| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
None, but a basic level of chemistry will be assumed.
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The aim of this module is to introduce some of the techniques that are used to quantify geochemical reactions between dissolved species & mineral phases.
Equilibrium, disequilibrium and the Law of Mass Action.
Activity and activity coefficients.
Acids, bases and alkalinity.
Practical equilibrium thermodynamics.
Redox geochemistry; Eh-pH diagrams.
Computer-based geochemical modelling: practice and pitfalls.
On completion of this module, students will understand the usefulness & limitations of equilibrium as a way of describing & quantifying water-rock reactions. They will understand how simple thermodynamic principles can be used to quantify the potential for reactions between dissolved solutes & solid phases & will be aware of how computer-based models are used to solve geochemical problems. The importance of acid-base & 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 & their chemical activity. They will be aware that most elements exist in solution as both as single ions & as ion complexes & will realise why this is important in the quantification of geochemical reactions in aqueous systems.
On completion of this module, students 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.
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Coursework (report) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Revision for exam. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Practical preparation and follow-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 8:30 | 8:30 | Seminar preparation and follow-up. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:15 | 9:00 | Tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Background reading. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Independent study. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Lecture write-up. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by small group teaching sessions and computer-hosted reference materials. Subject specific skills are taught through a computer-based workshop (practical).
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during the modelling workshop and small group teaching sessions sessions aid development of understanding. Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, the small group teaching (tutorial) exercises and computer-based workshop and through completion of geochemical calculations (summative coursework assessment).
Key skills are practised through participation in the computer-based workshop.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 60 | Unseen written examination. |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 40 | Aqueous Geochemistry calculation exercise (maximum of 10 pages). |
The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen written examination and a single coursework item (a thermodynamic calculation exercise). The examination paper employs a range of approaches in order to accurately assess student abilities. These may include essay, calculation, data interpretation, and multi-part questions.
N/A
Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.