Geochemistry involves the study of the distribution & behavior of chemical compounds, elements, and isotopes within diverse and dynamic Earth systems at scales ranging from nano- to global, and ancient to modern. By understanding, measuring, and exploiting these natural chemical variations, geochemistry provides one of the most powerful tools for studying the Earth. Research in geochemistry at Boston University encompasses diverse fields including both high and low temperature geochemistry, igneous and metamorphic geochemistry, tectonics, geochronology, earth history, marine and terrestrial biogeochemistry, soil chemistry and weathering, paleoceanography and paleoclimatology, and more. Through shared geochemical infrastructure, common coursework, thesis committees, and seminars, students and faculty in geochemistry gain a familiarity with each other’s work and consequently a stronger appreciation of the linkages between different Earth
systems.
State-of-the-art analytical facilities in the department include a 1000 sq. ft. clean lab (renovated in 2009), the TIMS Facility, the ICP-ES and Laser ICP-MS Facilities, the Coastal Ecology & Biogeochemistry Lab (built in 2009), and our XRD Facility. The High Pressure Experimental Lab (Prof. Uli Faul) as well as general sample preparation space in the department is also available for research needs in geochemistry. These labs are supported by highly qualified and skilled technical specialists who work hand-in-hand with faculty and students to ensure the highest quality data, and to provide students the training they need to use the labs and instrumentation themselves.
ES571 Geochemical Modeling
ES576 Aquatic Geochemistry
ES623 Marine Biogeochemistry
ES643 Terrestrial Biogeochemistry
ES671 Introduction to Geochemistry
ES771 Isotope Earth Science
Note: A complete list of our departmental course offerings is available here.