Students
GEOS876 – Advanced Geochemical Applications and Techniques
2014 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Norman Pearson
Contact via norman.pearson@mq.edu.au
E5B 205
9:00-5:30 Mon-Fri
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-badged with GEOS776
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides hands-on training and operation of state of the art instrumentation used in inorganic geochemical analysis to determine major element, trace element and isotopic composition of rocks and minerals. The unit comprises lectures, group instrument instruction and individual projects. The project includes planning the analytical strategy, data collection, data presentation and interpretation.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 10% | 31 March 2014 |
| Assignment 2 | 25% | 30 April 2014 |
| Assignment 3 | 25% | 28 May 2014 |
| Seminar | 10% | 28 May 2014 |
| Class Participation | 10% | Each session |
| Test | 20% | 11 June 2014 |
Assignment 1
Due: 31 March 2014
Weighting: 10%
Assignment 1will be based on the concepts and skills covered in days 1, 2 and 3. The exercises undertaken in the tutorials in these sessions will provide a framework for self-assessment of your progress and in the preparation of the assignments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assignment 2
Due: 30 April 2014
Weighting: 25%
This practical project will involve EMP instrument usage and the data generated during the practical will be used in the assignment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assignment 3
Due: 28 May 2014
Weighting: 25%
The practical project will involve use of the laser ablation ICP-MS and the data generated during the practical will be used in the assignment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Seminar
Due: 28 May 2014
Weighting: 10%
The theme of the seminar day is “Recent Advances in Analytical Geochemistry”. A list of topics will be provided in week 2 and you will choose a topic based on one of the instrument techniques covered in the course. Your brief will be to prepare a brief overview of the advances in the analytical method and its application. Each student will be required to produce a PowerPoint presentation (maximum 5 slides) on your topic and give this as a short seminar. A mark will be awarded based on content and presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Class Participation
Due: Each session
Weighting: 10%
The class mark will be awarded on the basis of performance in the laboratory practicals and participation in class discussions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Test
Due: 11 June 2014
Weighting: 20%
This will be an ‘in-class test’ and involve a 2-hour written examination. This will cover the material presented in the unit and consist of a combination of short answer questions on definitions and concepts and an essay section requiring further descriptions of concepts and theory.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
Delivery and Resources
Required and Recommended Texts
There are no prescribed textbooks for this course. A copy of Powerpoint lecture presentations will be available on the unit’s WEB page.
The following books are recommended for additional reading.
Potts, P.: A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis. Blackie (on reserve)
Rollinson, H.: Using Geochemical Data. Longman
Unit Web Page
Web resources are on the GEOS876 page in iLearn (http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/index.htm).
This site will have pdfs of lectures, tutorials and assignments, and echo recordings of pre-recorded lectures.
Information for students about access to online units is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/
Unit Schedule
Unit of study timetable 2014
Week 1: 5 March 2014: 11:00 – 12:00 (Lecture), 1:00 – 3:00 (Tutorial) Geochemical Analysis – Basics
Lecture 1 – Introduction
• Overview of analytical methods, instruments and laboratories
• Analytical procedure
• Concepts in analytical geochemistry
• Instruments and methods – a virtual tour of the Geochemical Analysis Unit
• Measurement and calibration
• Analytical strategy
Tutorial 1
• Instrument calibration and standardisation
• Standards and reference materials
• Reporting and presenting geochemical data
Week 2: 19 March 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Sampling and Planning an Analytical Program
Lecture 2
• Introduction to uncertainty
• Sampling
• Uncertainty of sampling
• Sampling strategy
• Instrument limits of error
Tutorial 2 – Planning an Analytical Program
Week 3: 26 March 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Data Quality
Lecture 3 – Geochemical data
• Basic statistics refresher
• Uncertainties in quantitative analysis
• Accuracy and precision
• Internal and external precision
• Counting statistics
• Outliers
Tutorial 3
Quality assurance – how good are your analytical data?
