Course level

Undergraduate

Faculty

Science

School

Earth Sciences School

Units

2

Duration

One Semester

Delivery mode

Internal

Class hours

2 Lecture hours
3 Practical or Laboratory hours

Prerequisite

ERTH2003, ERTH2006, ERTH2005

Assessment methods

Assignments, project, examinations

Course enquiries

Prof Paulo Vasconcelos (paulo@earth.uq.edu.au)

Study Abroad

This course is pre-approved for Study Abroad and Exchange students.

Course description

Geochemistry is a quantitative course on the acquisition, statistical analysis, modelling, interpretation, and reporting of geochemical data. In addition to its importance in the training of professional geoscientists in collecting and using geochemical information, this course is also aimed at providing the most essential background for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Earth Sciences at the University of Queensland. It provides the necessary training for the use of the major and trace element and isotopic facilities available as part of the research infrastructure at The University of Queensland. The course underpins the undergraduate education connection with the Research Strength area of Isotope Analysis, Trace Element Chemistry & Geochronology.

The course aims at teaching advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the basic processes controlling major element, trace element, and isotopic differentiation in the solar system; the basic analytical techniques suitable for elemental and isotopic measurements; the necessary steps for data analysis, interpretation, and reporting; and the application of elemental and isotopic analysis to the study of crustal evolution, igneous and metamorphic processes, formation of ore deposits, formation and evolution of water reservoirs, and quantification of interactions between the biosphere and the lithosphere/hydrosphere.

The course is delivered as two one-hour lectures and one three-hour practical per week. The practical component is based on numerical exercises on geochemical applications. The practical exercises are built around data generated in the various geochemistry laboratories at The University of Queensland. The course provides essential training for Geologist and Environmental Scientists interested in exploration and environmental geochemistry. It also provides essential training for advanced research in the UQ analytical facilities.

Archived offerings

Course offerings Location Mode Course Profile
Semester 1, 2023 (20/02/2023 - 17/06/2023) External External Course Profile
Semester 1, 2023 (20/02/2023 - 17/06/2023) St Lucia In Person Course Profile
Semester 1, 2022 (21/02/2022 - 21/06/2022) St Lucia Internal Course Profile
Semester 1, 2022 (21/02/2022 - 21/06/2022) External External Course Profile
Semester 1, 2021 (22/02/2021 - 19/06/2021) St Lucia Flexible Delivery Course Profile
Semester 1, 2021 (22/02/2021 - 19/06/2021) External External Course Profile
Semester 1, 2020 (24/02/2020 - 11/07/2020) St Lucia Internal Course Profile
Semester 1, 2019 (25/02/2019 - 22/06/2019) St Lucia Internal Course Profile
Semester 1, 2018 (19/02/2018 - 23/06/2018) St Lucia Internal Course Profile
Semester 1, 2017 (27/02/2017 - 24/06/2017) St Lucia Internal Course Profile
Semester 1, 2015 (02/03/2015 - 27/06/2015) St Lucia Internal Course Profile