Earth Sciences

AIMS

To outline chemical aspects of the Earth's formation and development to its present state. To examine and understand some of the chemical processes active in the Earth's surficial environment, such as element cycling and diagenesis, and how chemical records of past events and climates can be understood.

OUTCOMES

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Module is to provide earth science students with a broad understanding of chemical aspects of Earth’s history.

Practical and Transferable Outcomes:

• effective manipulation of data;
• skills in written interpretation, comprehension of scientific data, simple arithmetical manipulation, independent study, IT skills.

CONTENT

This course introduces students to chemistry pertinent to the Earth's evolution, and to today's surface environments. For example, the carbon-isotope record of life's evolution; radiometric dating, which allow a timescale to be placed on geologic events; and the study of ocean composition. Topics covered will include:

• formation of the elements;
• aggregation and chemical differentiation of the Earth;
• evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere;
• geochemistry of the modern ocean;
• geochemistry of sediments;
• stable-isotope geochemistry;