 Finite normalization model of a one-variable function field

For an algebraically closed field $k$ and a finitely generated field extension $K/k$ of transcendence degree one, choose $t$ with $K/k(t)$ finite. The integral closures of the two standard coordinate rings of the projective line in $K$ are finite modules and glue to a finite normalization of an algebraic curve of the projective line. A one-dimensional normal local ring is a discrete valuation ring; over the perfect field $k$ the resulting projective curve is smooth. Extension of rational maps gives uniqueness of this smooth projective model.