This course will focus on the application of chemical principles to research in the Earth Sciences. The emphasis will be on recent studies across a range of diverse theme areas, selected according to the research interests of enrolled students. Possible themes might include: global geochemical cycles, microbial geochemistry, origin, and distribution of the elements and geochemical kinetics. The course will be taught in a roundtable format with the instructor providing some background lectures; students will take turns presenting their chosen research papers and leading the discussion.