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• • GEO4830
    • Autumn 2011

GEO4830 - Analytical methods in geochemistry

Course content

Methods for silicate rock analysis are important tools in several branches of earth sciences. The course will give an introduction to the most frequently used methods including: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-Ray diffraction technique (XRD), Electron Microprobe technique (EMP), Isotope Dilution-Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ID-TIMS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

In addition to the quantitative methods the course will give an introduction to the acquisition, treatment and interpretation of various images from SEM and EMP including Secondary Electron Images, Backscattered Electron Images, Cathode Luminescence Images and X-ray Images, showing distribution of elements in geological samples. An introduction to statistical treatment of analytical data will include calculation of detection limits, precision and accuracy.

Learning outcomes

The course will give the student an understanding of the application of the various methods in earth sciences. It is further expected that the students will learn the various stages in the analytical procedures and will be able to evaluate the significance of published results.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Prerequisites

Recommended prior knowledge

GEL2110 - Mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry

Teaching

Lectures (2 hours pr week) and practicals (4 hours pr week).

Exam information

Active participation to the exercises and discussion of the results are a prerequisite for admission to the final exam.

Final oral exam.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

External auditor: Rune B. Larsen

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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