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

Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

Overview

In this course, we will cover all aspects of molecular biosignatures from 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.

Seminar Outline

WEEK # TOPICS
1-4 Archaea
5-7 Bacteria
8-10 Eukarya
11 Structural Preservation
12 Sterochemical Modifications
13 Diagenetic pathways


 

Format

Each week a student will give a presentation on the general topic and discuss the assigned readings.

Grading

Grading is mostly based on the presentation and class attendance.