About the course

This research investigates the biogeochemistry of both ancient and modern systems utilizing a number of geochemical, biological and sedimentological techniques. Using molecular lipid biomarkers, inorganic geochemical proxies (such as reactive Fe speciation, Mo and other redox sensitive transition metal contents) and stable isotopes ( 13C, 15N, 34S, 18O) to record major episodes of environmental and biotic change through Earth history. One particular focus is the progressive oxygenation of the biosphere in the Proterozoic leading to the first appearance of animals. Co-evolution of aquatic environments and microbial community structure (bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes) over geological time. Understanding microbial, chemical and thermal processing (diagenesis and catagenesis) of sedimentary organic matter leading to petroleum, coal and natural gas generation. Development of analytical strategies for facilitating oil-source correlations in petroleum exploration and understanding basin charging of petroleum fluids.

　　Discriminating abiogenic (Fischer Tropsch synthesis in hydrothermal settings, meteorite input) from biogenic organic matter inputs preserved in the Archean rock record using molecular and compound-specific isotopes, C isotope patterns.

　　Investigating organic synthesis and preservation in the interstellar medium and on other planetary bodies (such as the icy moons, Europa and Enceladus) and developing the astrobiological search for chemical biosignatures. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Winter (January), 2021	Riverside
Winter (January), 2024	Riverside
Spring (March), 2024	Riverside
Summer (June), 2024	Riverside
Fall (September), 2024	Riverside
Winter (January), 2025	Riverside
Spring (March), 2025	Riverside
Summer (June), 2025	Riverside
Fall (September), 2025	Riverside
Winter (January), 2026	Riverside
Spring (March), 2026	Riverside
Summer (June), 2026	Riverside

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of California

To be admitted to graduate status, the basic requirement is a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, with a major appropriate to the proposed graduate program. Applications are considered as received. For consideration for our top fellowships, it is best to complete the application process by December 1st. All students are required to take the GRE. International students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For those international students, preference for admission and fellowships will be given to those taking and passing the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the revised TOEFL paper-delivered test and 80 for the TOEFL iBT. Ielts - The minimum acceptable overall score is 7 with no score less than 6 on any individual component. Send transcripts from all Colleges and Universities attended. Graduate programs require three (3) letters of recommendation.

　　Applicants must submit these essays directly into their online application. Please note that each essay should not duplicate the other. We also do not accept a personal resume or curriculum vitae as a response to either essay.

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of California. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

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