Students
GEOS7712 – Advanced Geochemical Applications and Techniques
2021 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Olivier Alard
observer
Eleuterio Abreu De Sousa
lecturer
Elena Belousova
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
GEOS8812
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit describes and explores the underpinnings of the tools employed in geochronology and inorganic geochemistry in order to unravel the timing and duration of geological phenomena. Primarily focused on high temperature geochemistry, this course will employ applications spanning from diffusion modelling in magma chambers, through zircon geochronology to model ages in addition to tracing the passage of materials through the solid Earth. A background in the analytical techniques used to attain such data is also included. Negotiation between staff and students develops a number of case studies to allow students to acquire practical skills applicable to a wide range of research areas. Case studies may include: (i) understanding trace element partitioning and behaviour, (ii) investigating the effect of volatiles on the physics and chemistry of rock properties and melt, (iii) modelling the mineralogy of planetary interiors and (iv) geothermobarometry. This unit is suitable for students outside of Earth and Environmental Sciences, particularly those developing research skills in Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences |
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:
- ULO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of modern geochemistry in the context of Earth evolution.
- ULO2: select an appropriate technique and/or set up an analytical protocol to solve a given petrological or geological problem/questions
- ULO3: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of analytical techniques and assess the quality of the resulting data.
- ULO4: communicate scientific information and concepts through oral, visual and written formats
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geochemistry throughout the Periodic table | 25% | No | week5 |
| Class Participation | 15% | No | week13 |
| Assessing analytical techniques | 20% | No | week10 |
| Unsolved case in geochemistry | 40% | No | Week13 |
Geochemistry throughout the Periodic table
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: week5
Weighting: 25%
number of questions and exercises on the geochemical and cosmochemical properties of the elements
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of modern geochemistry in the context of Earth evolution.
Class Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: week13
Weighting: 15%
Class Participation, asking questions, answering questions, debatting
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of modern geochemistry in the context of Earth evolution.
- select an appropriate technique and/or set up an analytical protocol to solve a given petrological or geological problem/questions
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of analytical techniques and assess the quality of the resulting data.
Assessing analytical techniques
Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: week10
Weighting: 20%
Assessing analytical techniques
On successful completion you will be able to:
- select an appropriate technique and/or set up an analytical protocol to solve a given petrological or geological problem/questions
- communicate scientific information and concepts through oral, visual and written formats
Unsolved case in geochemistry
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: Week13
Weighting: 40%
Oral presentation (15 min) on debated topics and issues in geochemistry (literature review). Assessing the pros and cons of opposed interpretations of the same data.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- select an appropriate technique and/or set up an analytical protocol to solve a given petrological or geological problem/questions
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of analytical techniques and assess the quality of the resulting data.
- communicate scientific information and concepts through oral, visual and written formats
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Face-to-face and on-line, simultaneously. Practice works using state of the art facilities at MQGA.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 17/03/2021 | added 2 participants |
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook