Mathematical modelling of diffusion/transport-reaction dynamics in sediment and soils, 4.5 hp
Course period:
Last day for application:
Autumn, 2014. (12/10- 22/11)
September 15
Course leader / Address for applications:
Göran Broström / [email protected]
Course description (Advertisment for Ph.D. students):
This course exemplifies the use of mathematical models as qualitative and quantitative tools to describe transport and reaction dynamics in biogeochemical research.
Although models focus on early digenesis in marine sediments and soils, the main
principles are general and can be applied for most systems dominated by diffusion –
reaction dynamics.
The course content describes the fundamentals of diffusive and advective transport
as well as main principles for diagenetic reactions in marine sediments. The derivation of mathematical models for describing the diffusion reaction system will be emphasized. Model equations will be reformulated in a form suitable for solving in e.g.
matlab. The course will also describe how user-friendly computational software (e.g.
COMSOL multhiphysics) can be used to solve mathematical equations.
The course will be given as regular seminars and exercises. Practical use of matlab
and COMSOMOL multhiphysics is given priority. The course will be given part time
(50%) over five weeks, and the students will contribute by describing the exercises
to each other.
Student will not require expertise in mathematics, but a genuine interest in learning
the mathematical methods for diffusion-reaction dynamics is an advantage.
Responsible department and other participation departments/organisations:
Department of Earth Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology
Teachers:
Göran Broström, GEO (Course leader and main contact)
Lars Arneborg, GEO
Stefan Hulth, KMB
Åsa Kasimir Klemedtsson?
Examiner: Göran Björk?
Faculty of Science; Department of Earth Sciences
Mathematical modelling of diffusion/transport-reaction dynamics in sediment and
soils , 4.5 hp
Third cycle education
1. Confirmation
The syllabus was confirmed by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences, 2014-XX-XX.
Mark Johnson, Prefekt
Disciplinary domain: Science
Department in charge: Department of Earth Sciences
2. Position in the educational system
Elective course; third-cycle education.
3. Entry requirements
Admitted to third cycle education
4. Course content
The content of the course is i) description of the major geochemical reactions in Marine
sediment and in soil, ii) formulating the diffusion/transport-reaction dynamics in mathematical terms, and iii) mathematical methods to solve the derived equations (i.e., using numerical methods).
5. Outcomes
After completion of the course the Ph.D. student is expected to have
1. Knowledge and understanding
- Have a basic knowledge of different reaction mechanisms in Marine sediment and soils.
- Obtain insights in the transport (diffusion and advection) processes in the sediment and
soil, and how they control various reaction pathways in the sediment.
- gain knowledge of different numerical methods to solve diffusion/transport – reaction
models.
2. Skills and abilities
- Be able to write own matlab program for simple diffusion/transport-reaction dynamics in
one dimension.
- Be able to use dedicated equation solvers for diffusion/transport-reaction dynamics in
two and three dimensions.
3. Judgement and approach
- gain a critical view of numerical methods and their use in geophysics and chemistry
6. Required reading
Articles and notes handed out by the teachers.
7. Assessment
Results from practical exercises should be described in written reports. The students must also give
oral presentations of the exercises. Computer code should be handed in to teachers.
A Ph.D. student who has failed a test twice has the right to change examiners, if it is possible. A written application should be sent to the Department.
8. Grading scale
The grading scale comprises Fail, (U), Pass (G)
To pass the course all obligatory exercises must be completed.
9. Course Evaluation
The course evaluation is carried out together 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.