Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Global Biogeochemical Cycles (250571) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

This subject will address fundamental aspects of chemical oceanography, with emphasis on issues related to sedimentary hydrocarbons, biomineralization, biomarkers. Biogeochemistry of marine and terrestrial primary production. Geological and contemporary history of the carbon cycle, the global cycle of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and silicon. Coupling of biogeochemical cycles. Anthropic effects on the biogeochemical cycles. 1.- History of life. Evolution of metabolism. Sedimentary hydrocarbons. Biomarkers Biomineralization. Biogeochemistry of marine and terrestrial primary productions. Weathering processes. 2.- Geological history of the carbon cycle. Contemporary history of the carbon cycle. The global oxygen cycle. The global cycle of nitrogen. The global phosphorus cycle. The global sulfur cycle. The cycles of silicon. 3.- Coupling of biogeochemical cycles. Anthropic effects in the biogeochemical cycles. This subject is oriented to a high-level interdisciplinary training, by addressing in depth all the major areas of the Marine Sciences (Physical, Geological, Chemical and Biological Oceanography), as well as providing a solid foundation in programming and problem solving methods through the use of computer calculation programs that allow a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, its problems and the possible solutions to them. This course is intended as an introductory course to biogeochemistry. The goals of the course include (1) learning the basic chemical cycles that occur in the various Earth systems and the environments in which these reactions occur, (2) understanding the basic geochemical concepts including redox chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry (3) identifying the typical procedures and methods used to measure these processes on the Earth, and (4) examining the literature concerning biogeochemistry. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The student will be able to identify the chemical cycles that take place on the Earth explain the various geochemical reactions that are important in biogeochemical cycles identify the environments in which these cycles occur, and how they differ identify key journals, literature, and authors that are presently researching the various core areas within biogeochemistry.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Evaluate the bio- and geo-diversity of the marine environment, identifying habitats and ecosystems with multidisciplinary criteria.

Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.

To set, evaluate and propose solutions to the different conflicts of use and exploitation in the marine and coastal environment resources based on scientific and technical criteria.

Carry out environmental impact, management and protection studies of the marine environment and adjacent coastal areas, including the corresponding infrastructures and their related impacts.

Develop a conceptual framework to address the sustainability of the marine environment and the related socio-economic activities at different scales, explaining the effects of climate change.

Set, plan and execute basic and applied research in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.

Write technical reports and disseminate knowledge about the different components of the marine system, considering the applicable legal framework.

Apply the necessary tools to analyze the economic and legal aspects of human actions and the related impacts on the marine environment, including technical advice and representation of companies and administrations.

Generic

Develop a professional activity in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Apply state-of-the-art methods and techniques in oceanography and marine climate, jointly covering the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects.

Develop a conceptual framework that links the scientific-technological and management aspects for marine resources, explaining the interactions with marine infrastructures and management plans in coastal areas.

Apply knowledge and academic experience to the biotic and abiotic resources of the marine environment, explaining their interactions with the socio-economic activities that take place in it.

Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 75.00 %
Laboratory classes 15h 25.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2.3 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2.3 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.2 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The subject's grade is obtained from the continuous assessment grades. - First partial exam (25%) - Second partial exam (25%) - Coursework (25%) - Final exam (25%) Criteria for qualification and admission to the re-evaluation: Students suspended from the ordinary evaluation who have appeared regularly in the evaluation tests of the suspended subject will have the option to take a re-evaluation test in the period set in the academic calendar Students who have already passed or students classified as not present will not be able to take the revaluation test of a subject. The maximum grade in the case of taking the reassessment exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student called to the re-evaluation test, held in the fixed period, cannot give rise to the completion of another test with a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take any of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the teacher responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding teaching period.

Office Hours

Remote Wednesdays 12:00 – 13:00 https://meet.google.com/uge-gdgg-jdw. By appointment

Bibliography

Basic