Geochemistry Courses

The introduction to geochemistry includes discussion of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the interactions of natural waters with those minerals with which they are in contact, of the roles of microorganisms in geochemical processes, of those phenomena responsible for distribution of the elements throughout the cosmos, of the primary processes governing the deposition and transformation of organic matter in geologic settings, and of the chemical processes which are involved in magmatic systems.

Course in Geochemical Analysis

Geochemistry Degree

The course in geochemical analysis introduces the student to sampling statistics and its application to problems such as sampling design for geochemical surveys, to some of the special problems of sample preparation with geological samples, and to a wide variety of instrumental methods of analysis which are available to the geochemist, including the various types of spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, chromatography, x-ray methods, and electrochemical methods.

Treatment of these methods focuses on the types of samples to which they may be applied, the precision expected, interferences and limitations, and time/cost effectiveness, the sample preparation problems. Both field and laboratory methods are included. These two geology courses constitute prerequisites for more specialized, advanced geochemistry courses.

Base Geochemistry Courses

• Organic geochemistry which studies organic carbonaceous materials occurring in geological situations. Also the biological origin of the organic matter is discussed. There is special emphasis on contributions of microorganisms from extreme environments.

• Geochemistry of igneous rocks includes the geochemical characteristics of the various types of igneous rock. Isotope geochemistry and application of major trace element are discussed.

• Geochemistry in petroleum source bed evaluation – here analytical techniques which are used by the petroleum industry in evaluating oil and gas source potential are compared.

Also the course includes:

• Sedimentary and environmental geochemistry,
• Aqueous geochemistry,
• Hydro chemical systems,
• Silicate chemistry,
• Microbiology and biochemistry of pollution and waste treatment and other disciplines.

Typical work activities for the graduated geochemists in the laboratory

• conduction of the sample tests and checks, including carbon and isotope data, gas chromatography, solvent and viscosity extraction;
• analysis of the nature, age, and components of soil, rock and other environmental samples;
• work with a range of specialist equipment as part of research, including mass spectrometers, microscopes and electron microprobes.

Also there’re other typical work activities, which include undertaking field visits to collect site samples, generating computer models, e.g., of hydrocarbon generation, using specialist software, mapping specific geochemical areas for research and analysis etc.