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:

1. Explain the chemical processes that influence carbon uptake by the ocean
2. Comprehend the processes involved determining the nutrient structure of the ocean
3. Undertake chemical analysis of water samples collected in the field setting and relate them to theory
4. Describe the biogeochemical processes that influence compounds and organisms in the ocean and interpret findings within the recent literature

Field Trips

There is a field trip for this course. It is scheduled for 24-25 Feb 2024

The field trip is to Narooma, leaving on Saturday afternoon 24 February and returning Sunday afternoon 25 February.

Please see the College of Science - Field Trip page for more information.

Additional Course Costs

Approximate cost $200-250 for the field trip

Required Resources

Lab coat, safety glasses and suitable footwear are required for the Chemistry labs. Under covid rules we cannot lend coats or glasses, you need to bring your own.

Recommended Resources

Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics

Chemical Ocean and the Marine Carbon Cycle

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please note, that where there are multiple assessment tasks of the same type, e.g weekly quizzes, a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date of the first task, the return date is the approximate return date for the final task. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture - Field TripIntro & box modelling lecture
2	Lectures and practicalProductivity and Export Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
3	Lectures and laboratoryOxygen Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
4	Lectures and laboratoryNitrogen and Silicate Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
5	Lectures and laboratoryCarbonate 1 and 2 Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
6	Lectures and practicalCarbonate 3 and 4 Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
7	Lectures and practicalMetals 1 and 2 Lectures	online quiz and practical exercise
8	Lectures and practicalRadiocarbon Lecture	online quiz and practical exercise
9	Lectures and Poster developmentU-Series 1 and 2 Lecture	online quiz
10	Lectures and Poster developmentSediments Lecture	online quiz
11	weeks 11 and 12Poster development	Poster Presentation

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Semester Exam	40 %	30/05/2024	28/06/2024	1,2
Practical/Laboratories	40 %	*	*	1,2,3
Poster/video Presentation	15 %	20/05/2024	24/05/2024	4
Online and in-class quizzes	5 %	*	*	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Lectures will be recorded while the tutorial and labs/pracs will be face-to-face. The lectures will be recorded for students who cannot attend the lecture and placed on wattle.

The field trip is not compulsory, but students are strongly encouraged to attend to gain hands-on experience in field sampling.

Examination(s)

The exam will be in the designated exam period after semester 1.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for the end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Semester Exam

Your marine biogeochemical knowledge will be tested in an exam. This exam will be 2 hours and will either be held in week 10 in the practical period or during the exam period in June

You will be allowed a calculator and pen/pencil in the exam

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Assessment Task 2

Practical/Laboratories

There are 7 practicals for the course – all are assessable.

Three chemistry laboratories are to be carried out in the Sciences Teaching Building (Bldg 136).

Chemistry laboratories start in Week 3 (4 March).

Please bring your lab coat, safety glasses and suitable footwear!

Each chemistry laboratory report is due at the beginning of the next laboratory. 

3-4 Practicals will be held in RSES, Bldg 142.

The practicals will involve computer work and calculations.

Laboratory reports (submitted online) must be uploaded within one week after completing each laboratory/practical. 

There are 7 reports due over the semester. It is intended that marked reports will be returned within 2 weeks after submission. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 3

Poster/video Presentation

In weeks 11-12 you will be tasked with making a poster/video and presenting this to your classmates, lecturers and others. 

For the poster/video, you will have to research a topic and present an aspect of its marine biogeochemical cycle. 

Poster size - A0/Video 10 minutes long

Assessment Task 4

Online and in-class quizzes

These online and in-class quizzes will test your knowledge of the lecture material being presented.

The date range for these tasks indicates the approximate due date for the first report quiz and the approximate return date for the last quiz. There are several quizzes due over the semester. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Noting the implications of Policy: Student assessment (coursework) Item 7

PLEASE SELECT EITHER:

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

OR:

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

ALTERNATIVELY

If both statements are valid and apply to different assignments, clarify which policy to which assignment.

 

2020 statement:  

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Practicals and laboratory assignments will be returned within 2-3 weeks of submission

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students