京都大学 京都大学

Introduction to Biogeochemistry-E2

Numbering Code U-LAS61 10019 LE58 Year/Term 2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Mainly 1st & 2nd year students Target Student For all majors
Language English Day/Period Mon.2
Instructor name Daniel Epron (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course Biogeochemistry studies the physical, chemical and biological processes that govern the exchanges of energy and matter between the biosphere, the atmosphere and the lithosphere. The course presents the main terrestrial biogeochemical cycles and discusses how natural processes influence them and how they are altered by anthropogenic disturbances. Particular attention will be paid to the global carbon cycle and the importance of soil organic matter in this cycle. This subject is on the border of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. It brings important concepts that form the basis of environmental science.
Course Goals Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able (i) to understand the role of biological, chemical and physical processes in determining the fate of the major elements ecosystems and in the terrestrial biosphere, and (ii) to anticipate the effects of management practices on soil organic matter and inherent site fertility.
Schedule and Contents Course schedule:
1. Introduction to biogeochemistry: element reservoirs and fluxes
2. Biomass, primary production and net ecosystem production
3. Decomposition and mineralisation of organic matter.
4. Land use, land use change and soil organic matter
5. Production, emission and consumption of methane by soils and vegetation
6. Anthropogenic disturbances of major biogeochemical cycles: the global carbon cycle
7. Nutrient cycles and budget in terrestrial ecosystems
8. The biological cycle of nitrogen
9. Weathering and mineral alteration
10. Nutrient limitations and ecosystem fertility
11. Nutrients in aquatic ecosystems: oligotrophy and eutrophication
12. Anthropogenic disturbances of the global N and P cycles
13. Energy and water balances of terrestrial ecosystems
14. Human impact of the water cycle: the blue water / green water paradigm
15. End of Term Exam
16. Feedback
Evaluation Methods and Policy Grading: Quizzes or questions based on previous class contents (after each class on PandA, 50%), end of term exam (50%).
In no case will English language proficiency be a criterion for evaluating students. Tests and exams are designed to allow short answers.
Class attendance is expected: students who are absent more than three times without sound reasons (documented unavoidable absence) will not be credited.
Course Requirements Beneficial but not mandatory: basic knowledges in biology and chemistry (high school)
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Students are expected to review the course content of previous classes and to read the materials distributed before each class (about two hours between two classes).
Textbooks Textbooks/References Lecture notes and slides will be provided before each class (uploaded on PandA).
References, etc. Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology, Chapin III FS, PA Matson, P Vitousek, P l., (Springer), ISBN:ISBN 978-1-4419-9503-2, Recommended books to deepen the course content (not mandatory)
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, Schlesinger WH, Bernhardt ES, (Academic Press), ISBN:ISBN 978-0123858740, Recommended books to deepen the course content (not mandatory)
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