3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper DivisionThe course examines the main element cycles of Earth: carbon, oxygen/hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, and trace metals, and how they are interconnected from terrestrial, aquatic/ocean, and atmospheric perspectives. General chemistry concepts such as equilibrium, free energy, electrochemistry are used to understand the energetics of the cycles. Connection between the cycles and environmental problems, such as climate change and air pollution will be emphasized.
Learning Outcomes1Construct a mental model of the Earth system and the flow of elements among different parts of the system.
2Examine modern problems caused by human perturbation of the main biogeochemical cycles.
3Perform basic research tasks and present scientific findings.