Geochemistry

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Outline the fundamental principles that underpin stable and radiogenic isotopes systems.
• Compare and contrast the distribution of chemical elements in water, soils, and rocks.
• Describe common geochemical reactions in the Earth System and interpret complex geochemical datasets.
• Explain how different elements cycle through the Earth system in past, present and future environments.
• Discuss how geochemistry can help solve geological, environmental and oceanographic problems.

This module will introduce the fundamental chemical processes that operate within the Earth system. You will learn about the origin, distribution and abundance of chemical elements in the Earth system. Via lectures and practical exercises, we will introduce fundamental geochemical principles and explain how elements cycle through the Earth system. We will introduce different isotope systems (including radiogenic and stable isotopes) and relate these to exciting real-world practical examples. By the end of this module, you will have developed a holistic and quantitative understanding of geochemical cycles in the Earth system and how these interact in a diverse range of past, present and future environments.

The following material will be discussed within SOES2018:

1.Key Geochemical Principles

2.Origin of the elements

3.How old is the Earth and its constituents

4.Quantitative reconstructions of past environments

5.Earths carbon cycle and climate regulation

6.Ocean acidification

7.The Anthropocene

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures: ~30 x 40 minute lectures will discuss key geochemical principles and how they relate to ocean, earth and environmental scientists. Lectures will be delivered using PowerPoint with material uploaded to Blackboard and Panopto. Where relevant, lecturer's own research experience is brought into the lecture sessions. References to relevant journal articles are provided as pre-session reading.

Interactive learning sessions: In-class exercises during which students work alone or in small groups to re-inforce learning. Students will use using theoretical knowledge from lectures to make quantitative geochemical predictions, solve research questions, and analyse research papers.

Practical laboratory sessions: Three laboratory sessions will allow students to consolidate knowledge from lecture material and apply their knowledge to real world case studies. Sessions will explore: (i) ocean acidification and the carbonate system, (ii) quantitative reconstructions of past environments , and (iii) earths carbon cycle and climate regulation. In laboratory practicals, staff and postgraduate demonstrators provide support

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Laptop. The SOES lap tops are made available to students without their own lap tops during the practical sessions.

Assessment strategy

Assessment strategy: mixture of formative assessments (I.e., in class practical exercises) and summative assessments:

Formative assessments:

In-class exercises provide an opportunity to cement your knowledge of the basic geochemical principles introduced in the lectures. Model answers will be posted on Blackboard for self-assessment.

Summative assessments:

Closed book examination: (60%) - a written examination paper will test your understanding of key Earth and Ocean science processes in a geochemical context and your ability to apply basic geochemical techniques to novel problems.

Research proposal: (40%) – you will pick a research question and write a short research proposal that outlines: i) why your question is important and ii) what geochemical techniques you would use to answer this question. This will test your theoretical knowledge and help enhance your critical thinking.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: External