| Effective Term: | 2024/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Applied Geochemistry |
| Unit ID: | SCGEO3103 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (SCGEO1102 or SCGEO1103) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 010707 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This course introduces students to key concepts in the fields of exploration and environmental geochemistry. Students will learn about the geochemistry of the planet and develop skills in manipulating and interpreting exploration and environmental geochemical data, as well as experience a range of sampling methods and analytical techniques. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | |  | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Review and communicate the basic principles of aqueous chemistry |
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| K2. | Explain the importance of geochemical process in shaping our universe |
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| K3. | Appraise and analyse the variety of geochemical sampling methods and techniques in the context of exploration, environmental and material/mining applications |
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| K4. | Assess the role of element dispersion in exploration and environmental contexts |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Plan and safely apply appropriate survey technques |
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| S2. | Analyse and interpret geochemical data in exploration, environmental and material/mining contexts and communicate key geochemical concepts |
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| S3. | Apply and appraise appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control techniques into relevant sampling procedures and data analysis |
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| S4. | Investigate an area of geochemistry and report findings in both written and verbal form |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Analyse and interpret geochemical data and relate to geology, mineralisation/contamination, and weathering processes |
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| A2. | Select and apply appropriate geochemical sampling techniques |
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| A3. | Differentiate and apply Quality Assurance/Quality Control in field sampling exercises |
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| A4. | Demonstrate research and communication skills |
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| Unit Content: |
•The origin of elements, and geochemistry of the Universe
•Basic chemical principles such as pH, Eh, solubility, dispersion, standards, precision/accuracy, contamination, speciation, and chemical data presentation for specific purpose
•Analytical methods and their cost benefits
•Survey methods including stream sediment, soil, rock, biogeochemistry, gas, water and questionnaire
•Sampling theory and statistical analysis of geochemical data
•Chemical dispersion and its role in exploration and environmental geochemistry
•Environmental geochemistry: problems facing our community including landfill and contaminated sites |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1 - K3, S2, S3, A1 | Examination of geochemical data | Practical assignments | 20-30% | | 2. | K3, K4, S1-S4, A1-A3, V2 | Execution and evaluation of a sampling program (field excursion) | Written report from field excursion and sampling exercise | 10-20% | | 3. | K1 - K3, S4, A4, V1 | Case study | Written report and oral presentation | 15-20% | | 4. | K1-K4, S2-S4, A1-A2, V2 | Review of lecture, practical and reading content | Test | 30-40% |
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