May 22, 2025  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    

ENVS 310 - Biogeochemical Cycling


Prerequisites: ENVS 103 , ENVS 104 , CHEM 192  or CHEM 186  
Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Environmental Science Core Concentration
Biogeochemical cycling combines the disciplines of biology, geology and chemistry to investigate the movement of important elements (such as Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous) through the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The course begins with evidence for and discussion of the evolution of the early Earth, from initial differentiation to the rise of oxygenic photosynthesis. Topics include, rock weathering and the release of nutrients for the biosphere, the role of life beneath Earth’s surface, the nature of biogeochemical reservoirs (e.g. carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans) and the mechanisms of exchange between those reservoirs.

3 credits



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