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2022　Advanced Earth and Space Sciences L

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Academic unit or major
Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Instructor(s)
Gilbert Romain Alexis 
Class Format
Lecture    (HyFlex)
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Mon5-6(理学院 地球惑星科学系, 石川台2号館, 307室)  Thr5-6(理学院 地球惑星科学系, 石川台2号館, 307室)  
Group
-
Course number
EPS.A429
Credits
2
Academic year
2022
Offered quarter
3Q
Syllabus updated
2022/9/8
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

In this course, we will introduce and review some fundamentals of organic geochemistry. Organic molecules are important components of the Earth-life system as well as extraterrestrial settings such as meteorites or the interstellar medium. Understanding the origin and history of organic molecules is thus crucial to Earth and Planetary Sciences studies, biogeochemistry, astrobiology and astrochemistry. The goal of this course will be to give fundamental knowledge about the formation of organic molecules on Earth and elsewhere, analytical methodologies for organic molecules, as well as current challenges in organic geochemistry.

Student learning outcomes

Students interested in organic molecules, organic chemistry, geochemistry, astrobiology, metabolism, biochemistry, analytical tools for organics

Keywords

Organic geochemistry
Organic molecules
Analytical chemistry
Metabolism
Biogeochemistry

Competencies that will be developed

✔ Specialist skills Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills ✔ Critical thinking skills ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

In addition to the lectures, students will be asked to work on exercises related to the lectures, and to present one scientific paper chosen from a list of papers of interest.
The course will be conducted exclusively in English and as much as possible face-to-face.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Organic geochemistry: history, goals and challenges Organic geochemistry: history, goals and challenges
Class 2 Organic molecules: reactivity, structure and nomenclature
Class 3 Molecules of life: metabolism, functions
Class 4 Organic geomolecules: petroleum, kerogen, coal, oil, natural gas
Class 5 Analytical chemistry for organic molecules (1): sample preparation
Class 6 Analytical chemistry for organic molecules (2): Chromatography, IR, NMR
Class 7 Analytical chemistry for organic molecules (3): Mass Spectrometry
Class 8 Organic Astrochemistry
Class 9 Exercises: identifying organic molecules (1)
Class 10 Exercises: identifying organic molecules (2)
Class 11 Paper reading and presentation (1)
Class 12 Paper reading and presentation (2)
Class 13 Paper reading and presentation (3)

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 30 minutes preparing for class and another 30 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Introduction to Organic Geochemistry (Killops & Killops)

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Will be given

Assessment criteria and methods

Attendance + presentation of one scientific article

Related courses

  • Biogeochemistry
  • Astrobiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Organic chemistry

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

Chemistry
Metabolism
Geology

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