GEO 305 - Biogeochemistry

Course Units: 1

(Same as BIO 305) (Fall; Gillikin) Biology, geology and chemistry are intricately linked to form the world around us. John Muir was aware of this in 1911 when he wrote his famous quote "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." Biogeochemical cycles set the stage for life on Earth. This course explores the nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, and carbon cycles at the surface of the Earth. We investigate how biological (e.g., primary production, respiration), anthropogenic (e.g., urbanization, pollution) and geological processes (e.g., tectonics, rock weathering) influence these chemical cycles. Field studies focus on tropical marine biogeochemistry of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, lagoons, estuaries, hypersaline lakes, and tidal flats. Course includes a required week-long field trip to San Salvador Island, Bahamas. There are additional costs associated with field trip expenses. Prerequisite(s): All students must meet basic term abroad requirements and submit an application. This course is open to all students, but preference will be given to those with a declared major in geology, environmental science or biology. Corequisite(s): GEO-305L

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