Biogeochemistry

AY2019/2020 Semester 1

This course aims to teach you how biological communities shape the chemistry of their environment, and how environmental chemistry in turn shapes biological communities.The course will both teach you the fundamental concepts of biogeochemistry during weekly lectures, but will also challenge you to think critically about the course content and apply your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. We will cover the biogeochemistry of both terrestrial and aquatic systems,and will also consider biogeochemkal research techniques (such as isotope tracers and remote sensing). Throughout the course, we will consider how humans are shaping the biogeochemistry of the Earth,such as via eutrophication,ocean acidification,or effects of rising temperatures. As an advanced-level course, there will be a significant emphasis on reading and discussing original research papers. Moreover, as part of the assessment, you will prepare a group presentation on a contentious biogeochemical topic, and also write a separate review article or essay on a different biogeochemical topic. The course will consist of 13 lectures with topical tutorials. The lectures willoutline the core knowledge that you are expected to aquire by the end of the course,and the tutorials will deepen this by reading and discussing topical research and/or review papers. In addition,you will research and write an essay on a biogeochemical topic throughout the semester, and you will prepare for a group presentation and discussion that will be held at the end of the semester.