Course Elective 28 - Where Biology, Geology and Chemistry meet
Staff involved:
A. Prof Simon George (Macquarie University).
Background:
The purpose of this module is to provide a brief overview of some of the exciting
developments in biogeochemistry. This fairly new discipline
sits at the interface of biology, chemistry and geology,
and in particular covers geomicrobiology.
The content will be suitable for all students in Genes
to Geoscience, but will be especially important for those
wishing to broaden their knowledge
and better understand the fate of biological material
on geological timescales. In teaching this module it
will be recognised that participants have very
strongly varying levels of pre-existing expertise in
these areas. Participants will be taken from the basic
material through to the more advanced and frontier
material, albeit fairly quickly.
Module Objectives:
The course has been designed for honours students in Geosciences, Biology
and Chemistry. Postgraduates, postdocs and academics
are also welcomed. The course will develop
the following topics:
- Introduction to biogeochemistry
- Biomarkers in rocks and oil
- How microorganisms affect geological deposits and vice versa
- Interface of proteomics, molecular biology and organic geochemistry
- Marine biogeochemistry: Paleothermometers
- The chemical record of life on Earth
- Eukaryote-derived steranes in Precambrian oils and rocks
- Biogeochemical application of Amber
- Biomarkers in present-day environments
Format, duration and timing:
The course includes a set of 30 mn lectures followed by 25 mn practical exercises
run over 1 day, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Assumed knowledge:
Senior undergraduate year in Sciences.
Module contact persons and coordinators:
- A. Prof Simon George
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Macquarie University - Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
Phone: 61 2 9850 4424
Fax: 61 2 9850 6904
E-mail: simon.george@mq.edu.au
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