IB 488

Credit: 3 hours.

Stable isotopes are powerful tools for studying environmental processes, acting as tracers of resource origin, fate, and flux and integrators of system processes. The goal of this course is to provide a fundamental knowledge base and hands-on training for students to become practitioners of natural abundance and enriched stable isotope techniques. The course will focus on stable isotopes of biologically-relevant light elements (C, H, N, O, S). We will also review case studies demonstrating application of these techniques to disciplines including anthropology, animal, insect, and plant biology, biogeochemistry, biometeorology, ecosystem ecology, forensics, microbial ecology, paleoclimatology, and paleoecology. Offered in alternate years.

Same as ATMS 422, GEOL 488, and NRES 478. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: CHEM 104 or equivalent; or consent of instructor.