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Isotopes and Biomarkers in Biogeochemistry
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:00
Abstract
The course introduces the scientific concepts and typical applications of tracers in biogeochemistry. The course covers stable and radioactive isotopes, geochemical tracers and biomarkers and their application in biogeochemical processes as well as regional and global cycles. The course provides essential theoretical background for the lab course "Isotopic and Organic Tracers Laboratory".
Objective
The course will enable students to understand and use the fractionation of stable isotopes in biogeochemical processes. Students learn to know the origin and decay modes of relevant radiogenic isotopes. They will know the spectrum of possible geochemical tracers and biomarkers, their potential and limitations and get familiar with important applications
Content
Geogenic and cosmogenic radionuclides (sources, decay chains); stable isotopes in biogeochemistry (nataural abundance, fractionation); geochemical tracers for processes such as erosion, productivity, redox fronts; biomarkers for specific microbial processes.
Resources
Lecture Notes
pdfs will be provided for every chapter
Literature
A list of relevant books and papers will be provided
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 75 minutes
- Aids
- Electronic calculator, lecture notes, scripts, slides
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Isotopes and Biomarkers in Biogeochemistry |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Doktorat Umweltsystemwissenschaften (Mehr Informationen unter: )
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