Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023

Earth Sciences Master Information
Major in Geology
Compulsory Module in Analytical Methods in Earth Sciences
Students have to complete 6 credits in part A, and 6 credits in part B.
Part B: Methods
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
651-4055-00LAnalytical Methods in Petrology and GeologyW+3 credits2GJ. Allaz, S. Bernasconi, M. Guillong, L. Zehnder
AbstractPractical work in analytical chemistry for Earth science students.
Learning objectiveKnowledge of some analytical methods used in Earth sciences, introduction to data interpretation, writing of a scientific report.
ContentIntroduction to analytical geochemistry and atom physics, notably:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD),
- X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF),
- Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA),
- Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS),
- Mass spectroscopy for light isotopes.
Lecture notesShort handouts for each analytical method.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesTechniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementassessed
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkassessed
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsassessed
Self-direction and Self-management assessed
651-4117-00LSediment Analysis Restricted registration - show details
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).
W+3 credits2GM. G. Fellin, A. Gilli, V. Picotti
AbstractTheoretical background and application of some basic methods for sediment analysis.
Learning objectiveThe main goal is to learn how to apply the analysis of the texture and grain-size of sediments to constrain the sedimentary processes and environments.
ContentA one-day fieldtrip to a local outcrop to learn how to describe sediments in the field and to collect samples for grain-size and compositional analysis. Application of the same analytical techniques on samples of unknown origin: the sampling sites will be revealed at the end of the course. Discussion of the theoretical background and of the results in class. At the end of the course, the student will have to hand in a report with the presentation and discussion of all the data produced during the course.
Lecture notesFor the various analytical methods English texts will be provided in class.
LiteratureIntroduction to clastic sedimentology. R.J. Cheel, Brock University
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Problem-solvingfostered
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
651-0046-00LElectron Microscopy Course (SEM and EPMA)W+3 credits3GJ. Allaz, L. Grafulha Morales
AbstractTheory and lab demo of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) applied to geological materials: introduction to the instruments, interaction of electron with matter, electron imaging (SE, BSE, CL), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray analysis for the chemical characterisation of solid material at the micron-scale.
Learning objectiveUnderstand how the instrument works, why it is used, and how the different signals are being generated and analysed. Ability to treat and to present analytical results, such as calculating a mineral formula from a mineral analysis.
ContentPhysical principles of electron microscopy: electron optics, interaction of electrons with matter, production of X-rays, interaction of X-rays with matter, X-rays detection and analysis. The second part of the course includes several demonstrations on various SEMs (at ERDW and ScopeM) and one EPMA at DERDW.
Lecture notesScript will be provided, along with copies of the course presentations.
Literature[HIGHLY recommended]
- Goldstein, J.I. et al., (2003, third ed.): Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4615-0215-9

[Additional references]
- Reed, S.J.B. (2005, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology.
- Reed S.J.B. (1993, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis
- Anderson, C.A. (1973): Microprobe Analysis. Wiley & Sons, New York.
Prerequisites / NoticeNo prerequisite required beside basic knowledge of petrology and mineralogy. Attending the "Analytical Methods in Geology and Petrology" prior to this course is an advantage.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesTechniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementassessed
Social CompetenciesCooperation and Teamworkassessed
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
651-4063-00LX-Ray Powder Diffraction Restricted registration - show details W+3 credits2GM. Plötze
AbstractIn the course the students learn to measure X-ray diffraction patterns of minerals and to evaluate these using different software for qualitative and quantitative mineral composition as well as crystallographic parameters.
Learning objectiveUpon successful completion of this course students are able to:
- describe the principle of X-ray diffraction analysis
- carry out a qualitative and quantitative mineralogical analysis independently,
- critically assess the data,
- communicate the results in a scientific report.

The competencies of system understanding, concept development, and measurement methods are taught and examined.
ContentFundamental principles of X-ray diffraction
Setup and operation of X-ray diffractometers
Interpretation of powder diffraction data
Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of crystalline powders (e.g. with Rietveld analysis)
Lecture notesSelected handouts will be made available in the lecture
LiteratureBRINDLEY G.W. and BROWN G. (ed) Crystal structures of clay minerals and their X-ray identification. London : Mineralogical Society monograph no. 5 (1984)
(Link)
DINNEBIER, R.E. et al.: Powder Diffraction. Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2008.
(http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/eBook/978-0-85404-231-9)
PECHARSKY, V.K. and ZAVALIJ, P.Y: Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural Characterization of Materials. Springer, 2009.
(https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-0-387-09579-0?page=2#toc)
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course includes a high portion of practical exercises in sample preparation as well as measurement and evaluation of X-ray powder diffraction data.
Own sample will be analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Knowledge in mineralogy of this system is essential.
Software will be provided for future use on own Laptop.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingfostered
Media and Digital Technologiesassessed
Problem-solvingfostered
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationassessed
Cooperation and Teamworkassessed
Customer Orientationfostered
Leadership and Responsibilityfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Negotiationfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered
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