This is an advanced course that explores the relationships between marine chemistry, marine biological and geochemical processes - with a focus on developing an understanding of the interplay and responses between ocean chemistry, marine biology and global change. Topics covered include the theory and application of chemical and isotopic tracers in oceanography and palaeoceanography, macro- and micro-nutrient cycling, sediment and suspended particulate interactions, element speciation, and biomineralization. Practical work will cover a range of standard and sophisticated laboratory methods for nutrients, elemental, isotopic and chemical speciation analysis, as well as a field sampling excursion to the South Coast of NSW.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the chemical processes that influence carbon uptake by the ocean
- Comprehend the processes involved determining the nutrient structure of the ocean
- Undertake chemical analysis of water samples collected in the field setting and relate them to theory
- Describe the biogeochemical processes that influence compounds and organisms in the ocean and interpret findings within the recent literature
Other Information
There will be a 2 day field trip to Narooma.
The date for this trip in 2020 is Saturday and Sunday 29 February/1 March.
Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip; expected to be approximately $150- $180.
Payment can be made online at ScienceShop http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/
Indicative Assessment
- Practical/laboratory assignments (40) [LO 2,3]
- Essay or poster presentation (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Theory examination (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Online quizzes (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures plus one 1 x 3 hour practical per week
- A weekend field trip to Narooma over the weekend after Week 1
- Approximately 56 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, students learn how to analyse samples in the laboratory. This requires students to be able to:
- make and interpret visual observations
- safely participate in the chemistry laboratories
Students who can provide evidence they cannot meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative assessment and participation requirements with the course convenor.
Students in this course have the option to participate in an overnight trip to collect seawater samples. To participate in this trip, students must be able to:
- Travel to the coastal location and stay nearby
- Safely participate in a half day research boat trip
Students who cannot meet these requirements cannot choose to participate in this optional trip. For more information, please refer to the trip information page.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Assumed Knowledge
Bachelor degree with a broad chemistry background
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3735 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | N/A |
