ERB301 Chemical Earth
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: | ERB301 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (ERB101 and ERB102) or (ERB202 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB615 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB301 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (ERB101 and ERB102) or (ERB202 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent: | NQB615 |
| Coordinator: | David Murphy | david.murphy@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Earth Science examines the interaction of physical, biological and chemical processes in the fractionation and differentiation of the Earth. Geochemistry is therefore an essential component of understanding the origin of the Earth, its evolution through time and the functioning of systems that are active today. This unit aims to apply and develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, to use and apply a wide range of geochemical tools available to the modern scientist to address a variety of geological and environmental problems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify and explain the distribution and mobility of elements in the various reservoirs in the Earth, from the deep Earth to the surficial environment.
- Employ a range of analytical tools to produce data that generate solutions to geological and environmental problems
- Explain how physical systems of Earth interact and lead to geochemical differentiation
- Formulate quantitative models that explain geochemical observations, provide solutions to problems and predict physical processes.
- Develop independent work skills that emphasize time management and communication.
Content
- The fractionation and distribution of Earth's material through geological processes on molecular (mineralogical), elemental and isotopic scale.
- The use of radiogenic isotope systems in dating geological processes.
- The use of radiogenic and stable isotope variations as tracers of fractionation processes.
- Practical work examines the geochemistry of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks using methods of quantitative geochemical analysis and computing. Critical analysis, problem solving, written communication, project development and time management skills are embedded within the practical and research activities of the curriculum.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures, practical sessions and project work. Lectures focus on the exploration of concepts and utilise a 'Socratic' style of presentation to facilitate your active involvement. These sessions challenge you to become critical thinkers through a mixture of review, analysis and extension. Practical sessions are largely self-learning exercises. Project work, which encourages problem-solving skills, integrates theory and practice. Completed by independently written reports, the project work, which also involves group work, requires you to recognise and balance individual and group contributions. Undertaken within a specific timeframe, the projects also develop your time management skills. Group discussions provide interaction with fellow students and allow specific issues to be debated or extended.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive written/oral feedback on a weekly basis on your practical assignments, verbal and written feedback on research papers and peer feedback on project and research work.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment will include a Portfolio of applied projects and problem solving tasks, two written reports on projects and a final summative exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project (applied)
You will complete two projects in parallel through semester linked to the lectures with opportunities to generate and apply geochemical data to solving a scientific problem
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Exam (written)
Examines knowledge of geochemical tools and their application.
Assessment: Portfolio
Practical portfolio- you will work on a number of short projects, and quizzes that build upon the theoretical concepts introduced the lectures.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
White WM (2013) Geochemistry.Available as an e-book from the library
Reference book(s)
McSween HY et al. (2003). Geochemistry: Pathways and Processes. Columbia University Press
Rollinson H (1993) Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation, Interpretation, Longman Scientific and Technical, 352pp.
Walther JV (2005). Essentials of Geochemistry
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit.