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
Modern developments in understanding natural processes of Earth’s surface and the impacts of human activities on environments applying geochemistry. Short, intensive modules covering theoretical background concepts, followed by hands-on practical exercises, including field activities. Additional fee may be payable on any field-based modules.
The course is designed as an introduction to environmental and exploration geochemistry. The focus is on geology,ﾠwith an overlay of how anthropogenic activities interact with the surficial environment. The surficial environment is affected by weathering processesﾠand human activities that in turn drive the dispersion of matter according to geochemical processes that characteristically occur at or near the earth’s surface.ﾠﾠ
The course is very practical and includes field activities at Pinjarra Hills and Mt Coot-tha, where the students will put into practice the theory learnt in the lectures. Practical work includes exercises with stream and soil sample data sets, stream sediment and soil sample collection, and the evaluation of the analytical results obtained from these samples, using the software ioGas.ﾠThere isﾠa real geochemical survey at the mid-semester when students will be involved with collecting soil samples, submitting them to the lab, designing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program (QA/QC), and learning how to interpret and present the geochemical results.
At the end of the course, students should have gained enough knowledge and experience to conduct a geochemical survey and interpret the results in a meaningful way.ﾠWe also aim to develop students' communication skills throughout the semester via group activities and presentations in class.
The skills learnt in this course would be extremely applicable for students aiming for a career inﾠthe environmental sector, in the minerals industry or as a researcher in academia.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Basic knowledge of chemistry, minerals and rocks.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH1000 (Planet Earth: The Big Picture)
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH2005 (Earth Materials)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ERTH4222, ERTH7310, ERTH7311, ERTH7312
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly
The details of the lectures and practicals schedule will be discussed with the students in class in week 1.
Aims and outcomes
This course is aimed at advanced undergraduate and also graduate students who are interested in understanding the principles and practicalities of applying geochemistry in environmental investigationsﾠor exploration.ﾠ It focuses on the geochemical processes in the surficial environment; the dispersion or otherwise of elements going from rock to soil; and the role of water in controlling the chemical and physical behaviour of elements in the surficial environment. The course will be field focussed, and it will include the design and execution of soil and stream sediment surveys, the interpretation of geochemical results, and the statistical analysis of geochemical data. The students will have the opportunity to present their results and interpretations to the academic staff of the School of the Environment and to industry professionals.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Know how to use geochemical surveys in order to understand geochemical processes in the surficial environment.
LO2.
Know how to collect geochemical information in the field.
LO3.
Organise sample material, submit to a laboratory and ensure appropriate quality control in the process
LO4.
Receive geochemical data, organise the data, interpret the data, report on the results with the aim of answering geological or environmental questions
LO5.
Apply the knowledge gained to a real life situation
LO6.
Make an oral presentation covering the collection, interpretation of data and results obtained in geochemical surveys.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Quiz |
Reports and presentations of practical activities
|
20% |
24/07/2024 - 31/07/2024 31/07/2024 - 7/08/2024 7/08/2024 - 12/08/2024 19/08/2024 - 28/08/2024 16/09/2024 - 30/09/2024
Week1 - Practical 1 - Minerals and rocks Week2 - Practical 2 - Soil contamination Cape Verde Week 3 - Practical 3 - Samarco Case Study Week 5 - Practical 4 - Ph/Eh measurements in soils at Pinjarra Hills Week 9 - Practical 5 - QA/QC graphs |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
11/09/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Poster |
Mt Coot-tha Geochemical Survey
|
20% |
23/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester 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
Reports and presentations of practical activities
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/07/2024 - 31/07/2024
31/07/2024 - 7/08/2024
7/08/2024 - 12/08/2024
19/08/2024 - 28/08/2024
16/09/2024 - 30/09/2024
Week1 - Practical 1 - Minerals and rocks
Week2 - Practical 2 - Soil contamination Cape Verde
Week 3 - Practical 3 - Samarco Case Study
Week 5 - Practical 4 - Ph/Eh measurements in soils at Pinjarra Hills
Week 9 - Practical 5 - QA/QC graphs
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
There will be practical exercises and group discussions during some practical classes. Students will submit summary reports via Turnitin and present the finding of fieldwork activities in class. Each report must be submitted no later than a week from the day of the practical/presentation. There is a mix of individual and group activities.
To pass this course, students must receive at least 50% overall and 45% or higher on the final exam.
Submission guidelines
Assessment items for internal courses should be submitted in accordance with the submission requirements listed in Jac. ONLINE SUBMISSION BY TURNITIN ONLY by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets 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.
