Global Biogeochemical Cycles (250571) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Contents
Origin of planetary systems. Origin of the Earth-Moon system. Comparative planetary history: Earth, Mars and Venus. The atmosphere and the oceans. The distribution of chemical elements. Life. Metabolic pathways. Chronology of the first billion years
Specific Objectives
Contextualize the hypotheses about the origin of the Earth-Moon system in the formation of the solar system. Understand the main features of the comparative evolution of Earth, Mars and Venus. Be able to explain the main hypotheses about the origin and early evolution of the atmosphere and oceans. Qualitatively associate the geochemical affinities of the main groups of elements. Knowing how to identify the characteristics of the first records of biological activity.
Dedication
4h Large group + 3h Medium group + 3h Laboratory classes + 18h Self StudyVertical structure and zoning. The Earth's radiation balance. Global circulation structures. Gases. Aerosols. Main constituents: nitrogen and oxygen. Carbon dioxide. Trace biogenic gases. Ozone. CFC. Stratospheric sulfur compounds. Atmospheric chemistry exercises
Specific Objectives
Revise and consolidate at a professional level the knowledge about the structure of the atmosphere. Use tools and basic concepts of Thermodynamics to understand the distribution of energy in the atmosphere and its consequences. Understand the main chemical reactions involving the major components of the atmosphere. Identify and model the role of minor components. Achieve notions about the chemistry of some important reactions in the stratosphere and their effects on a global scale.
Dedication
8h Large group + 3h Medium group + 3h Laboratory classes + 18h Self StudyChemical weathering. Secondary minerals. Rates of weathering. Mechanical weathering. Total denudation rates Cation exchange capacity. Buffering. Anion adsorption capacity. Phosphorus minerals. Soil environments. Soil development models. Soil biogeochemistry exercises
Specific Objectives
Get acquainted with the main types of chemical reactions that transform the primary minerals of the earth's crust and their temporal evolution. Understand the mechanisms that control the mobility of elements and compounds in soil environments.
Dedication
6h Large group + 3h Medium group + 3h Laboratory classes + 18h Self StudyAn introduction to the physical chemistry of water. Linkages between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Lakes Rivers. Estuaries. Human impact on inland waters. Inland biogeochemistry exercises Circulation and composition of ocean water. Net primary production. Sediment diagenesis. Carbon cycling. Nutrient cycling. Hydrothermal vent communities. The marine sulfur cycle. Ocean biogeochemistry exercises
Specific Objectives
Review of the phase diagram of water and its global implications for the hydrosphere. Study of the physical and chemical exchanges between different bodies of water and sediments and atmosphere. Description of the mechanisms of physical and chemical transport in lakes. Description of the mechanisms of physical and chemical transport in rivers and estuaries. Identify the anthropic processes of change in inland waters Knowledge of the physical and chemical bases of biogeochemical cycles in the oceans Identify the main components that influence the chemical evolution of the oceans and their interaction with other terrestrial spheres.
Dedication
6h Large group + 3h Medium group + 3h Laboratory classes + 18h Self StudySynthesis topic. Synthesis topic Synthesis topic Synthesis topics Synthesis topic
Specific Objectives
Know how to identify and give structure to topics of general interest. Development of outreach skills. From a preliminary outline, learn to add more specialized topics covered in class. Development of technical and artistic skills. Final presentation format: TED Talk Know how to identify and give structure to topics of general interest. Development of outreach skills. From a preliminary outline, learn to add more specialized topics covered in class. Development of technical and artistic skills. Final presentation format: TED Talk Know how to identify and give structure to topics of general interest. Development of outreach skills. From a preliminary outline, learn to add more specialized topics covered in class. Development of technical and artistic skills. Final presentation format: TED Talk Know how to identify and give structure to topics of general interest. Development of outreach skills. From a preliminary outline, learn to add more specialized topics covered in class. Development of technical and artistic skills. Final presentation format: TED Talk Know how to identify and give structure to topics of general interest. Development of outreach skills. From a preliminary outline, learn to add more specialized topics covered in class. Development of technical and artistic skills. Final presentation format: TED Talk
Dedication
6h Large group + 3h Medium group + 3h Laboratory classes + 18h Self Study