Molecular biogeochemistry

Lectures: 1 session / week, 1.5 hours / session

Discussions: 1 session / week, 1.5 hours / session

Basic knowledge of organic chemistry required. Students need permission from the instructor to enroll.

This course evaluates and discusses the formation and diagnostic structural properties of organic compounds with particular emphasis on those molecules which form chemical fossils. It is structured around the biosynthetic and phylogenetic origins of recalcitrant hydrocarbons.

The lectures comprise a Monday formal lecture (1.5 hours) and set readings. The Wednesday session is a discussion of a topical research article/paper.

Read the set of publications associated with the lecture plus the topical article(s) set for weekly class discussion.

Critically evaluate the weekly topical article(s) and, taking it in turn, present a synopsis for about 10 minutes on some key of the papers.

70% for weekly participation on the discussion. One term paper will be required for 30% of the credit (pass/fail).

Don't show me this again

This is one of over 2,200 courses on OCW. Find materials for this course in the pages linked along the left.

MIT OpenCourseWare is a free & open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.

No enrollment or registration. Freely browse and use OCW materials at your own pace. There's no signup, and no start or end dates.

Knowledge is your reward. Use OCW to guide your own life-long learning, or to teach others. We don't offer credit or certification for using OCW.

Made for sharing. Download files for later. Send to friends and colleagues. Modify, remix, and reuse (just remember to cite OCW as the source.)

Learn more at Get Started with MIT OpenCourseWare