feedback on it before the final exam. In addition, the students will undertake their exam after part 2 of the module, but prior to part 3, so they will have a good idea of where they are in terms of achievement at that point. They will have an opportunity to gain feedback as they prepare their essay and presentation for the final part of the module assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 words	10.00
Oral Presentation	10 minute	10.00
Computer Exercise	STELLA worksheets	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/09/2012

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