2007 Handbooks

On-campus dates to be determined

This is an introduction to the various analytical techniques used in inorganic geochemistry to determine the major element, trace element and isotopic composition of rocks and their constituent minerals. Advances in instrumentation and the development of new procedures has led to the acquisition of more complete data from individual samples and the more rapid processing of samples has resulted in the generation of large datasets. An emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamentals of the analytical techniques to remove the 'black-box' aura and to develop a basic working knowledge of the principles and procedures used in the evaluation and manipulation of geochemical data. Topics covered include a review of bulk analytical methods and microbeam techniques: X-ray fluorescence, electron microprobe, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (including laser ablation microanalysis), thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Class work comprises lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and laboratory/instrument practicals.