| Unit name | Physical Chemistry of Minerals & Solutions |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM0019 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Robinson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of third year of a Single Honours MSci Geology programme |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Bonding and coordination chemistry in minerals determines how elements are partitioned between the core, mantle and crust of the Earth. The dissolution of ions in aqueous solutions determines mineral solubilities and the formation of ore deposits. Many important environmental geochemical processes occur at the mineral-water interface. This unit will provide a foundation in the physical chemistry of minerals and aqueous solutions as needed to solve problems in geochemistry and environmental science. The unit will discuss bonding and coordination chemistry in oxides, silicates, sulphides and aqueous solutions. Foundation concepts in statistical mechanics and spectroscopy will be given, together with applications to specific geochemical problems. An atomistic approach to the subject will be developed using computational lattice dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations. Applications of thermodynamics to geochemical equilibria will be done, building on previous material covered in the Level 2 Geochemistry and Environmental Geochemistry units.
