Training & Education
SIRFER provides comprehensive training in stable isotope analysis, from introductory coursework to advanced laboratory techniques.
IsoCamp Summer Course
Intensive training in stable isotope theory and practice
Course Overview
IsoCamp provides intensive training in the fundamental environmental and biological theory underlying stable isotope fractionation processes across a broad spectrum of ecological and environmental applications.
"I had an amazing experience attending IsoCamp. It will remain one of the most memorable experiences of my education and training." — IsoCamp Participant
Key Features
- ✓Small student-to-instructor ratio (9 students, 3 instructors, 1 technician)
- ✓Hands-on laboratory and field studies
- ✓Student-designed research projects
- ✓Professional presentation skills development
Lecture Topics
Daily lectures cover foundation principles, theory, processes, and applications of stable isotopes across multiple disciplines:
- • Atmospheric Science
- • Biology & Ecology
- • Geology & Geochemistry
- • Hydrology
- • Marine Sciences
- • Ecosystem Science
Laboratory Component
Students engage in short-term field and laboratory studies of their own design, guided by experienced faculty instructors.
- Project design and hypothesis development
- Sample preparation techniques
- Isotope measurement using IRMS and peripherals
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Scientific communication and presentation
Outcomes: Upon completion, students can collect, prepare, analyze, and interpret stable isotope results ranging from compound-specific to whole organism and ecosystem scales.
University Coursework
Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry & Ecology
Semester-long courses offered by the Department of Geology & Geophysics covering stable isotope theory, applications, and laboratory techniques in biogeochemistry and ecology.
SIRFER staff provide instructional support and laboratory facilities for undergraduate and graduate coursework throughout the academic year.
Individual Training
SIRFER offers one-on-one training for students and researchers who wish to conduct their own isotope analyses.
- Personalized instruction in sample preparation
- Guidance on IRMS operation and technique
- Data interpretation and quality assurance
- Lab safety and best practices
Contact us at sirfer@utah.edu to arrange training sessions.
Outreach & Education
SIRFER is committed to secondary and undergraduate level outreach, bringing the excitement of isotope science to diverse audiences.
Secondary Students: Hands-on demonstrations and measurements of isotopes in everyday items (food, water, etc.) to inspire interest in environmental science.
Undergraduate Programs: Students in organic gardening and other applied courses measure isotopes of foods they grow to understand environmental signatures and biogeochemical cycling.
Young minds learn the excitement of science by doing real, meaningful research—not just reading about it in textbooks.
SIRFER/IsoCamp Lab Manual
Co-authored by SIRFER instructors and colleagues, this authoritative manual covers over 2 decades of proven stable isotope field and laboratory techniques.
Title: "Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology: Laboratory Techniques and Applications"
Available in: Paper and digital formats
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