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This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
Yellowstone National Park 'Ojo Caliente' hot spring sample of biomass from a 'streamer' community. (Image by Prof. Roger Summons.)
Prof. Roger Summons
Dr. Christian Hallmann
Dr. Julio Sepulveda
12.158 / 12.458
Fall 2010
Undergraduate / Graduate
This course covers all aspects of molecular biosignatures, such as their pathways of lipid biosynthesis, the distribution patterns of lipid biosynthetic pathways with regard to phylogeny and physiology, isotopic contents, occurrence in modern organisms and environments, diagenetic pathways, analytical techniques and the occurrence of molecular fossils through the geological record. Students analyze in depth the recent literature on chemical fossils. Lectures provide background on the subject matter. Basic knowledge of organic chemistry required. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
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