University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

The objective of this course is to provide students with practical skills and theoretical background in analytical methods that are commonly used in geochemistry. Examples of topics are gas-source and plasma mass spectrometry for elemental abundances and isotopes, x-ray analysis of minerals and chemical abundances, EPMA, spectroscopy, as well as liquid and gas chromatography.

Relationship to other modules

Co-requisite(s): You must also take ES3008

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 hr lecture + 2 hr practical (Semester 1 Weeks 1-11), 2 x 5 hr lab exercises (Semester 2, Week 2 and Week 6)

Scheduled learning hours: 40

Guided independent study hours: 105

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% coursework


Re-assessment: 20% coursework, 80% exam

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr E E Stueeken
Module teaching staff: Dr E Stueeken, Dr P Savage, Dr R Steele, Dr A Burke, Dr N Gardiner, Dr C Cousins, Dr J Rae, Dr M Byrne
Module coordinator email ees4@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• evaluate the capabilities and limitations of major analytical techniques commonly used in Earth science
• explain the theory behind the techniques used during the course
• process data arising from a range of analytical techniques when supplied with the data
• calibrate two pieces of specialist instrumentation as well as collect, interpret and present results arising from this equipment