Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Overview

This course discusses the formation and diagnostic structural properties of organic compounds with particular emphasis on those molecules which form chemical fossils. It is structured around the biosynthetic and phylogenetic origins of recalcitrant hydrocarbons. For the first time, Fall 2009 course includes a laboratory component.

The topics covered include:

• biological and non-biological formation of organic matter
• the classification and chemical structures of biomarkers; biosignatures
• biosynthetic pathways; biomarker relationships to physiology and phylogeny
• preservation potential and processes; diagenesis, kerogen formation and hydrocarbon generation
• analytical techniques used to study lipid biomarkers
• paleoreconstruction using biomarkers

The lectures comprise a Monday overview lecture (1-1.5 hrs) and set readings. The Wednesday session is a short presentation of the topic of the week.

The laboratory exercises, comprising 8 sessions, consist of an analysis of a selection of microbial mats for compound class isolation and analysis; hydrocarbons, ketones, sterols, polar lipid fatty acids and triterpenoids.

Laboratory

Complete lipid class separations and GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of one Yellowstone microbial community sample.

Homework

Read the weekly list of key publications; prepare two written term papers.

Class participation

Lead at least one seminar; choose readings.

Grading

Two term papers are required for 30% of the credit (pass/fail unless otherwise agreed). A further 30% is awarded on the basis of a presentation of the laboratory report. The final 40% is awarded on the quality of the laboratory report itself.