Geochemistry

This subject will examine the role that geochemistry plays in Earth processes. It will begin with an exploration of the foundations of geochemistry, from the behaviour of elements to the analysis of elemental and isotopic compositions, integrating principles across chemistry and physics, and applying this to systems at all scales. We will explore the many ways in which geochemical data preserved in minerals, plants and animals can provide qualitative and quantitative insights into processes as varied as the formation of our planet, to the migration of past peoples, all the way to its use in modern forensics and medicine. We will see how geochemistry is applied across many contexts, including: paleoclimate reconstruction, green resource exploration, archaeological science, marine science and even medicine. The subject emphasises maturation of fundamentals and application to real-world scientific inquiry involving geochemical methods, e.g. critically evaluating several possible analytical approaches, and identifying/applying the most scientifically sound. Subject also refines student ability to navigate communication of highly specialised geochemical methods to scientific problems, simulating the experience of a modern working scientist in and outside academia.

• 1Describe how the solid Earth can usefully be considered in terms of chemical reservoirs, and movement of material between those reservoirs
• 2Use major element geochemistry and the assumption of phase equilibrium to describe and interpret geological processes
• 3Use ratios and trends in trace element and isotope geochemistry to describe and interpret Earth processes, both ancient and modern
• 4Use isotope geochemical methods to estimate ages for Earth processes
• 5Synthesise geochemical datasets to form conclusions about Earth processes
• 6Identify how and when different geochemical tools are best applied to solve problems in Earth Science and beyond
• 7Translation of specialized terminology to generalized audience a, beyond generic communication and scientific literacy (written, visual, oral).