Biogeochemical Cycles

ESE/Ge 148c (Spring, 2008). Global biogeochemical cycles, fluxes, and reservoirs in the solid earth, oceans, biosphere, and atmosphere. Provides an introduction to the hydrologic cycle, weathering and erosion, soil formation, nutrient cycling and limitation, ecosystem function and metrics, photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen cycle dynamics, atmospheric trace gases, and stable-isotope tracers. Includes studies of variability in biogeochemical cycles over Earth history, and recent modifications by human activities. Problem sets require basic scripting in MatLab. Prerequisite: ESE 148a,b or permission of the instructor. Class meets MWF 10-10:50am in Arms 251.

Isotopic Biogeochemistry

Ge 145 (Fall, 2007). Advanced seminar to discuss research and papers in stable isotope biogeochemistry and geobiology. This year we will discuss papers related to physical and biochemical controls on D/H variability in the biosphere, including intracellular and plant tissue water, photosynthesis and biosynethesis, NADPH metabolism, dfferences in n-alkyl and isoprenoid lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, C3 vs C4 plants, intramolecular fractionations, and microbial metabolism. Class will meet once a week for 3 hours.

Organic Geochemistry

Ge 143 (Fall, 2006). Introduction to the properties and cycling of natural organic materials. The course is organized to follow the geologic cycle of organic matter, from production in living organisms to burial in sediments and preservation in the rock record. Specific topics include lipid biochemistry and stereochemistry, factors controlling preservation in sediments, methanogenesis, diagnetic alterations of carbon skeletons, fossil fuel production and degradation, life in the deep biosphere, and biomarkers for ancient life. Prerequisite: Ch 41a or equivalent.

Ge/Bi 246 (Winter, 2004). This year's installment of the molecular geobiology seminar focuses on the geologic and biologic factors that led to the evolution of multicellular organisms. Taught jointly with Dianne Newman.