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.

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.