ES5017 Analytical Methods in Geochemistry

2025 to 2026 Full Year

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr E E Stueeken

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Eva Stueeken, Paul Savage, Nick Gardiner, Nicky Allison, Luke Bridgestock

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

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-requisites

MSC GEOCHEMISTRY: YOU MUST ALSO TAKE ES3008

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

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

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

105

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

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