GEOLOGY 2505 - Geochemistry II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course focuses on the chemistry of the natural world and the chemical evolution of the Earth over geological time. We will discuss practical and theoretical geochemistry, with an emphasis on how chemical principles are used to study Earth Sciences. The course is composed of three modules: (a) geochemical fundamentals; (b) natural and anthropogenically perturbed aspects of the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere and their interactions with rocks, sediments, soils and the biosphere; and (c) the origin and evolution of Earth (crust-mantle-core) through nuclear and high temperature chemical processes.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOLOGY 2505
    Course Geochemistry II
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GEOLOGY 1100 & GEOLOGY 1103
    Assumed Knowledge CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201
    Course Description This course focuses on the chemistry of the natural world and the chemical evolution of the Earth over geological time. We will discuss practical and theoretical geochemistry, with an emphasis on how chemical principles are used to study Earth Sciences. The course is composed of three modules: (a) geochemical fundamentals; (b) natural and anthropogenically perturbed aspects of the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere and their interactions with rocks, sediments, soils and the biosphere; and (c) the origin and evolution of Earth (crust-mantle-core) through nuclear and high temperature chemical processes.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Jonathan Tyler

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    A successful student in this course should be able to:
    1 plan and carry out appropriate mathematical strategies for solving geochemical problems;
    2 synthesize the results of their problem-solving with other work in the form of short, well-organized articles;
    3 have insight into the origins of earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rocks;
    4 critique possible oversimplifications in geochemical models.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1,2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3,4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3,4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3,4
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:
    • 2 X 1-hour lectures
    • 1 X 2-hour workshops
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and workshops), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading, homework and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    This course covers the broad areas of:

    Geochemical Fundamentals

    • Thermodynamics and chemical reactions, solubility, pH and redox
    • The Elements; basic principles of inorganic chemistry, periodic properties
    Low temperature geochemistry - The hydrologic cycle and Sedimentary geochemistry
    • Aquatic chemistry and biogeochemistry: photosynthesis/respiration, carbon and nitrogen cycles, stable isotope and the water cycle.
    • Chemical weathering, soil formation, geochemistry of clays.
    • The geochemistry of the atmosphere: greenhouse gases, ozone, acid rain
    • The geochemistry of the oceans: carbonate chemistry, primary productivity, nutrient cycling and the marine sediment record.
    High temperature geochemistry 
    • Planet formation, differentiation of the Earth.
    • Evolution of the crust, mantle and core.
    • Trace element and Radiogenic isotope geochemistry/Geochronology
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Type of Assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
    Yes/No
    Outcome being assessed/achieved  Due Date
    Problem Sets Summative and Formative

    25%

    No 1,2 Weeks 2,7,11
    Lecture Tests Summative and Formative 45% No 1,2,3 Weeks 4,9,12
    Projects Summative and Formative 30% No 1,2,3 Weeks 5,8
    Assessment Detail
    Lecture Tests: (45%)
    Test material comes primarily from lecture materials and assigned readings. The tests will consist of a mixture of  multiple choice and short/longer answer questions.

    Problem sets: (25%):
    These will serve to teach geochemistry tools, and how to apply them for critical analysis of data and interpretation of results.

    Projects: (30%)
    These will serve to teach geochemistry tools, and how to apply them for critical analysis of data and interpretation of results.
    Submission
    Late Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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