(Fall, 2018). 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. Course website.