Organic Geochemistry (314-0-01)

Instructors

Neal E Blair
847/491-8790
TECH A228
Office Hours: As arranged (n-blair@northwestern.edu)

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F285: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

The primary objective of this course will be to investigate the sources and fates of organic matter in the natural environment. The implications of the cycling of organic matter for the earth system will be explored. How organic geochemistry can be applied to the study of modern and ancient environments will also be discussed.

Registration Requirements

Recommended Background: at least one quarter of earth or environmental science, and one quarter of chemistry.

Teaching Method

Homework: short written reports/problem sets based on readings and independent literature research

Evaluation Method

Grading: Homework (60%), final review paper (undergraduates)/research proposal (graduate students) (30%) , final oral presentation (10%).

Class Materials (Suggested)

SUGGESTED (NOT MANDATORY):
Text: Killops and Killops, An Introduction to Organic Geochemistry, Blackwell Publishing, 2005
ISBN - 9780632065042 (approx. $110 to purchase new, $50 to rent)

Individual readings from the scientific literature

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Distro Area