Units / EAE5062
EAE5062 · Applied analytical geochemistry
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The analysis of geomaterials (e.g., rocks, minerals, soils, water) presents unique challenging related to their complexity. This hands-on unit will introduce the basic analytical tools used by geochemists and environmental scientists for measuring the mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic compositions of geomaterials. We will also cover some advanced topics, in particular the use of synchrotron light in geosciences. The unit is suitable for any geoscientist working with geochemical data. Specific topics covered include: 1. Laboratory inductions, basics of analytical chemistry (e.g., precision, accuracy, blanks) 2. Working in the wet lab. 3. Mass spectroscopy - trace elements 4. Mass spectroscopy - isotope ratios 5. Mass spectroscopy - geochronology 6. Sample prep. Budget. Plan a project. 7. Water chemistry 8. X-ray Diffraction 9. Synchrotron-based spectroscopy, diffraction and microscopy 10. Electron microscopy and microprobe techniques
Areas of study: Master of Science
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Practical work | Demonstration | 30% | — |
| 2 | Assignment | Written | 40% | — |
| 3 | Presentation | Presentation | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the different analytical tools that can be used to study geochemical systems and the information they deliver.
- Prepare samples, acquire data, and interpret the results.
- Use a range of analytical techniques.
- Design and conduct an analytical campaign - including budgeting, selecting adequate samples and analytical tools, quality control, and reporting the results.
Workload
• Two weeks of lecture and laboratory activities, totalling 70 hours • Two weeks for working on projects, including three hours supervised study • Two half day field trips
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