Course description

Geochemistry & Geochronology introduces third-year science students to the basic principles and practical applications of geochemistry. The course provides important background for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences and the knowledge for professional geoscientists to use and interpret geochemical information. The course introduces conceptual knowledge of processes controlling the bulk composition of the Earth and other objects in the solar system; processes controlling the differentiation of the Earth into crust, mantle and atmosphere; and geochemical feedbacks between plate tectonic processes, weathering of continental crust and the atmosphere and climate. Analytical techniques used for major and trace element, and isotope analysis, and methods for presenting and interpreting different types of chemical data will be introduced in lectures and through practical exercises. The practical exercises, including an oral presentation and group exercises, will develop teamwork and reporting skills and will be based in part on real life geochemical datasets. The course is delivered as two three-hour sessions per week, which will comprise a mixture of lectures and practicals. The course will be assessed based on a combination of assessed practicals, online quiz, oral presentation and an end of semester exam.

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