"Excellent course, excellent lecturer"
Aqueous Geochemistry
book online
[ Book online ]
This course introduces the quantitative, equilibrium-based methods which are used to understand the controls on the chemical composition of both surface and groundwaters. You will learn how simple thermodynamic principles can be used to quantify the potential for reactions between dissolved solutes and solid phases and will see how computer-based models are now used to solve a range of geochemical problems and water quality issues, such as mine water pollution.
On completion of this course, delegates will understand the usefulness and limitations of equilibrium as a way of describing and quantifying water-rock reactions. The importance of acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions in natural environments will be understood, as will the difficulty of quantifying redox potential. Students will know the difference between measured concentrations of dissolved elements and their chemical activity. They will be aware that most elements exist in solution as both as single ions and as ion complexes and will realise why this is important in the quantification of geochemical reactions in aqueous systems.
Delegates will be capable of using simple equilibrium thermodynamic calculations to describe natural aqueous systems. They will also have some experience of geochemical modelling using Geochemist's Workbench.
It is anticipated that delegates who attend the course will have a reasonable level of knowledge of the following topics:
Please contact the Professional Development Unit if you require further information.
This course is also delivered as a Module on at least one of the School's Masters programmes; delegates will attend with full and part time registered students. The Academic Module Outline is available via the University's Module Catalogue.