Course overview
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the chemistry of the natural world and the chemical evolution of the Earth over geological time. The course investigates practical and theoretical geochemistry in three inter-related modules:
(a) geochemical fundamentals;
(b) natural and anthropogenic perturbations of the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere; and
(c) the origin and evolution of the solid Earth.
Students will learn how to interpret Earth processes as a function of their underlying chemical drivers and adapt this knowledge to higher level courses within their degree and environmental challenges faced by modern society.
- Elements
- Isotopes
- Radioisotopes
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and describe practical procedures for geochemical sampling and data acquisition
- Demonstrate proficiency in common practical data handling skills in geochemistry
- Plan and implement appropriate mathematical strategies for solving geochemical problems
- Synthesise problem-solving work with existing research in the form of short, well-organised articles
- Demonstrate understanding of the origins of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rocks
- Critique possible oversimplifications in geochemical models
Degree list
The following degrees include this course