Standards and Reference Materials
Week 4: 2 April 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
X-ray Analytical Techniques I
Lecture 4 – X-ray spectrometry – Basic quantitative X-ray analysis
• What are X-rays?
• How are X-rays produced?
• Characteristic X-rays
• X-ray lines and spectra
• Wavelength X-ray spectrometer
• Energy X-ray spectrometer
Tutorial 4
Characteristic X-ray lines and spectra
Mineral Identification
Week 5: 9 April 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
X-ray Analytical Techniques II
Lecture 5 X-ray spectrometry – Basic quantitative X-ray analysis
• X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
• Background measurement
• Spectral interference
• Interaction of X-rays and matter
• Attenuation and fluorescence
• Matrix corrections
Tutorial 5
Whole-rock analysis I
• X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for major and trace elements
Week 6: 16 April 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
X-ray Analytical Techniques III
Lecture 6 Mineral analysis I – major elements
• Electron Microprobe (EMP) Instrumentation
• Quantitative mineral analysis
• Interaction of the electron beam and material
• Electron imaging
• ZAF matrix corrections
• phi-rho-z matrix corrections
• Preparation of samples
Tutorial 6
Mineral chemistry – data reduction and quality
• Assessing data quality
• Mineral structural formula
Week 7: 23 April 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Mass Spectrometry I
Lecture 7
• Introduction to mass spectrometry
• Isotopes
• Types of mass spectrometer
• Trace element analysis by ICP-MS
• Isotope ratio measurement
• Basics of ICP-MS
• The ICP as a source of ions
• Quadrupole mass analyser
• Detecting and counting ions
Tutorial 7
ICP-MS data reduction and quality
Week 8: 30 April 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Mass Spectrometry II
Lecture 8 – Mineral analysis II – trace elements and isotope ratios
• Laser ablation ICP-MS
• Types of laser
• Ablation processes
• Calibration and quantification
• Time-resolved analysis
Tutorial 8
LAM-ICPMS – trace element analysis
Week 9: 21 May 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Mass Spectrometry III
Lecture 9 Isotope geochemistry – Multi-collector ICP-MS
• Radiogenic and stable isotope systems
• isotope ratio measurement
• multiple collector mass spectrometer
• mass bias
• radioactive decay
• isochron
• In-situ geochronology
Tutorial 9
U-Pb zircon – data reduction and quality
Week 10: 28 May 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
New Frontiers In Geochemical Analysis
Lecture 10 New Frontiers In Geochemical Analysis in GEMOC
Seminars “Developments in Analytical Methods”
Week 11: 4 June 2014: 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:00
Review – Report and Thesis Preparation
Workshop
“Analytical Methods” in your thesis or manuscript
Communicating your results
Week 12: 11 June 2014: 1:00 – 3:00
Assessment – In-class test
Times for the analytical sessions for the practical project for Assignment 2 will be arranged between 9-15 April and for Assignment 3 times between 30 April – 6 May. There will be two sessions: one on the electron microprobe and the other using the laser ablation ICP-MS and each session will be approximately 3 hours in duration.
Attendance at lectures/practical/tutorial sessions is compulsory.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Tutorials
Instrument Practicals
Seminar
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Seminar
- Class Participation
- Test
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Seminar
- Class Participation
- Test
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- acquire the basic skills to operate the EMP and laser ablation ICP-MS
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- develop the knowledge to determine the uncertainty of analytical results
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Class Participation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Seminar
- Class Participation
- Test
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Seminar
- Class Participation
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain the basic principles of how the XRF, EMP and ICP-MS operate
- be able to select an appropriate analytical technique and set-up an analytical protocol for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials
- devise and undertake an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve complex petrological problems using geochemistry
- critically evaluate the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods
- compare the results obtained from different analytical techniques
- interpret geochemical data using the knowledge of analytical uncertainty
- organise and present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Seminar
- Class Participation