GEO 319 Course Outline

Course Descriptions: GEO 319 – NTRODUCTION TO GEOCHEMISTRY

Faculty Science
Department Geology
Code GEO 319
Title Introduction to Geochemistry
Credits 12
Type Core
Semester 6 (Semester II, Level 300)
Pre-requisites GEO 211 and GEO 302, 100 level General Chemistry courses
Co-requisites None

Course Aims:
The aims of the course are:
1. To provide learners with basic knowledge on fundamental concepts and principles of
geochemistry.
2. To train learners on basic interpretation and presentation of geochemical data.
3. To teach learners about various applications of major elements, trace elements,
radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry.
4. To introduce learners to the process of generating geochemical data, analytical
instruments, data quality and its importance.

Course Rationale:
Geochemists study the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the
Earth. They examine the distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals, as well as
the movement of these elements into soil and water systems.
There is a wealth of information buried in the liquids, gases, and mineral deposits of rocks.
The geochemist’s job is to understand this information and make informed decisions on a range
of industrial and scientific research applications. Understanding the chemical composition of
rocks tells oil companies where to drill for oil; enables scientists to put together broad-based
theories about the way the Earth is changing; helps environmental management companies
decide how to dispose of a toxic or hazardous substance; and steers mining companies toward
exploitation of natural resources with a minimum environmental impact.

Course Synopsis:
This course is divided into a series of topics exploring various aspects of geochemistry. It
covers introduction to geochemistry and applications as well as the Nucleosynthesis. Earth
Structure and Composition, Chemical Substitution in Crystals, and Element Behaviour during
Crystallization and Melting (partitioning of elements), Geochemical Classifications of the
Elements, Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry in Geochronology and petrogeneticTracing,
Stable Isotope Geochemistry, principles of stable isotope distribution, applications and
potential applications of stable isotopes.

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
1. Interpret and present geochemical data sets
2. Explain the natural geochemical cycles of elements at the surface of the Earth, as well
as the effects of human activities upon these cycles.
3. Explain the processes involved in the distribution and transportation of trace elements
4. Apply geochemistry to study igneous rocks

Introduction to Geochemistry
5. Apply geochemistry to various environmental-related problems

Course Content:
Theory
- Introduction to geochemistry: some key definitions
- General concepts of Nucleosynthesis
- An overview of analytical methods, accuracy & precision
- International Standards and Certified Reference Material
- Abundance of elements in the solar system
- Geochemistry of core, mantle, and crust
- Chemical Substitution in Crystals
- Element Behaviour During Crystallization and Melting processes
- Geochemical Classifications of the Elements
- Principles of Radioactive Isotopes
- Radiogenic Isotope systems
- Application of Radioactive Isotopes
- Principles of Stable Isotopes
- Conventional stable Isotopes & applications
- Non-conventional stable Isotopes & applications
- Geochemical application in Mineral Exploration
- Geochemical mapping

Laboratory and Field Practical

- Geochemically characterization of igneous rocks using both major and trace element data
- Draw normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns for magmatic rocks using excel and
explain implication of the patterns
- Draw multi-element spider diagrams using geochemical data from various magmatic rocks
- Draw scatter or variation diagrams for magmatic rocks using excel and be able to explain
on the distribution pattern
- Generate geochemical distribution maps using surfer and be able to identify geochemical
anomalies
- Calculation of rock ages using isochron diagrams.
- Determination of initial isotope ratios using the isochron method

Teaching and Learning Methods

- Lectures with Power Point presentations
- Moodle & Teams
- Class discussions
- Practical exercises and other learning activities
- Student presentations
- Case studies in application of geochemistry
- Site visit and field report writing
- Library Search/Research
- Assignments

Credits
- This course consists of 12 credits for the semester

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- This is equivalent to 1 credit per week for the semester course
- 1 Credit equals 10 Notional Hours per week, which is generally the amount of time spent
on the course in a given week (i.e. 10 hours per week)
- The 10 Notional Hours consist of 3 contact hours and 7 hours for student
engagement/activities per week in the course
- The 7 Notional Hours are allocated for the following activities done by the student:
Practical work, research, group work, assignment preparation, tutorial attendance and
work, excursions and field reports, own learning, etc.

Mode of Assessment:
The course will be evaluated through continuous assessment (CA) and final examination
(Exam).

The final marks consist of marks from the continuous assessment and final examination.

Ratio of CA to Exam 1:1

Final Examination 50%
Continuous Assessment (CA) 50%
- Tests (x 2) 30%
- Practical work (x 2) 15%
- Assignment (x 1) 5%

Prescribed Text Reading:

Misra, K.C. (2012) Introduction to geochemistry, principles, and applications. Wiley-Black

Well, USA. (ISBN 978-1-4443-5095-1, cloth; ISBN 978-1-4051-2142-2, paperback.)

Other recommended text Reading

Albarede, F. (2011) Geochemistry: An Introduction, Second edition. Cambridge University

Press, England. (ISBN 978-0-521-70693-3)

Faure G. and Mensing T.M. (2005) Isotopes, principles and applications, Third edition. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA. (ISBN 0-471-38437-2).

Faure, Gunter (1991) Principles of Isotope Geology, John Wiley & Sons, New York. (ISBN
0-471-86412-9).

Rollinson H.R. (1993) Using geochemical data: evaluation, presentation, interpretation,

Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow, England. (ISBN 0582067014)

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