EA3800 - Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

EA3800 introduces students from a variety of science and environmental studies backgrounds to chemistry principles, and uses these principles to gain a better understanding of surface and deep Earth processes. Specific topics include elemental distribution in the cosmos, on the Earth, in rocks, minerals and the surface environment; aqueous geochemistry and mineral stability; chemical weathering; biogeochemical principles and applications in the earth sciences; isotopic and elemental ratios as tracers of natural and anthropogenic processes; radiometric dating; exploration geochemistry; pollution processes and issues. Each topic is reinforced by case studies from the science literature.

Learning Outcomes

• to provide students with a firm foundation in chemistry and its application to the natural world;
• to engender in students a deeper understanding of the Earth and our surface environment from a chemical perspective;
• to provide students with the means to assess rigorously and critically scientific debates and environmental issues;
• to provide students with a wide range of practical skills used in exploration and environmental geochemistry.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (40%)
• quizzes or tests (20%)
• isotope report (20%)
• practicals (20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.