WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERISTY
_____________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students
in an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 4404-Section; Geochemistry
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: An examination of the Earth and Earth processes through the
application of chemical principles; principles and application of crystal chemistry, geochemical
thermodynamics, isotope geochemistry, and aqueous geochemistry. Lab will involve
participation by each student in the acquisition, interpretation, and presentation of geochemical
data relevant to a specific geologic problem. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. $45 fee.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 1401 and CHEM 1401, or consent of instructor.
TEXTBOOK: TBA
LAB BOOK: TBA
*Choose from approved textbook list
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES:
Upon completion of the course the student will
1. understand basic principles of chemistry, including the origin of the elements, basic properties
of the atom and the elements, and the interpretation of chemical data.
2. be familiar with modern analytical instruments for the expressed purpose of measuring
compositions of geologic materials.
3. be familiar with principles of solid state chemistry as it applies to crystalline substance in the
geologic environment, including the applications of thermodynamic and phase equilibrium
principles.
4. understand the application and interpretation of radioactive and stable isotopic data as it
applies to geologic phenomena.
5. understand various aspects of aqueous chemistry in relation to low-temperature geologic
phenomena.
6. synthesize this information for a better understanding of such geological concerns as
exploration for ore deposits and disposal of radioactive waste.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class attendance
a priority. No makeup, late work or redoing of work will be permitted except for makeup work
for excused absences due to official university business or very serious illness (hospital time).
Excused absences will be granted if the student contacts the instructor prior to the scheduled
class time in which the absence is to occur. In the case of an emergency where the student is
unable to contact the instructor, a valid form of documentation must be given to the instructor
verifying why the student was absent. Students are expected to make up work within one week
of the absence and need to schedule a time with the instructor.
Notice of excused absences for official university business should be provided on 8.5x11
paper. Notice should be given prior to the absence or no makeup will be allowed. Notice should
include the following 3 items: 1. Name, 2. Date of absence, & 3. Reason for absence.
On dates when grades will be taken for test, quiz, etc., any student more than 15 minutes
late will NOT be allowed to do the work for a grade and are considered absent.
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per
university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be
reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: It is university policy that no otherwise qualified disabled
person be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the
coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation
requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for
accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA: Students will be evaluated by
examinations, quizzes and lab activities, etc. as described in this syllabus under the heading
“Evaluation”.
EVALUATION:
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
Participation 20%
Activities
65%
Tests
15%
Exams: the first two exams will consist of a variety of testing methods that include definitions,
short answers, and essays. On essay questions, make sure you write in complete sentences, and
clearly explain what is being asked of you; i.e., this means do not provide a list of answers – but
explicitly write in complete sentences. Diagrams are always encouraged, but make sure labels
are provided as well as thorough explanations.
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious
academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic
academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final
grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic
Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised,
or lowered at any stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must
be submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee
may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
(Actual dates & book chapters may be included. This schedule includes student presentations
which may be omitted.)
Subject
1
Introduction; Origin of the elements
2
Presentation of Geochemical data; A review of the atom; Element distribution and
differentiation of the Earth
3
Crystal Chemistry: Structure and composition of common minerals
4
Thermodynamics: Free energy and equilibrium; Gibbs Function
5
Thermodynamics: Crystalline solutions; Henry’s Law behavior; Controls on element
distribution
6
Thermodynamics: Phase equilibria; geothermometry and geobarometry
7
Crystal chemistry: Transformation of minerals; Order-disorder, Crystal-liquid
partitioning; Silicate magmas
8
Aqueous geochemistry: Oxidation-reduction relationships; Eh-pH diagrams
9
Aqueous geochemistry: Mineral stability and chemical weathering
10
Isotope geology: Principles; Distribution and radiogenic isotopes
11
Isotope geology: Geochronology
12
Isotope geology: Fractionation and distribution of stable isotopes
13
Isotope geology: Paleothermometry; Fluid-Rock interaction
14
Origin of mineral and ore deposits
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Optional
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
Revised 03/18/15