COURSE INFORMATION

Goal:

This class will focus on some of the biologically reactive elements: N, C, P, O and S. Assimilatory and dissimilatory biological processes involving auto- and heterotrophic organisms frequently mediate elemental cycling of these elements. Inorganic compounds and dissolved and particulate organic material will be discussed in terms of their biological reactivity and turnover times in aquatic systems and their contribution to elemental cycling on a variety of temporal and spatial scales. We will also address the issue of how community structure and function alter biogeochemical cycles.

Prerequisites: biological oceanography, chemical oceanography or permission from instructor

Participation:

If you cannot attend, please let me know in advance by phone or e-mail. Otherwise, I expect participation during classes.

Papers: 3 page limit

C, N or P Paper: You will prepare a short (3 page) paper on some aspect of the marine C cycle. This can focus on methods for measuring a parameter or some current controversy.

O, S or a trace element:

Write all papers in the form of a journal article. Use L&O format. You are expected to write clearly and concisely in these papers and they will be evaluated based on clarity as well as scientific content.

Research Proposal:

During the semester, you will identify a discrete scientific question, frame it as a testable hypothesis and then write a proposal for conducting the research during a projected two-year award period. Include a mock budget to estimate the necessary labor and supplies. I don't care if the $ amounts are accurate but that you will have what you need to do the proposed work. Make sure that you give appropriate background information, articulate your hypotheses, identify methods you will employ to test your hypothesis and the discussing expected results and their broader significance. Use the NSF proposal format (see the NSF grant proposal guide http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf032) but instead of 15 pages, you will only get 10 pages of text (12 point font and double spaced). You will present your research proposal to the class in the form of a 15-minute presentation. This project will be for mid-term. You will each get copies of the other proposals and during the final class we will have a panel meeting to discuss the proposals and decide which proposals to fund.

I expect timeliness. You are encouraged to send papers via e-mail. To keep you on track, here is a schedule of deadlines for deliverables:

Some comments:

Double-space your reports and papers.

Use the spelling and grammar check programs on your computer. Bad spelling and grammar make it difficult to read and understand your work and may result in a poor grade.

If you have trouble writing, see The Elements of Style by Strunk and White (available online) or How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 3 rd edition (1988) by Robert A. Day (available in the bookstore).

Ask someone to proofread your papers.