EA3800 - Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

EA3800 introduces students from a variety of science backgrounds to chemistry principles, their application to natural geochemical processes, and the chemical composition of our planet and its surface environment. Specific topics include the origin of the Earth-Moon system; the distribution of elements in rocks, minerals and the natural environment; common chemical reactions in nature; chemical weathering, the genesis of mineral deposits; rock-water interactions under a wide range of conditions; the biogeochemical cycling of elements; isotopes and elemental ratios as tracers of natural processes and anthropogenic contamination; radiometric dating and the age of the Earth; the chemical evolution of the oceans and atmosphere; and the geochemical basis behind controversial environmental issues, such as groundwater pollution and global warming. The practical aspects of EA3800 reinforce the numerical skills required to guide students with a wide range of mathematical ability towards quantitative approaches to problem solving.

Learning Outcomes

• to provide students with a firm foundation in chemistry and its application to the natural world;
• to engender in students a deeper understanding of the Earth and our surface environment from a chemical perspective;
• to provide students with the means to assess rigorously and critically scientific debates and environmental issues;
• to instill confidence in students with a wide range of mathematical ability to use quantitative approaches to problem solving;
• to provide students with a profound understanding of graphical representations of datasets, their interpretation and limitations. To provide students with the appropriate skills to vulgarise complex scientific controversies for a general audience using a variety of media with confidence and balance.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• The ability to use and interpret different media;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning processes and products;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Prerequisites:

Level 1 earth science or chemistry subjects recommended

Availabilities
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coordinator:	jc134750
Lecturers:	jc134750, jc140209.
Contact hours:	33 hours 30 hours
Assessment:	(40%); (10%); (30%); (20%).
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coordinator:	jc134750
Lecturers:	jc134750, jc140209.
Contact hours:	33 hours 30 hours
Assessment:	(40%); (10%); (30%); (20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.