ES5005 Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

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

Module coordinator

Dr J S Barnet

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

Module Staff

Dr J Barnet and Dr P Savage

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

Module description

Isotope geochemistry has grown over the last 50 years to become one of the most important fields in the Earth sciences. The growth in the importance of isotope geochemistry reflects its remarkable success in solving fundamental problems in mantle formation, ore genesis, hydrology, hydrocarbon formation, crustal evolution, planetary formation, geochemical cycles, hydrothermal circulation, ocean circulation, and climate and environmental change. In this module, we will explore the theory of isotopes and their fractionation, including kinetic, equilibrium, and Rayleigh fractionation. We will also use case studies and applications of isotopes to interesting problems across Earth Sciences including the evolution of the atmosphere, the formation of the solar system and planets, and climate and carbon cycle reconstructions. These case studies will introduce concepts such as clumped isotopes, isotope mass balance, mass independent fractionation, and radionuclide disequilibria.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

CURRENT BSC STUDENTS SHOULD PASS ES3008 OR PASS (CH1401, CH1402 AND CH2501); CURRENT PGT STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENROLLED ON AN EARTH SCIENCE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE

Assessment pattern

50% written exam; 50% coursework

Re-assessment

20% - coursework already completed; 80% - resit exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour lecture (x 9 weeks), 3-hour practical sessions (x 3 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

27

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

Guided independent study hours

121

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