Geochemistry
About the course
This course provides fundamental knowledge on geochemical principles and their application in the broad field of geosciences. Its principal aim is to familiarize students with mineral chemistry, basic thermodynamic concepts, isotope geochemistry, geochemistry of aqueous solutions, geochemistry of the Core-Mantle-Crust system and interactions in the Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere system. Gained knowledge is relevant for deeper understanding of rock-forming processes, ore-forming processes, and environmental aspects of natural and anthropogenic processes. In addition, the course provides hands-on experience in a geochemistry laboratory and individual work with selected analytical methods in geochemistry.
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, the students will:
- have a basic understanding of mineral chemistry
- have a basic understanding of thermodynamic concepts in geosciences
- have a comprehensive understanding of isotope geochemistry
- have a comprehensive understanding of geochemistry of aqueous solutions
- have a comprehensive understanding of geochemical processes in the Core-Mantle-Crust system
- have a basic understanding of biogeochemical cycles of elements in the Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere system and their application in environmental geochemistry
Skills
Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:
- write chemical equations to describe low- and high-temperature geological processes and apply thermodynamical concepts to calculate stability of minerals
- use major and trace element composition of rocks for interpretation of magmatic processes
- use major and trace element composition of aqueous solutions, sediments and soils to predict an environmental risk of natural and anthropogenic contaminants
- use the GeoChemical Data toolkit (GCDkit) software for interpretation of geochemical data
- select and apply appropriate radioactive isotope methods for age determination of various magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes
- apply stable isotope fractionation principle in tracing of magmatic, hydrothermal and biogeochemical/environmental processes
- independently design and conduct a set of geochemical experiments with an aim to determine physicochemical characteristics of aqueous solutions
General competence
Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:
- use scientific language to describe and discuss geochemical processes
- select relevant geochemical methods
- solve geochemical problems using real datasets
- analyse and interpret geochemical data and relate them to processes in the Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere system
Prerequisites
Obligatorisk forkunnskapskrav
GEO-1001 Introduction to geosciences, GEO-2001 Mineralogy, GEO-2002 Introduction to structural geology
Credit reduction
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 ects
- GEO-3103 Geochemical Thermodynamics 2 ects
- GEO-2021 Geochemistry 5 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Final exam
Emnet legges ned og siste mulighet til å avlegge eksamen etter dette semesteret, er vår 2027.
Examination
| School exam | Date: 12.05.2026 09:00 Duration: 4 Hours |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Attendance 80% | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage