Stable Isotope Tools in Earth System Sciences, 3 hp

Transcription

1 Stable Isotope Tools in Earth System Sciences, 3 hp Course period: Autumn 2014 Course leader j Address for applications: Last day for application: To be announced Louise Andresen (louise.andresen@gu.se) Tobias Rutting (tobias.rutting@gu.se) Course description (Advertisment for Ph.D. students): The main goal of the cours e is to offer a broad introduction to the use of stab le isotopes (SI) in Earth Systems Sciences (Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere and Atmosphere). Leetureswill give an overview of the major SI of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen used in studies of the Earth System. Topics addressed include (a) fractionation and mixing processesthat affect isotope distribution, (b) the use of SI as tracers by using either their natural abundance distribution or labelling experiments, (c) modebing ofprocesses at meso-and global scale. Questions related to instrumentation, technology and measurement (IAEA standards) will also be highlighted. Complementary practical works and computing exercises will be conducted in small groups. Teaching will be performed by invited externa} experts and local teachers For the laboratory exercises we will utilize the new equipment of the Stable Isotope Facility at Earth Science laboratories (ISOGOT infrastructure ). Responsible department and other participation departments/organisations: Earth Science Teach ers: Louise Andresen Tobias Rutting Invited externa} specialists Examiner: Leif Klemedtsson fjeif.klemedtsson@e:u.s~) Faculty of Science; Department of Earth Sciences Stable Isotope Tools in Earth System Sciences, 3 hp

2 Third cycle education 1. Confirmation The s Ilabus was confirmed by the Head ofthe Department of Earth Sciences nson, prefekt isci inary domain: Science D p, rtment in charge: Department of Earth Science 2. Position in the educational system Elective course; third-cycle education 3. Entry requirements Admitted to third cycle education 4. Course content The cours e gives knowledge on the use of stab le isotopes (SI) in Earth Systems Sciences (Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere and Atmosphere). Key topics are (a) fractionation and mixing processesthat affect isotope distribution, (b) the use of SI as tracers by using either their natural abundance distribution or labelling experiments, (c) modelling ofprocesses at meso- and global scale. Moreover, questions related to instrumentation, technology and measurement (IAEA standards) will be highlighted. The course combines leetures with seminars and practical work (hands-on laboratory and computing exercises) in small groups. The practical parts aim to give an overview of SI methods. 5. Outcomes The intended learning outcomes are the following: 1. Knowledge and understanding - describe the mechanisms that govern isotopic compositions of the Earth Systems - understand terminology, standardization and measurements of stab le isotopes. 2. Skills and abilities - assess, reflect and critically examine scientific literature within the area -plan and conduct measurementsjexperiment using stable isotopes

3 3. Judgement and approach - critically evaluate stable isotope approaches in scientific literature 6. Required reading B. Fry: Stable Isotope Ecology Cpt 1-5. Additional m andatory literature will be provided prior to the cours e. 7. Assessment Results from practical exercises are summarised in written reports (templates). At the last cours e day gro u ps present the outcome of the laboratory exercises with a poster session. A Ph. D. student who has failed a test twice has the right to change examin ers, if i t is possible. A written application should be sent to the Department. In cases where a course has been discontinued or major changes have been made a Ph.D. should be guaranteed at l east three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) duringa time of at!east one year from the last time the course was given. 8. Grading scale The grading scale comprises Fail, (U), Pass (G). To pass the course all o bligatory components must be completed. Alllectures, seminars and practical exercises are mandatory. 9. Course Evaluation The cours e evaluation is carried out to gether with the Ph. D. students at the end of the course, and is followed by an individual, anonymous survey. The results and possible changes in the course will be shared with the students who participated in the evaluation and to those who are beginning the course. 10. Language of instruction The language of instruction is English.

4 Announcement: Ph.D. course Understanding the isotope values in the Earth System measurements to models (3 ECTS). One-week course for Ph.D. students: How do we use Stable Isotopes to investigate: Plant ecology, Biogeochemistry, Greenhouse gasses and Historic Climate Change. Learn about: 1) fractionation and mixing models: basic concepts of isotope science; 2) the fundamental idea of isotope tracer studies: 15 N or 13 C labelling; 3) isotopes in sediments and tree-rings as climatic fingerprints; 4) isotope fractionation in plants. Lectures will be accompanied by practical exercises, but most importantly you will learn how to use isotope data, and calculations and interpretations. With the course we will also discover that measuring stable isotope is more than just IRMS, we will also introduce NanoSIMS, laser- and NMR isotope analyzers. Each day there will also be student presentations of topics. A special workshop on help for self-help to planning good isotope experiments is an important part of the course. Time: October 27 to 31, 2014 Place: University of Gothenburg, Geovetarcentrum Guldhedsgatan 5A, Sweden. Tuition: There is no fee for participating. Accommodation & Travel: needs to be organized and covered by students; there are several youth hostels as well as hotels near-by. Possibility for travel support for students from Nordic countries (except Sweden). Teachers: Dr. Roland Bol, FZ Jülich, Germany; Dr. Tobias Rütting, GU; Dr. Louise C. Andresen; GU and University of Giessen, and invited lecturers Programme available on September 8. The course is given in English. It is important to bring your computer / laptop. Please contact: Dr. Louise Andresen louise.andresen@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de and indicate special topics you are interested in.

5 Student registration for ph.d. course: Understanding the isotope values in the Earth System measurements to models Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg. Name: Home University, country: When did you begin your ph.d. study: What special interests do you have: What isotope experiment are you going to plan for your study, we would like to discuss it with you: Other: