Module Information

Module Identifier
EA22310
Module Title
EARTH MATERIALS I: INTRODUCTION TO GEOCHEMISTRY
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Dr Nicholas J G Pearce
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 20 Hours. 10 x 2 hours
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  100%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written exam  100%

Learning Outcomes

On succesful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

  • a broad knowledge of general geochemistry
  • how geochemistry can be applied to the understanding of 'whole Earth' processes such as planetary differentiation into core, mantle and crust, and to the processes of magma generation, metamorphism and sedimentation
  • the application of geochemistry to environmental and health issues.

Aims

To introduce students to the basic principles of geochemistry and its applications, and to outline the relationships which exist between the geochemistry, mineralogy and petrology of the solid materials which make up the planet.

Brief description

This module considers the origin of the elements, their geochemical classification and behaviour. The distribution of elements within the Earth as a whole will be considered and their behaviour during the major geological processes will be discussed. Applications of isotope geochemistry will described. Finally, the applications of geochemistry will be discussed in relation to environmental quality, describing the relationship between natural background, derived from the underlying rocks and modifications due to human activity.

Reading List

Consult For Futher Information
Gunter Faure (1998) Principles and applications of geochemistry : a comprehensive textbook for geology students 2nd Upper Saddle River, N.J ; London : Prentice Hall Primo search Gunter Faure (1986) Principles of isotope geology 2nd New York : Wiley, Primo search Henderson, P Inorganic geochemistry Oxford : Pergamon Primo search Krauskopf, K.B and D.K. Bird (1967) Introduction to geochemistry McGraw-Hill Primo search Mason, B. and C.B. Moore (1982) Principles of geochemistry New York : John Wiley Primo search Robin Gill (1996) Chemical fundamentals of geology 2nd Primo search Robin Gill (1997) Modern analytical geochemistry : an introduction to quantitative chemical analysis for earth, environmental and materials scientists Harlow : Longman Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5