| Course Specs:
3 credits, Fall 2007
Biology 5984
CRN 97487
meeting times:
T 9:30 -11:30AM
1065 Derring Hall
recitatioin meeting
1 evening weekly TBA
Recommended Prerequisites:
- see instructor |
Course Description:
This course deals with the application of stable isotope chemistry to studies of ecosystem structure and functioning.
I will provide the basics of isotope chemistry and ecosystem ecology early in the course to allow students from a variety of backgrounds to engage in stable isotope investigations. The course will focus on the biogeochemistry of carbon (C) and nitorgen (N), but we will also address the use of stable isotopes in studies of sulfur (S) cycling. In addition, we will investigate how deutrium (D or 2H) and 18O are used to understand how water cycles in organisms and watersheds.
Handouts for lecture will be made available through this web site. I will expect students to have these (and all other necessary documents) in hand during class lectures.
The course will rely heavily on class discussions of primary literature. Accordingly, a 2-hr recitation period will be scheduled for each week to addressed assigned literature. Students will compile a class 'notebook' that will include handouts, class notes, literature marginalia, and proposals. The notebook will be turned in for grading in concordance with the mid-term and final exams. Ultimately, the notebook is to serve as a resource for future reference.
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