Introduction to Chemical Oceanography

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• explain the differences between conservative and non conservative elements and discuss their behaviour, distribution and cycling in the oceans using examples including nutrients, major and minor elements, and gases.
• convert between the different units used in chemical oceanography.
• explain the processes that control the chemical composition of seawater including the hydrological cycle, erosion and weathering, hydrothermal activity on mid ocean ridges, and the deposition of different sediment types.
• Aware of the behaviour of elements within estuaries and to interpret an estuarine nutrient data set.

The format of the module is lecture based. Calculations and simple exercises will be set throughout the course to allow students to employ the skills learnt in a practical sense that is relevant to their discipline.

Chemical oceanography covers many facets of marine environmental science and a multitude of different spatial and temporal scales. Topics covered in this module span from evolution of the ocean to controls on chemical speciation in sea water and molecular diffusion processes. Chemical processes are essential in biological systems, they control the geology of the planet and they are key tracers utilised in understanding the physics of the ocean.

Formal Lectures: Will provide an introduction to the theory underlying chemical processes in the marine environment. Each lecture systematically covers the main concepts and topics by the use of PowerPoint presentations, supported by illustrated handout materials. The lecturers' own experience in this field is incorporated where possible. Appropriate references to parts of course textbooks and introductory journal references are provided at each lecture.

Problem Sheets: Numerical problems and answers are available each week to allow individual study to reinforce the concepts taught in the lectures.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.