Laboratory Methods in Environmental Science
Laboratory work is at the heart of environmental research, and here experiments which mimic the outside world are conducted under controlled conditionsusing a range of analytical methods. You work with samples from a variety of Earth system compartments, learn good laboratory practices, and also how to process the resulting data.
This course offers the opportunity to develop practical skills though a selection of laboratory experiments, focusing on areas like the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nutrients and heavy metals, as well as on gases and particles in the atmosphere. You will get an introduction into the fundamentals of good laboratory practice and into different analytical methods and techniques, such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, photo/fluorometric tools, and laser tools. You will also learn basic methods for processing the data you generate.
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Course structure
The course includes several practical blocks where you perform experiments and analyses in the laboratory, and the focus of practical blocks varies between years. In 2022, practical blocks included experiments on the production of sea spray aerosols, incubation experiments to quantify greenhouse gas production from soils and sediments using gas chromatography, and the comparison of concentrations of different mercury forms in biota.
Topics:
- Safe laboratory practice
- Hands-on introduction to fundamental laboratory techniques
- Designing, planning and executing a laboratory experiment
- Examples of state-of-the-art measurement techniques
- Application of quantitative measurement methods
- Basic statistical methods for data processing
Teaching format
Teaching consists of lectures, workshops, and laboratory sessions. The course is offered in English.
Assessment
The course is examined as follows: Assessment takes place through written reports, oral presentations and active participation in seminars and practical laboratory work.
Your rights and responsibilities:
Your rights and responsibilities as a studentExaminer
Birgit Wild birgit.wild@aces.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.Course period spring term, period 2 part C: for correct dates see https://www.su.se/english/education/student-support/term-dates
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Course reports
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Contact
Study counsellors
Questions about admission, registration, schedule etc.
Course coordinators
Birgit Wild birgit.wild@aces.su.se
Claudia Mohr claudia.mohr@aces.su.se
Sofi Jonsson sofi.jonsson@aces.su.se
