Module Information

Module Identifier
GS21010
Module Title
Chemical Analysis of Natural Materials
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Laboratory Report  Laboratory report based upon five lab exercises  100%
Supplementary Assessment Laboratory Report  Laboratory report based upon five lab exercises  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Undertake a suite of laboratory based techniques to determine a range of chemical properties of soil, sediment and water.

2. Present, interpret and analyse soil and sediment chemical date.

Brief description

The chemical analysis of Earth’s materials (particularly soil and sediment) is one of the most important skills for a wide variety of geographical applications. The quality of these materials often determines the ability of societies to maintain sustainable food and water resources and can impact the viability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, these materials can often be significantly impacted by organic and inorganic pollutants. This module is designed to develop the practical skills required to undertake these analyses and to enable students to pursue independent projects on environmental chemistry for their dissertations.

Content

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and laboratory-based sessions. Themes include using a range of techniques for analysing soil, water and air to assess contamination issues, water quality and gas fluxes.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Through tabulating and analysing numerical data during laboratory practicals and through preparations for the final laboratory report
Communication Through the final written laboratory report where self-generated chemical data will be presented in an appropriate way
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent reading and self-critique of sampling strategy, individual and group data analysis
Information Technology The internet will be used to undertake independent reading and help prepare assessments. Technological instruments and techniques will be used during the fieldwork and practicals. Standard software (e.g. Word, Excel) will be used to prepare assessments
Personal Development and Career planning The skills developed through this module can provide the foundation for higher-level studies and also are transferable to many applied, non-academic contexts. Students will be made aware of the relevance for further study and employability throughout the module
Problem solving Problem solving is involved in analysing and interpreting patterns of environmental geochemical data using available data. The module will include examples where independent application of theoretical knowledge is used to solve an applied problem related to a particular field site
Research skills Library resources and the internet will be used to obtain sources of information (e.g. academic papers) relevant for completing assessments
Subject Specific Skills The acquisition, analysis and presentation of environmental geochemical data. Safe laboratory working protocols. Lab data note taking.
Team work Team work and group discussion will be embedded in some lectures and practical sessions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5