Microbes and Biogeochemistry (2025/2026: Periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
The objectives of this course are:
(1) to provide a mechanistic and qualitative understanding of biogeochemical processes in aquatic environments (in particular oceans) and
(2) to describe interactions between microorganisms and the geosphere. The course will focus on organisms that are involved in organic carbon production, transformation and degradation, mineral precipitation and dissolution, and that control the distribution of elements, such as C, N, P, and some other nutrient elements in diverse environments at and below the Earth's surface.

Vakinhoudelijk

This course deals with the interactions between the biosphere and geosphere, in particular in the marine environment. The focus is on modern environments and the two-way linkage between organisms and their surroundings. We will cover the basic concepts and approaches in biogeochemistry and the organism involved. The distribution, growth and metabolism of selected organism will be related to the major biogeochemical cycles (e.g. C, N, P, S, Fe) and to processes such as redox transformations and mineral dissolution/precipitation. The course also deals with the basis of molecular techniques, use of isotopes in (microbial) ecology and conceptual models for microbial processes and biogeochemical cycles. The course will be useful for those interested in bioremediation, biogeochemical processes in present and past ecosystems, the effect of climate and global change on the functioning of System Earth. Students will present and discuss debated issues at the interface of the biosphere and geosphere.

Development of Transferable Skills
  • Written communication skills: Students are expected to write term papers and a short research proposal.
  • Verbal communication skills: Students will present a lecture for the general audience about a recent topic in Biogeochemistry.
  • Strong work ethic: students are assigned tasks early in the course with fixed deadlines and have to organize themselves in order to deliver on time.
  • Analytical skills: the material offered comprises many aspects and students are supposed to elucidate complex issues crossing disciplinary boundaries.

Werkvormen

Lectures

Toetsing

Eindresultaat

Verplicht | Weging 1% | ECTS 7,5

Term papers (15%); presentations (15%) including proposal (5%); final examination (70%).

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet een geldige toelatingsbeschikking hebben

Voorkennis

Essential: BSc. or equivalent degree in Biology or Earth Sciences or related field. Useful background: basic knowledge of geochemistry and general biology.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • HANDOUTS
    Handouts and ppt/pdf files distributed via Blackboard. Handouts van powersheet.
  • BOEK
    Marine Carbon Biogeochemistry: A primer for Earth System Scientists by Jack Middelburg An open access book. Can be freely downloaded or purchased for 25 euro.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

prof. dr. J.B.M. Middelburg j.b.m.middelburg@uu.nl

Docenten

Inschrijving

Deze cursus is open voor bijvakkers. Controleer wel of er aanvullende ingangseisen gelden.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 2 juni 2025 tot en met vrijdag 20 juni 2025

Na-inschrijving
Van maandag 18 augustus 2025 tot en met dinsdag 19 augustus 2025

Inschrijving niet geopend
Permanente link naar de cursuspagina
Laat in de Cursus-Catalogus zien