ECTS - University of Pisa
| Modules | Area | Type | Hours | Teacher(s) | |
| OCEANOGRAFIA | GEO/12 | LEZIONI | 56 |
|
The student who completes the course successfully will be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the main topics of physical, chemical and biological oceanography. Students are expected to acquire the capability to integrate physical and biogeochemical information, in order to answer complex questions about the functioning of marine ecosystem, with particular regards to the microbial ecology and to the impact of climate change on marine ecosystem. Finally, students are expected to acquire the capability to read and discuss scientific publication.
During the oral exam the student must be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge of the course contents, using the appropriate terminology.
The student will be evaluated based on his/her ability to use the acquired knowledge to discuss scientific results and to solve complex problems.
Methods: Final oral exam
Phisics, matematics, biology
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
The course covers the main aspects of physical, chemical and biological oceanography. In particular: descriptive and dynamical physical oceanography, including the main pattern of water masses circulation in the oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea. Biogeochemical cycles, nutrients, carbonate system. Dynamics of dissolved organic matter. Primary production. Marine microbes, microbial food web and microbial loop. Interaction between bacteria and their predator. The role of viruses.
Recommended reading includes selected chapters of the following books and scientific papers indicated during the course.
1. “Seawater: Its composition, properties and behaviour”. The Open University, 2002
2. “Ocean circulation” The Open University, 2001
3. “Biogeochemistry of Marine Dissolved Organic Matter”, D.A. Hansell & C.A. Carlson, Elsevier Science (USA), 2002
4. “Microbial ecology of the oceans” David L. Kirchman, Wily-Liss, 2000
5. “Microbial ecology of the oceans” David L. Kirchman, Wily-Liss, 2008 8. “Dynamics of marine ecosystems. Biological-physical interactions in the Oceans”. K.H. Mann & J.R.N. Lazier.
