GEO9900 - Chemical processes in soil and ground water
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Course content
The main geochemical reactions controling the chemical composition of soil and ground water are treated in detail, and how these can be quantified and used in interpreting different processes affecting the water quality and simulated by geochemical transport modeling. Equilibrium and kinetics in water-mineral-gas systems are covered, with special emphasis on CO2 - carbonate reactions, mineral weathering, redox-reactions, ion exchange, sorption, and pollution of organic chemicals. An understanding of these procecces and a corresponding quantification is required to predict the effect of contaminant spill and human influence. The course emphases computer modeling of geochemical reactions and transport of solutes in soil- and groundwater, specially the interplay of unsaturated/saturated flow and geochemical reactions.
Learning outcomes
To give PhD fellows an understanding of main chemical interaction processes among natural waters and the solid constituents of soils and aquifers, and not least how these processes can be quantified and simulated. Give the theoretical basis for reactive transport and give the students practical skills in geochemical simulations.
Knowledge aims:
- Be able to identify and define the major processes and reactions taking place in soil- and groundwater systems
- Be able to describe and quantify these processes separately and in concert
Level of skills:
After finishing the class, the student should be able to
- evaluate the main processes giving rise to the chemical composition of soil- and groundwater systems
- calculate equilibrium concentrations of major species in pore water in contact with minerals and solid surfaces
- perform computer simulations of equilibrium and kinetic reactions of a wide range of water-rock systems.
- perform advanced computer simulations of a variety of reactive transport cases.
Admission
PhD students admitted to a PhD programme at UiO.
If you have been admitted to a ph.d.-programme at another faculty or learning institution, and the course enters into the approved training part of the ph.d.-programme there, you must within a given deadline apply for status as Visiting ph.d.-student.
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.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisites
Basic training in chemistry; KJM1000 - Introduction to chemistry or similar classes.
Recommended prior knowledge
Physical chemistry/chemical thermodynamics in addition to general knowledge in chemistry, physics and geosciences
Overlap
10 credits against G443. 10 credits against GEO5900 - Chemical processes in soil and ground water.
Teaching
Intensive class over three weeks in spring semester. There is an introductory part separated from the core instruction period. There are regular class-room teaching and computer exercises. There is a literature case study to be presented in class, homework problems to be handed in and an individual modeling project report to be submitted.
Exam information
The individual project report counts 50% of total grade, final exam counts 50% of total grade. The final exam is oral or written depending on the number for students registered on the course.
The literature case study, homework problems and modeling report must be approved prior to the final exam.
Assessment and grading
Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .
External auditor: Nils Otto Kitterød
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.
Contact us
Department of Geosciences
Visiting address:
Geology building, Sem Sælands vei 1
Visiting hours:
Tuesday-friday 12:00 -14:30
Postal address:
P.O. Box 1047, Blindern
NO-0316 Oslo
Fax: +47 22 85 42 15
E-mail: studieinfo@geo.uio.no
Web: http://www.mn.uio.no/geo/english/