Course coordinator
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Please make queries during scheduled contact times in the first instance. In addition, I will be available in my office 3-4 pm most Fridays.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course introduces 2nd year students to the broad field of geochemistry that underpins much of the modern Earth Sciences. Geochemistry is critical to our understanding of low-temperature processes at Earth’s surface, high temperature processes deep within the Earth and the cosmochemical processes responsible for the birth of our solar system. The course emphasises the use of trace elements and isotopes as tools to understand Earth’s evolution placing the emphasis on ‘geo’ rather than ‘chemistry’. In the first part of the course, you will learn about the origin of chemical elements, the formation of the solar system and the differentiation of the Earth including the development of continental crust. The course then examines surface processes that have made our planet habitable including weathering of continental crust and its linkages to the carbon cycle and climate. Finally we examine how basaltic lavas probe the mantle and subduction of oceanic crust recycles chemical elements from the Earth’s surface reservoirs back into the mantle. During the course you will gain an understanding of how different trace elements and isotopes are used to decipher the nature and timing of a huge range of processes in Earth Science and you will gain an appreciation of how to interpret published geochemical data as well as its limitations.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH1000 and ERTH1005 (ERTH2005 prior to 2024)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ERTH3205
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Professor Trevor Ireland
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly
Aims and outcomes
ERTH2205 is aimed at introducing 2nd year students to the broad field of geochemistry. Geochemistry underpins much of the modern Earth Sciences and this course is strongly recommended for students continuing to 3rd year level Earth Science courses and the Earth Science Major. It is intended to be of broad interest to other physical scientists, environmental scientists and archaeologists. The course aims to provide knowledge of the processes controlling Earth's chemical evolution, and how these can be deciphered from variations between major/trace element and isotopic composition of different chemical reservoirs within the Earth. The course introduces analytical techniques for elemental and isotope measurement and applications of geochemistry to geology and environmental sciences including geochronology and interpretation of trace element and isotopic data.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand basic processes controlling the abundances and distribution of elements (and isotopes) on Earth and in the solar system.
LO2.
Relate the chemical properties of individual elements to their behaviour in a range of geological processes.
LO3.
Explain how four major classes of geochemical tool (e.g. major and trace elements, stable and radiogenic isotopes) can be used to study different aspects of the Earth.
LO4.
Use trace elements and isotopes as tracers of geological processes.
LO5.
Use radiogenic isotopes for determining the age of a mineral or rock formation.
LO6.
Students will be required to read a variety of geochemical diagrams.
LO7.
Students will be familiar with methods for collection and analysis of geochemical data.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical exercises (most weeks)
|
45% formative |
The due date of practical assessments will be posted with the task, typically one week later. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance |
Group presentation / paper discussion
|
15% | |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical exercises (most weeks)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 45% formative
- Due date
The due date of practical assessments will be posted with the task, typically one week later.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Variable including question and answer, guided calculations, plotting exercises and quizzes.
Submission guidelines
ONLINE SUBMISSION BY TURNITIN ONLY by the due date. No hard copy or assignment coversheets required.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension or deferrable availability notes relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Group presentation / paper discussion
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance
- Weight
- 15%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Teams of ~4 people will read and summarise a selected short format scientific paper. Class members in the audience will participate in discussion of the paper. Marks will be assigned for the group presentation AND participation in classroom discussions of all paper discussions through the semester.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Participation on the nominated date is required.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Hurdle requirements
50%Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of very poor quality, showing minimal understanding of subject matter. The minimum percentage required for this grade is 0%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of very poor quality, very little understanding of subject matter. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a pass. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of fair quality, demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lectures and practical components, but serious deficiencies in some areas. Fair to good skills to and ability to plan experiments and interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of good quality, demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter but with some inadequacies; good skills and ability to plan experiments and interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of very good quality, demonstrating a strong understanding of most subject matter but with some inadequacies; good skills and ability to plan experiments and interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality, demonstrating deep understanding of most subject matter but with some inadequacies; good skills and ability to plan experiments and interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle: In order to receive a passing grade, students must obtain a minimum of 50% in the final exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Late Submission
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the available marks (assessment marked from value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
Please note that in most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it in order to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting the assessment item by the requested due date and time.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
General contact hours |
Elements of the periodic table - the life cycle of stars and the origin of the elements Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
General contact hours |
The origin of planets, the Earth and Moon Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Chart of nuclides and isotopes - the birth of the solar system and meteorites Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
General contact hours |
Differentiation of the crust and mantle and geochronology Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
General contact hours |
Differentiation of the crust and mantle and radiogenic isotopes Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
General contact hours |
Planetary atmospheres, chemical weathering seawater and the CO2 cycle Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
General contact hours |
Basalt geochemistry, mantle plumes and subduction Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Applying geochemistry to understand an ore deposit Learning outcomes: L04, L06, L07 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.