Course Description

Distribution of elements and isotopes in minerals, rocks, and waters. Principles governing the migration and behavior of elements and isotopes.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Term paper or project.

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Athena Title

Principles of Geochemistry

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Prerequisite

(CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L and GEOL 3010-3010L) or permission of department

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Semester Course Offered

Offered fall

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe the origin and distribution of elements within the core, mantle, and crust of the earth.
• Students will be able to calculate mineral solubility and elemental speciation in natural waters.
• Students will be able to employ mathematical modeling to solve geochemical problems.
• Students will be able to explain the biogeochemical processes that control the abundance and mobility of elements within the lithosphere and hydrosphere.
• Students will be able to collaborate to apply critical and analytical thinking to geochemical issues and communicate findings.

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Topical Outline

• Origin of the Elements Bulk composition of terrestrial reservoirs Acid-base equilibria in natural systems Thermodynamics of natural systems Oxidation-Reduction reactions Isotope geochemistry Flux calculations for terrestrial reservoirs

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