Module overview
The module is designed for graduates in any science discipline embarking on postgraduate studies in Ocean and Earth Science.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- 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.
- 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.
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
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.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Tutorial | 2 |
Lecture | 18 |
Independent Study | 55 |
Total study time | 75 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Theory Paper (80%): A 90-minute written examination, two questions to be answered, one from each section, will test the understanding of the theoretical part of the course through essay type questions and also numerical problems. Tests Learning Outcomes 1-4
Short Practical Write Up (20%): A short data analysis exercise based on the practical work carried out during the boat work week. Tests Learning Outcomes 4
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Practical write-ups | 20% |
Theory examination | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Theory examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External