BIOEE 6680 - Principles of Biogeochemistry

(CU-SBY)

Spring. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: solid background in ecology, environmental chemistry, or related environmental science. Permission of instructor required for undergraduates.

M. Holgerson, R. Howarth, J. Sparks, X. Xu.

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: 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: Understand how the chemistry of the environment (waters, soils) affects key ecological processes and their controls.

Outcome 3: Understand how the interactions of element cycles can modify the influences of environmental chemistry on ecological processes.

Outcome 4: Use the tools of basic aqueous chemistry and equilibrium thermodynamics in evaluating biogeochemical questions.

Outcome 5: Develop the tools to critically evaluate contradictory information on major environmental issues, using the tools of biogeochemistry.

Outcome 6: Write and give oral presentations showing biogeochemical approaches to understanding major environmental issues.