Biogeochemistry Projects

Based on theoretical foundations in the module “Biogeochemical Processes: Concepts”, we focus on practical applications in the field followed by intense laboratory work. We will provide a short field exercise and showcase sampling of marine sediments for pore water constituents and solid phase analysis of minerals and lipid biomarkers. Groups of students will work on interdisciplinary projects, designed according to recent research questions/techniques in the fields of marine (in)organic biogeochemistry. Specific topics from the concept module will be discussed in small groups, for example, principles of geochemical fluid fluxes, lipid biomarker analysis or handling of complex data sets.

Students will be
a) familiar with laboratory methods and techniques essential for scientific (in)organic biogeochemical work.
b) able to provide conceptions of the ocean as a biogeochemical system.
c) in a position to tackle research questions in marine biogeochemistry.
d) provided with skills to work in a team.

The assessment is based on presentation of results at the end of the labwork phase (34%) and the final report (66%). The report should document the project work incl. its scientific foundation and is supposed to be written in an article-like fashion. The participation in the field and lab exercises is mandatory.

Projektarbeitsbericht

Ardrey (2003) Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 296 pages.
Boudreau & Joergensen (eds) (2001) The benthic boundary layer. Oxford Press.
Broekaert (2001) Analytical Atomic Spectrometry with Flames and Plasmas, Wiley-VCH, 364 pages.
Canfield, Thamdrup & Kristensen (eds) (2005) Aquatic Geomicrobiology, Academic Press.
Grob & Barry (2004) Modern Practice of Gas Chromatography, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1045 pages.
Schulz & Zabel (eds) (2006) Marine Geochemistry. 2nd ed., Springer Verlag.

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