Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (formerly GEOL 3454)

3 credit hours · Undergraduate

Students will explore geochemical sampling and instrumental analytical methods for rock, sediments (including soils), water, and plant matter. Students will obtain their own geochemical data from natural samples, and learn to implement industry-standard methods of reporting and quality assurance/control, as well as statistical approaches to explore and interpret their data sets. Students will investigate (through case studies) natural vs. anthropogenic sources of heavy metals as environmental contaminants, and will be introduced to novel methods for describing the chemical composition of Earth materials (fluid inclusion microanalysis, infrared spectroscopic mapping of hydrothermal alteration, forensic geochemistry). The application of graphical and numerical tools is studied through lab-, field and computer-based laboratories. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.