Mae Sexauer Gustin

NRES 765 Biogeochemical cycles   Fall 2009

General information

Time and Location- MW in KRC105 from 1430 to 1545

Instructor- Mae Gustin, Professor, NRES Dept Office location- FA 126, email-mgustin@cabnr.unr.edu , phone-784-4203, Webpage- www.cabnr.unr.edu/gustin  Office hours-by appointment.

Course description:

Investigation of factors and processes controlling and the anthropogenic impacts on, the biogeochemical cycles of elements within and between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Course objectives:

This course will introduce and investigate processes and factors controlling the biogeochemical cycles of elements within and between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Topics to be covered include:

α-  The origin of the earth and elements as we know it and co-evolution of life and the

earth.

β-  Methods used to measure and model chemical fluxes and to decipher

biogeochemical cycles past and present.

γ-   Physicochemical and biotic processes and reactions controlling the distribution,

speciation and fluxes of elements within and between the four major spheres.

δ-  The significance of element speciation in controlling mobility and impacts on

biological systems.

ε-   Anthropogenic influences and alterations of earth processes and biogeochemical

cycles.

ζ-   The development of biogeochemical cycles for specific elements including carbon,

nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, heavy metals (such as mercury (a global pollutant),cadmium, lead and zinc (local pollutants),  and those that tend to exist as oxyanions increasing their mobility in aquatic systems) and for specific groups of environmental contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants.

Readings

Required text Earth system Science: From biogeochemical cycles to global climate change Jacobson et al eds. 2000

Additional reference books that may be useful

Treatise of Geochemistry V 8 Biogeochemistry WH Schlesinger editor (2005)

Treatise of Geochemistry V9 Environmental Geochemistry BS Lollar editor (2005)

Library link to these books that are electronic reference books:

http://www.knowledgecenter.unr.edu/ebooks/Default.aspx

Biogeochemistry: An analysis of global change 1997 by W.H. Schlesinger

Some chapters from this text are on electronic reserve and the book is on reserve at the Knowledge Center.

http://innopac.library.unr.edu/search/p?gustin

Select papers from journals available on the UNR system. You may access these through the UNR web page and the link to the library and journals.  

http://www.knowledgecenter.unr.edu/ejournals/Default.aspx

.Grading

Exams 30%

Three exams will be given. The format will be short answer and essay. Material for tests will come from lectures and readings. Purpose- Exams serve the purpose of helping the students assimilate the information given as well as focus on organizing information and placing detailed information within a broader context.

Presentation/discussion 20%

This will entail a presentation (10%) and paper (10%) on a topic related to an element biogeochemical cycle and anthropogenic perturbation. The detailed discussion of this assignment will be given in a handout. Purpose- Prepare graduate students for giving presentations and critiquing published scientific research. 

Written assignments 40% Writing assignments will be given to address specific questions related to assigned readings. These assignments will also be used for discussion topics in class. These will focus on information and critical thinking. There will be ~5 to 6 of these papers over the semester. Papers are expected to be typed 2 to 3 pages 1.5 spaced. Purpose- Allow for productive discussion in class. Provide a friendly setting in which graduate students may express thoughts and ideas. Provide a setting for learning through information sharing.

Discussion and participation (10%)  It is expected that students come to class and participate in discussion of materials in readings and presented in class. This means that assignments pertinent to class should be read prior to class and the students should come prepared to discuss course materials. Purpose- Develop confidence in participating in multigroup discussions.

All assignments will be given a letter grade (A-F) which will be weighted according to the percentage above. (A>90, B+=87.5 to 90, B=87.5 to 82.5, B-=80 to 82.5, C+=77.5 to 80, etc.

 All students are expected to maintain high standard of intellectual honesty. Anyone involved in academic misconduct (i.e. plagiarism, cheating) will receive no credit for that assignment/test. Repeat offenses will result in a failing grade for the class.

Late assignments will not be accepted and make up tests will not be given unless the student has a very good excuse for having a late assignment or missing a test that is given to the instructor prior to the exam.

Tentative schedule—Note -Using a new book so subject to change