Carbon is the element utilized by all life on Earth. Its important in terrestrial and aquatic systems as well as roles in hydrological and atmospheric cycles.  This course will focus on carbon dynamics through examination of primary literature that includes measurements, remote sensing, and models. Insight into spatial and temporal aspects of carbon cycles and environmental and Earth systems will be explored. Students will choose a component of the carbon cycle and work on both developing an understand of this component.  Effort on the connection of this component to other students’ components will be examined. Focus on limitations in model development, gaps in scientific knowledge, and issues in field measurements will also be examined.  A proposal will be used to assess knowledge of the topic as a final project for the class.  This proposal will be guided by the NASA Carbon Science Program and the student will act as if developing a proposal to be submitted to a call at NASA.  The proposal will include the development of a rough budget, program and data management plans, and overall relevance to NASA goals and relevance to a specific NASA sub-program.