Organic Geochemistry

Catalog description

An introduction to and broad overview of the field of Organic Geochemistry: the structure and fate of organic molecules in the geosphere. Students will learn the classes of natural organic compounds and their structures, production, preservation, distribution and fate in geological environments (sediments, waters and soils). Students will learn how organic source markers and process markers can be applied to paleoenvironmental reconstructions and palaeotemperature indicators. The analytical techniques currently employed in this field shall also be covered. Course structure includes lecture, presentation and discussion of relevant literature and laboratory experiments for the isolation and characterization of organic molecules from environmental samples.