Study Programmes 2016-2017
GEOL0225-3  
Analytical geochemistry
Duration :
10h Th, 10h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits :
Master in geology (120 ECTS)3
Master in geology (60 ECTS)3
Lecturer :
Nathalie Fagel
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
The course includes the following topics:
-preparation of geological samples;
-presentation of the principal techniques used in the Earth Sciences: atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES); inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and multi-collection (MC-ICP-MS); thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS); X-ray fluorescence (XRF), electron microprobe.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Introduction to several methods frequently used in Earth Sciences
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Geochemistry and isotopic geochemistry courses.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Visit of geochemical laboratory Practical exercices (isotopic dilution, calibration curve, detection limit calculation, mass fractionation)
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Cursus will be given during the first semester. The cursus will be given in 5 times 4 hours (2h theory followed by 2h of exercices).
Theory - Presentation of main concepts.
TP - Exercice with computer (bring your laptop if any). Calculation from database using simple spreadsheet (e.g., excel).
Recommended or required readings :
Reading notes are available.
Copy of figures available. Reference books: Potts 1986, Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis, Chapman and Hal ; Rollinson 1993, Using geochemichal data, Longman; Gill 1997, Modern analytical geochemistry, Longman.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Examination will include two parts.
Theory (80% of final quotation) - Individual oral examination (15 minutes + preparation). Comments of figures and/or tables presented during the lectures.
TP - Individual written report (20% final evaluation), max. 2 pages per TP.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
N. Fagel
U.R. AGEs -Argiles, Géochimie et Environnement sédimentaires, Bât. B18, 4000 Liège (Sart Tilman)
Tél: 04/366.22.09; Fax: 04/3662029
e-mail : nathalie.fagel@ulg.ac.be