About the Course

This course is designed as an overview of the biogeochemical processes affecting elemental cycling in global environmental systems. At the end of this course, students should be able to 1) describe the major theories and scientists involved in the development of the discipline of biogeochemistry, 2) explain and apply quantitative and qualitative approaches of studying biogeochemical cycles, 3) summarize the biogeochemical properties of the major global systems (terrestrial, atmospheric, and oceanic systems), 4) describe the processes in the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles, and relate these processes to global patterns of productivity, pollution, and consequences of environmental change.