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
The on-campus, invigilated in-semester examination will sample your knowlege of topics covered in Weeks 1 to 6. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred/supplementary examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intellegence (AI)
This assessment taks is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Mt Coot-tha Geochemical Survey
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
Group report and presentation of the stream sediment survey results at the Mt Coot-tha reserve. Only one student per group need to submit the report on Turnitin.
Use of Artificial Intellegence (AI)
This assessment taks is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
A hard copy of the Powerpoint file must be given to the lecturer prior to the presentation. The final report must be submitted via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
The on-campus, invigilated End of Semester Exam will sample your knowlege of topics covered in Weeks 1 to 12. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred/supplementary examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intellegence (AI)
This assessment taks is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials 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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% ASSESSMENT HURDLE: see 'Other Requirements & Comments' below. |
Additional course grading information
In order to receive a passing grade, students must obtain a minumum of 50% of the marks for the course and at least 50% of the marks on the final exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is available
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Additional learning resources will be uploaded to Blackboard or provided in class.
Software IoGas will be available for all students via UQ Digital Workspace.
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 |
Why Exploration and Environmental Geochemistry The introductory section addresses the cycles of matter and the definition of reservoirs and fluxes. It covers the concepts of primary and secondary geochemical halos, elemental associations in geological processes and pathfinder elements. The convergence of exploration and environmental geochemistry in the surficial environment is explained. Learning outcomes: L01 |
General contact hours |
Review of minerals and rocks Lecture covering main rock and ore-forming minerals, and major igneous rock types, followed by a practical session on identifying the main types of rocks. This lecture is facultative for Earth Sciences students. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Weathering and erosion the drivers of dispersion Factors that influence weathering (climate, bio-activity, rock type, geomorphology, time) and erosion (relief, rock type, climate and biota). Learning outcomes: L01 |
General contact hours |
Chemical Weathering: From rock to soil The processes leading from rock to soil is dealt with by discussing the stability of rock-forming minerals and mobility of the major elements. What is soil? Different types of soil: soil classification Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Minerals after weathering Clays and Iron and Manganese Oxides/Hydroxide: heavy metals collectors in the surficial environment Learning outcomes: L01 |
General contact hours |
Soil: the product of weathering Lecture with an introduction to soil formation and classification Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Case-based learning |
Prac 5-SAMARCO's tailling dam burst Assess SAMARCO's tailings dam burst and its impact on the environment from a geochemical point of view Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Fieldwork |
Measurement of pH/Eh in soil - Pinjarra Hills Identification of soil profiles, soil description, sampling of soil horizons, measurement of Ph-Eh. Use of portable XRF to measure soil chemistry Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Measurement of pH/Eh in soil - Pinjarra Hills-II Group presentation and discussions about the findings of the soil survey at Pinjarra Hills. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
General contact hours |
Designing geochemical surveys The context, design and value of geochemical surveys. Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
General contact hours |
Geochemical survey: soil Lecture covering the practical aspects of soil and stream sediment sampling Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Fieldwork |
Mt Coot-tha stream sediment survey Collection of stream sediments and soil samples for geochemical analysis at the Mt Coot-tha Reserve. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
General contact hours |
An Introduction to Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) Presentation by Dr Mansour Edraki the basic principles of acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD), how AMD is characterised and predicted, and how it is managed. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Quality assurance and quality control programs Lecture covering the concepts of QA/QC programs followed by a practical exercise Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
General contact hours |
Analytical Techniques Applicable analytical techniques are covered as well as ensuring quality control as viewed from exploration and environmental geochemists viewpoint when submitting samples to a commercial laboratory. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Evaluation of geochemical anomalies: Introduction Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
General contact hours |
Environmental Assessment of Geochemical Data Lecture addressing the interpretation of geochemical anomalies under the environmental perspective. Introducing to the legislation about assessment levels for contaminants (National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999 Schedule B1. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
General contact hours |
Tools for evaluating geochemical surveys Application of basic statistics to identify errors in a geochemical database. Practical exercise in IoGas using univariate and multivariate statistics to identify geochemical anomalies. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Seminar about secondary prospectivy in mine waste Secondary prospectivity in Australia s mine waste Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
What is a geochemical anomaly? Presentation by guest lecturers from Rio Tinto Exploration about the identification of geochemical anomalies from both mineral's exploration and environmental perspectives. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Practical |
Mt Coot-tha stream sediment survey-Final discussions Groups will finalise the interpretations and work on their presentations Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Workshop |
Group presentation: Findings of Mt Coot-tha survey Groups will present the findings of the geochemical survey in Mt Coo-tha to selected visitors and SENV's academics. Course wrap-up Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
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.