Learning objectives
Improve knowledge and skills in the applied biogeochemistry sector
Improve the student capacity to analyse and solve environmental problems
Improve the student capacity to search and processing of scientific information (from journals, books, web, etc.)
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Hydrological cycle and water supply.
Primary production, decomposition and main metabolic pathways of the carbon cycle. Carbon sinks on land and water. Application: carbon budget of selected ecosystems.
Regulation of metabolic pathways and cycles of nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and sulfur. Biogeochemical buffer capacity. Application: assessment of the buffer capacity of selected aquatic ecosystems in the Po river district.
Study cases: Deforestation and land use change. Impact of agricultural and livestock activities. Potential and limits of crops for bioenergy. Acidification of the water cycle and regulation of CO2. Eutrophication. Hypoxia and anoxia in coastal marine systems and confined. Nitrogen pollution.
Full programme
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Bibliography
theacher notes
reprints from scientific journals, web etc.
Teaching methods
introductory lectures/seminars by teacher
student working groups
student workshop with reporting of working group results
review and synthesis by teacher
Assessment methods and criteria
the students will be evaluated during the workshop
Other information
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