This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

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    Home > Courses > Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences > Molecular Biogeochemistry

    Molecular Biogeochemistry

    As taught in: Fall 2009

    Hot spring sample of biomass.

    Yellowstone National Park 'Ojo Caliente' hot spring sample of biomass from a 'streamer' community. (Image by Prof. Roger Summons.)

    Instructors:

    Prof. Roger Summons

    MIT Course Number:

    12.458

    Level:

    Graduate

    Course Description

    This course evaluates and discusses the formation and diagnostic structural properties of organic compounds with particular emphasis on those molecules which form chemical fossils. The course is structured around the biosynthetic and phylogenetic origins of recalcitrant hydrocarbons.