Biofuels have become a hot topic in science and society due to recent concerns over global climate change caused by a buildup of green house gasses, high crude oil prices, and reduced crude oil deposits. Biofuels are predominantly produced from materials derived from photosynthetic organisms. Thus, the use of biofuels can reduce green house gasses such as CO2 from the atmosphere since photosynthetic organisms use atmospheric CO2 as a building block for the materials from which biofuels are produced. While photosynthetic organism based biofuels are currently being used and have great potential, there are many issues to be taken seriously, both scientifically and socially. This class will cover the biochemistry, environmental, and social issues behind current and future biofuels. The class will also discuss the use of plant-based materials and microalgae-based materials for the use in biofuel production.