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Research School of Earth Sciences · ANU Joint Colleges of Science
This course provides an introduction to powerful analytical techniques used to determine the elemental and isotopic compositions of Earth materials such as rocks, minerals, microfossils, corals and water. It includes understanding types of instrumentation and other analytical techniques essential to the Earth Sciences, how to assess data quality and how to document and present results effectively. It will prepare students for the analytical aspects of their Honours research projects. The course will also develop students theoretical and practical understanding of the geochemical and/or mineralogical techniques that they will deploy in their research.
Theory exams (best 2 of 3 exams)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Practical exercises including problems and use of datasets designed to explore and illustrate basic principles of instrumentation and production of high-quality data
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Present a written justification and description of the analytical techniques to be employed in the research project, suitable for publication in a scientific journal
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Oral presentation (30 minutes) to class outlining their proposed analytical campaign and justifying the approach to be taken and instrumentation to be used in terms of the research objectives
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
A total of 30 hours of lectures and 35 hours of practicals. Students are expected to spend an additional 60 hours on work related to practicals and to prepare a report for the chosen analytical technique.
An appropriate reading list will be provided during the course.