GEO-2008 | UiT

Obligatory prerequisites

GEO-1001 Introduction to geology, GEO-2001 Mineralogy, GEO-2002 Introduction to structural geology and maps

Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

GEO-3102 Geochronology/Unstable Isotopes 2 stp
GEO-3103 Geochemical Thermodynamics 2 stp

Course content

Introduction to various aspects of geochemistry that is divided into two parts: high temperature geochemistry and low temperature geochemistry.
Introduction on the origin of the elements (nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution) and Earth structure and composition
Reviews of some chemical principles (Bonding,Chemical Substitution in Crystals, Element and Behaviour During Crystallization and Melting)
Overview of various geochemical classification of the elements
Introduction to aqueous geochemistry
The fundamental principles of thermodynamics Oxidation Reduction Reactions
Stability of minerals
Geochemistry of selected ore deposits and their environmental impact
Introduction to stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The students will:

Review and communicate the basic principles of aqueous geochemistry
Use chemical information and chemical reasoning to better understand geological and hydrological processes and their interplays on Earth.
Explain the importance of geochemical process in shaping our universe
Appraise and analyse the variety of geochemical methods and techniques in the context of exploration, environmental and material/mining applications
Assess the role of element dispersion in exploration and environmental contexts

Skills

The students will be able to

Manipulate and interpret geochemical database in creating and using various diagrams (spiderdiagrams, isochrones,¿)
Use thermodynamics to predict the outcome of geochemical reactions
Use of radiogenic and stable isotopes to understand geological and geochemical processes
Synthesize data from published databases to create graphs

Competence

The students will be able to

Select and apply appropriate geochemical techniques
Solve problems using real world data sets
Analyse and interpret geochemical data and relate to geology and weathering processes

Language of instruction and examination

English

Teaching methods

46 h lectures, 6 homework sets

Assessment

4 hours written exam.

Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, whereof F is fail.

spring 2018 GEO-2008 Geochemistry - 10 ECTS