This course introduces aspects of Earth science that are critical to understanding environmental issues with societal impacts. Students will gain a basic understanding of biogeochemical cycling by exploring how biological processes control element fluxes between water, air, and earth materials. Topics of current interest, such as resource extraction, climate change and geoengineering will be discussed in terms of their contributions to major element cycles. Seminars include quantitation exercises, hands-on exercises, and discussions to complement topics covered in the lectures