GEOL 634 - Biogeochemistry

Units: 4
The movement of elements (including nutrients and contaminants) through the biosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Mechanisms of transformation, including redox transformations. Elemental cycles discussed can include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, arsenic, chromium, selenium, etc.

Prerequisites: CHEM 112.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground, or Entirely Online, or Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Cross-listed: ENSC 634.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Relate biogeochemical cycling to specific mechanisms (e.g., rock weathering, chemical redox transformation) and concepts (e.g., chemical speciation).
Develop conceptual models to explain the biogeochemical cycles of crucial nutrients and contaminants.
Compare and contrast the biogeochemical cycling of different elements on the basis of chemical similarities and differences.
Combine knowledge of biogeochemistry with prior knowledge, and update conceptual models of Earth systems in light of increased understanding of biogeochemistry.
Synthesize knowledge and research into a high-quality project that explores biogeochemical cycling.
Express themselves clearly in oral and written form, in discussions of primary scientific literature related to biogeochemical cycling.