Yellowstone National Park 'Ojo Caliente' hot spring sample of biomass from a 'streamer' community. (Image by Prof. Roger Summons.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Roger Summons
Dr. Florence Schubotz
Dr. Julio Sepulveda
Dr. Paula Welander
MIT Course Number
12.158 / 12.458
As Taught In
Fall 2011
Level
Undergraduate / Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course covers all aspects of molecular biosignatures, such as 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. Students analyze in depth the recent literature on chemical fossils. Lectures provide background on the subject matter. Basic knowledge of organic chemistry required. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Other Versions
Other OCW Versions
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