BIOEE 6680 - Principles of Biogeochemistry

Spring. 4 credits.

Prerequisite: solid background in ecology, environmental chemistry, or related environmental science. Offered alternate years. Permission of instructor or graduate standing required. Limited to 20 students.

R. Howarth, C. Goodale.

Lectures cover the biotic controls on the chemistry of the environment and the chemical control of ecosystem function. Emphasis is on cycles of major elements and minor elements globally and in selected ecosystems, stressing the coupling of element cycles. A comparative approach is used to illustrate similarities and differences in element cycling among ecosystems. Analysis of both theoretical and applied issues, including global atmospheric changes and factors controlling the acidification of lakes and soils.

Outcome 1: Students will understand how the metabolism of organisms and the interaction of ecological processes control the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere, waters, and soils

Outcome 2: Students will understand how the chemistry of the environment (waters, soils) affects key ecological processes and their controls

Outcome 3: Students will learn how the interactions of element cycles can modify the influences of environmental chemistry on ecological processes

Outcome 4: Students will be able to use the tools of basic aqueous chemistry and equilibrium thermodynamics in evaluating biogeochemical questions

Outcome 5: Students will develop the tools to critically evaluate contradictory information on major environmental issues, using the tools of biogeochemistry

Outcome 6: Students will write and give oral presentations showing biogeochemical approaches to understanding major environmental issues