Study@ANU 2010

Chemistry of Earth and Oceans EMSC6015  - Details

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Offered By: Research School of Earth Sciences
Academic Career: Graduate Coursework
Course Subject: Earth and Marine Science
Offered in: Second Semester, 2010
Unit Value: 6 units
Course Description:

This course covers:

  • The origins of the elements, their absolute and isotopic abundances in the solar system.
  • Fundamental geochemical controls of elemental distribution within the terrestrial planets.
  • Nature of incompatibility-compatability in various mineral structures.
  • Basic thermodynamic concepts of equilibrium covering stabilities of carbonate, sulfide, oxide, and silicate minerals over wide ranges of pressure, temperature, and composition.
  • Concepts of internal and external buffering of mineral-fluid equilibria.
  • Stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry used to understand the time scales of evolution of different reservoirs in the Earth, and tracing the processes that exchange materials between these reservoirs.
  • Coverage of the proxies used for tracking changes in the global carbon cycle, perturbations in the lithosphere-hydrosphere-atmosphere system, and climate changes. 

Practical classes emphasise quantitative understanding of mineral-fluid-gas stabilities and interactions, and include the use of computer modelling of these processes.

The masters course will include a "special topic" research paper. 

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.

 
Learning Outcomes:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand element behaviour in a geological context and how do elements distribute within the Earth and Oceans
2. Distinguish the main Earth's chemical reservoirs, and think in terms of reservoir interaction 
3. Plot and compare geochemical data from different rock types and reservoirs.
4. Use radiogenic and stable isotopes to trace geological processes and produce age data.
5. Understand principles of light stable-isotope geochemistry as applied to problems in environmental earth science.
6. Use trace elements and stable isotopes to reconstruct the history of environmental and climatic change in the past.
Indicative Assessment:

Assessment will be based on:

  • Theory exam composed of essay questions to be held at a negotiated time before the mid-semester break, which will mainly cover Earth Chemistry (30% LO 1-4). 
  • Theory exam composed of essay questions to be held at the end of the semester, which will mainly cover Marine chemistry and clima (30% LO 1, 4-6).
  • 8 assignments on practicals out of the 10 made available distributed over the entire semester. Practical assignments will focus on handling, representation and calculation of data (20%, LO 3-6)
  • One essay on a selected topic (20%).
Workload:

3 hours of lectures, 2 hours of laboratories per week, total of 65 contact hours
Course Classification(s): TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses.
Areas of Interest: Earth and Marine Sciences
Eligibility:

Bachelor degree; with either first year Geology or first year Chemistry
Requisite Statement:

Geology or Chemistry to the first year level.
Academic Contact: Richard Arculus and Dr Rubatto
Please direct all enquiries to: Student Business Solutions
Page authorised by: The Registrar
Note: The information published on the Study@ 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study@ 2009 website.
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