James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

EA3800 - Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

Subject Description

EA3800 introduces students from a variety of science and environmental studies backgrounds to chemistry principles, and uses these principles to gain a better understanding of surface and deep Earth processes. Specific topics include elemental distribution in the cosmos, on the Earth, in rocks, minerals and the surface environment; aqueous geochemistry and mineral stability; chemical weathering; biogeochemical principles and applications in the earth sciences; isotopic and elemental ratios as tracers of natural and anthropogenic processes; radiometric dating; exploration geochemistry; pollution processes and issues. Each topic is reinforced by case studies from the science literature.

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 provide students with a wide range of practical skills used in exploration and environmental geochemistry

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (35%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Problem task - (25%) - Group & Individual
• Written > Project report - (20%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EA5046

Availabilities