The Analytical Chemistry of Paleoecology

This is a seminar course which is one of three courses required to be taken together. The three courses make up a "monster course" with the overall title "The Story of Humans in Maine Told Through Sediment". Students will learn about the application of emerging analytical techniques in the field of paleoecology. We will learn the theory behind techniques such as aDNA, lipid biomarker analysis, and the characterization of preserved leaf waxes. We will discuss recent literature in these areas. Students will be evaluated on literature discussions, and written responses to papers.