ES 444 Biogeochemistry of Marine Sediments       

  Home

Schedule

 Lecture Notes

   Readings

Lab Exercises

  
 
 

ESCI 444 - Biogeochemistry of Marine Sediments - Syllabus - Fall 2008

Lecture Location: BH 317, CB 385                                                  

Instructor: David H. Shull (Homepage)
Meeting time: M 12:00-1:50 PM, W 1:00-4:50 PM Office: ES 445, ext. 3690
CRN: 44296                                                          Office hours: MTW 10:00 AM- 12PM
      Email: david.shull@wwu.edu

OBJECTIVES:

1.   Examine processes affecting chemical profiles and fluxes in marine sediments and bottom water  
2.   Study basic chemical oceanographic principals  
3.   Acquire first-hand experience with laboratory and field methods  

Course Topics:

The following will be covered in the course: Organic-matter degradation, oxygen consumption, nutrient regeneration, and redox processes in marine sediments  

PREREQUISITES: ESCI 321, chemistry series, calculus series

COURSE WEB SITE:

I will use the course web site for posting the syllabus, lectures, answers to exam questions, reading assignments, and course announcements.  http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~shulld/es444BGMS

LECTURE AND LABORATORY SESSIONS

Lectures will cover important topics in biogeochemistry related to the degradation of organic matter in sediments and it's consequences for other chemical reactions, particle and pore water transport processes, and chemical kinetics.  Lectures will generally include a quiz and discussion of an important paper from the literature.  Laboratory assignments will be directly related to lecture topics.  We will discuss a topic in lecture on Tuesday and then try it in the laboratory on Thursday.  Labs will be held at the Shannon Point Marine Center and portions of several laboratory classes will take place on research vessels.  You will need to dress appropriately for field work.  Appropriate dress includes warm clothing, a hat, and steel-toed shoes (if you own a pair). 

EVALUATION GUIDELINES:

Midterm Exam 20%
Final Exam 30%
Laboratory Reports 30%
Discussion Participation 10%
Weekly quizzes 10%

APPROXIMATE GRADING SCALE:

 93-100  A  90-92  A-  88-89  B+  83-87  B  80-82  B-   78-79  C+
 73-77    C  69-72  C-   67-68  D+    61-66  D  57-60  D-  0-56    F

COMPONENTS OF STUDENT EVALUATION

Exams: The midterm and final examinations will cover material from both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course.  The final examination will be cumulative and will include questions that require some problem solving and integration of ideas from the rest of the course.

Laboratory Reports: Weekly reports will present findings from lab sessions and will discuss material from related lectures. 

Discussion Participation: Students will be graded every week on participation in discussion by the following criteria:

Four Points: Demonstrated understanding of all material, positive contribution to discussion
Three Points: Demonstrated understanding of most material in discussion, added to discussion
Two Points: Participated in discussion
One Point: Arrived on time, present in class
No Points: Absent (or late without excuse)

Weekly Quizzes: These will focus on concepts from assigned reading.