Unit information: Advanced aqueous geochemistry in 2011/12

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Unit name Advanced aqueous geochemistry
Unit code EASC30042
Credit points 10
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Sherman
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Successful completion of years 1 and 2 of either the Environmental Geoscience or Geology degree programme curriculum
Co-requisites

n/a
School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

Thermodynamics of aqueous solutions and mineral-solution equilibira that control the geochemistry of aquatic environments. Application will include the fate of environmental contaminants, C02 sequestration, formation of ore deposits and chemistry of groundwater.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the role of mineral dissolution/precipitation, ion exchange, sorption and complexation reactions in determining the chemistry of the oceans, rivers and groundwater.
  • Be able to model the thermodynamics and kinetics of complex aquatic systems using a standard computer code (PHREEQC).
  • Understand how transport processes (advection and diffusion) couple with kinetics to cause departures from equilibrium in real systems.

Assessment Information

Assessment:

The unit mark will be based on the coursework (50%) and a final exam (50%). The exam will assess your understanding of the fundamental concepts applied in the unit

Feedback:

Feedback will be provided on the practical write-ups. A review session prior to the exam will also be provided.

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