Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean

Biogeochemistry 1

The global biogeochemical cycles of the major chemical elements in the oceans entering the organic matter (C, O, N, P, Si ...) are presented together with anthropogenic perturbations.

We will address the carbon cycle, how the oceans contribute to the uptake of CO2 emitted from human activities and recent geo-engineering techniques aiming to increase the ocean capacity to uptake atmospheric CO2. We will also discuss one of the consequences of this uptake, the so-called ocean acidification. We will also address specifically the nitrogen, phosphate, silicium, oxygen cycles.

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

We will address biogeochemical cycles (other than the major compounds that are addressed in the module "biogeochemical cycles 1"), their role in the ecosystem structure, their importance in the context of global changes and especially the emission of some climate gases. In addition we will pay attention to the polar ocean and one of its components: the sea-ice. This will require to first discuss sea ice physical processes 

We will address

• Importance of biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem structure: the case of the Southern Ocean
• Iron cycle
• Sulphur cycle
• Air-sea exchange 
• Marine aerosols 
• Physical  processes in sea ice
• Introduction to biology in sea ice
• Biogeochemistry of sea ice

Biogeochemistry 1

To understand the main marine biogeochemical cycles  and their pertubation by anthropogenic activities 

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

To understand the origin and evolution of the main biochemical phenomena that govern the Earth.
At the end of the lecture:

• You should have a sense of the interactions between physical oceanography, biogeochemistry and ecosystem functioning
• You will be able to read a paper dealing with sea ice
• You won't be scared to integrate sea ice component in your future work

Biogeochemistry 1

A correct knowledge in biology and chemistry

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

This course is a follow-up of OCEA0055-A-b

Biogeochemistry 1

Mostly lectures, but at least one session of tutorial work, and regular quizz.

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Mostly lecture, but at least one session of tutorial work, and regular quizz.

Biogeochemistry 1

Blended learning


Additional information:

Most modules are face to face and some display online.

10 classes of 2h during the 1st semester.

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Blended learning


Additional information:

 Most modules are face to face and some will be online sessions

From October to December, generally one session of 2-3 hours a week. Planning defined by the Master MER secretariat.

Biogeochemistry 1

see e-campus

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Powerpoint posted on e-campus

Biogeochemistry 1

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Additional information:

Oral exam January 2024

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Biogeochemistry 1

Bring a device to access (computer, tab, smartphone) to the internet during the lectures.

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Bring a device to access (computer, tab, smartphone) to the internet during the lectures.

Biogeochemistry 1

Bruno Delille Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be

Odile Crabeck ocrabeck@uliege.be 

Biogeochemistry 2 (Advanced Marine Geochemistry)

Bruno DELILLE Bruno.Delille@ulg.ac.be
Odile Crabeck ocrabeck@ulg.ac.be