Introduction to geochemistry and its application to the study of the origin and evolution of the Earth and planets.
Learning objective
Gain an overview of geochemical methods used in various fields of Earth Sciences and how they can be applied to study geological processes in the Earth’s mantle, crust, oceans and atmosphere.
Content
This course is an introduction into geochemistry with a special focus on the basic concepts used in this rapidly evolving field. The course deals with the geochemist's toolbox: the basic chemical and nuclear properties of elements from the periodic table and how these elements can be used to ask fundamental questions in Earth Sciences. The important concepts used in solid-solution-gas equilibria are introduced. The concepts of chemical reservoirs and geochemical cycles are discussed with examples from the carbon cycle in the Earth. The course also addresses geological applications in low- and high-temperature geochemistry, including the formation of continents, the differentiation of the Earth, the geochemistry of ocean and continental waters.
Lecture notes
The slides are available online.
Literature
H. Y. McSween et al.: Geochemistry - Pathways and Processes, 2nd ed. Columbia Univ. Press (2003)
William White: Geochemistry, Wiley-Blackwell Chichester (2013)
Prerequisites / Notice
Prerequisite: chemical thermodynamics, basic inorganic chemistry and physics, basics of Python programming
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
fostered
Problem-solving
fostered
Personal Competencies
Critical Thinking
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
In examination block for
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Earth and Climate Sciences 2016; Version 25.02.2020 (Examination Block 1)
The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination
written 60 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination
Die Schlussnote berechnet sich aus der schriftlichen Prüfung und die während des Semesters zu absolvierenden Übungen (Lernelemente, fakultativ), bieten eine Gelegenheit die Noten zu verbessern. Die Gesamtnote kann maximal um +0.25 verbessert werden. Die Maximalnote kann auch ohne die Lernelemente erzielt werden.
Die Prüfungsfragen können auf Deutsch oder Englisch beantwortet werden.
Written aids
Einfacher, nicht-kommunikationsfähiger Taschenrechner ohne Textspeicher
If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.
Learning materials
No public learning materials available.
Only public learning materials are listed.
Groups
No information on groups available.
Restrictions
There are no additional restrictions for the registration.
Performance assessment as a semester course