CLB224 Environmental Geochemistry
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CLB224 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CLB100 or ERB211 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,840 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CLB224 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CLB100 or ERB211 |
| Coordinator: | David Flannery | david.flannery@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The interface between the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere is the most active and significant for element cycling. This the environment in which humans rely on for food, water, energy and raw materials. Environmental Geochemistry explores the behaviour and fate of chemical elements in this planetary interface. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of geochemistry and how they relate to environmental issues, influence climate, and habitability for life. The unit covers a range of topics, including the chemical composition and properties of the Earth's surface, the cycling of elements in the environment, and the impacts of human activities on the geochemistry of the Earth's surface. It also covers the geochemical techniques used to study and monitor processes in Earth and environmental industry and academic applications, such as the use of stable isotopes to trace the movement of elements in the environment over different time scales.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the principles of geochemistry and how they relate to environmental issues.
- Analyse and interpret geochemical data.
- Apply geochemical techniques and tools to study near surface processes.
- Generate solutions to address the impacts of human activities on the geochemistry of the Earth's surfaces.
Content
Throughout the unit, you will develop skills in analysing and interpreting geochemical data, as well as understanding the underlying principles of geochemistry and how they apply to environmental and sustainability issues, including examining how geochemistry can be used to assess the cleanliness of water and sustainable land management. You will also learn how to use geochemical tools, technologies and techniques to study environmental problems and develop solutions.
Learning Approaches
As a second year unit this unit builds upon the foundational knowledge learned in the first year of the degree. In this unit, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed learning to uncover answers to your own questions.
The unit is designed to be interactive, with a combination of lectures, lab sessions, and field trips to expose students to a range of geochemical techniques and applications. It is suitable for students with an interest in the environment, geology, chemistry, and related fields.
You can expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorial, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent readings to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There are multiple opportunities to receive feedback on your learning in this unit. Whole-of-class and individual feedback will be provided during laboratories and field trip by the teaching staff. Opportunities for peer feedback will be provided during collaborative activities. Automated feedback will be received immediately upon the completion of formative quizzes.
Feedback on summative assessment tasks will be provided by a rubric, with personalised written comments.
Assessment
Overview
This unit provides you three opportunities to show how you meet the learning outcomes of this unit.: A workbook, field trip report and research project.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Workbook
You will complete a series of laboratory exercises designed to introduce you to geochemical techniques and tools. You will be required to write a workbook detailing your observations and analysis of the data presented during the workshops.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Field trip report
You will complete a report based on a field trip to a site of geochemical interest. The report should include observations, measurements, and analyses of the site, as well as an evaluation of the geochemical processes at work. The report should demonstrate the your understanding of the principles and concepts covered in the course, as well as your ability to apply these principles in a real-world setting.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research project
You will conduct independent research on a topic related to environmental geochemistry and write a research paper summarizing your findings. The research project will require you to use geochemical techniques and tools to analyze data and draw conclusions about the environmental impacts of chemical substances.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Nil
Costs
There may be a minimal cost for transportation for the field trip component of this unit. Students will be advised of these costs in the first class.
Resources
All learning materials related the study of this unit will be made available through your Canvas unit site. The recommended textbook for this unit is available as an eBook through the QUT library.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
White, W. M. (2020) Geochemistry, 2nd Edition
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms and laboratories. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. However, you will be required to undertake an off campus field practical of a supervised and self-guided nature. A formal risk assessment for the practical has identified only low impact risks. An on-site safety briefing will be given at commencement of the practical sessions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Workbook, Field trip report, Research project - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Workbook, Field trip report, Research project - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Workbook, Field trip report, Research project