Makerere University
Geology Department
1. Course Name: Instrumentaion and data analysis
2. Course Code: MGLO 7101
3. Course Description
The course covers methods used in obtaining geoscience data write from desk study,
to the field and the lab depending on the research problem. It also covers the methods
that can be used to process and analyze the data into formats that are understandable
and can be interpreted by end users. At first stage (desk study) the students learn
about the various sources of data such as Geological Surveys, Universities, Research
Centers, national and interntional information centers and networks as well as remote
sensing techniques. In the field students are taught how to plan reconnaissance and
detailed surveys as well as investigation strategies involving geological, geophysical
and geochemical prospecting methods, sampling and use of GPS. In the lab the
methods includes instrumentation, advantages and limitations of microscopic studies,
microprobe analysis, AAS, ICP-AES, INAA, mass spectroscopy, XRF and XRD.
The students learn how to plan their research by choosing methods that are easily
available, easy to use, affordable, fast and answer as many questions as possible.
Data quality is also emphasized by teaching about sources of error, types of errors and
how they can be detected and eliminated. Students are also introduced to GIS
especially in the production of maps and other types of modelling. .
Students do practicals, assignments and tests.
The course is divided into the following major topics:
 Data acquisition
 Data processing, analysis and presentation
 Data quality
 GIS
4. Course objectives



To learn the systematic ways of selecting appropriate methods during
geoscientific research.
To identify the cheap and modern methods used at different stages in geoscientific
research.
To learn how to collect, analyze and present geoscientific data.
5. Teaching and Assessment Pattern
Duration of course
The content of the course will be covered in one 15 weeks academic semester with 4
hours of instruction per week. Assignments, tests and practicals.
Mode of instructions
 Most of the instruction will be lecture oriented but usually the lectures start with a
10 minutes discussion to determine how the students understand the subject. The
students are free to interrupt the instructor and ask questions whenever necessary.
 Students are encouraged to get more information from the reference list, other
academic staff, fellow students and the internet.
 There will be assignments every two weeks, two tests, practicals.
Assessment pattern
The following instruments will be used to assess the extent of growth in skills,
abilities and understanding acquired
Requirements
Tests
Assignments
Class discussions
Practicals
PA
Exam
Total
Contribution
15%
10%
5%
10%
40%
60%
100%
All scores will then be converted to letter grades using the system shown below:
Marks 5
80-100
75-79.9
70-74.9
65-69.9
60-64.9
55-59.9
50-54.9
45-49.9
40-44.9
35-39.9
Below 35
Letter Grade
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE
Grade Point
5
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
6. Reading List
The reading list will include but not limited to the following:
 Hutchison, C. S., 1974. Laboratory handbook of petrographic techniques, 527p,
John Willey and sons.
 Kearey,P., Brooks, M., 1984. An introduction to Geophysical Exploration.
 Lillesaand, T., Kiefer, R. W., 1979. Remote sensing and image
interpretation,612p, Addison Wiley and sons, Canada.
 Gill, R., 1997. Modern analytical geochemistry> An introduction to quantitative
chemical analysis techniques for earth, environment and material scientists.
 Rollinson, H. R., 1993. Using geochemical data evaluation, presentation,
interpretation, Addison Wesley Longman, Harlow, 352p.
 Lecture notes.
7. Course Outline
Data acquisition
Desk study, field work, laboratory techniques
Data processing, analysis and presentation
Preparation and organization of a poster, how to write a dissertation, scientific report
and paper, and oral presentation.
Data quality
Experimental errors, sources of error, detection and elimination of errors.
GIS
Definition, applications, types of models, types of boundaries, representations of
geographic fields, data processing.
8. Suggested Teaching Program
I. Data acquisition



4 weeks
Assignment 1
Desk study
Field work
Laboratory techniques
II. Data processing, analysis and presentation
3 weeks
 Preparation and organization of a poster
 How to write a dissertation, scientific report and paper
 Oral presentations
Test
Assignment 2 and 3
III. Data quality
3 weeks
 Experimental errors
 Sources of error
 Detection and elimination of errors.
Assignment 4
IV. GIS
4 weeks
 Definition
 Applications
 Types of models,
 Types of boundaries of geographic phenomenon
 Representations of geographic fields and objects
 Data processing.
Assignment 5 and 6
Test
9. Responsbility of students
Regular attendance, do all assignments, practicals and tests
10. Responsibility of the Course Lecturer
Regular and punctual teaching, accurate and prompt grading of assignments, tests,
discussions, practicals and examinations. Should be available to students after formal
lectures.