Makerere University
Geology Department
1. Course Name: Advanced Geochemistry
2. Course Code: MGLO 7206
3. Course Description
The course covers detailed distribution , abundance and behaviour of various elements
in different parts of the earth. How the earth formed and its relation to the other parts
of the solar system.
Other topics include abundance and behaviour of elements in the earth, trace element
and their analysis, mobility and migration of elements, fields where geochemistry has
been applied, primary and secondary dispersion. Anomalies in rocks, overburden,
water and vegetation. Principles of geochemical prospecting and geochemical
techniques. Sampling strategies and contamination effects in drainage surveys.
Detection limits and analytical geochemistry. Concepts, instrumentation and
techniques of different analytical techniques. Statistical evaluation of data with
practicals.
The course is divided into the following topics:
 Introduction
 Structure of the earth
 Internal part of the earth
 External part of the earth
 Primary differentiation of elements
 Applied geochemistry
 Analytical techniques in geochemistry with practicals
4. Course objectives
The objectives of the course are:
 To understand the distribution of various elements in the earth.
 To account for the variation of element abundances in the earth with time.
 To determine the principles governing the distribution and migration of elements
within the earth.
 To appreciate the applications of geochemical principles and information in
solving human needs.
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:
 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.
 White, W. M., 1997. Geochemistry.
 Manson, B., Moore, C. B., 1982. Principles of Geochemistry, 4th Ed. John Wiley
and sons, Toronto, 350p.
 Rose, A. W., Hawkes, H. E., Webb, J. S., 1979. Geochemistry in mineral
exploration, 2nd Ed., Academic Press, London, 657p.
 Lecture notes
7. Course outline
Introduction
What is geochemistry? The zonal structure and chemical composition of the earth.
Major and minor discontinuities.
Internal part of the earth
Structure, geochemistry and evolution of the crust, mantle and core. Mantle
geochemical reservoirs, mantle plume reservoirs.
External part of the earth
Structure, geochemistry and evolution of the atmosphere. Geochemistry of the
hydrosphere and biosphere.
Primary differentiation of elements
Major elements. Trace elements. Geochemical classification of elements.
Applied geochemistry
In the fields of agriculture, public health, marine, petroleum production,
geochronology, environment, geologic mapping and mineral exploration.
Analytical techniques in geochemistry .
Concepts and instrumentation of: AAS, ICP-AES, XRF, XRD and microprobe.
Practicals with AAS and XRF.
8. Suggested Teaching Program
I. Introduction
1 week
Assignment 1
 What is geochemistry?
 The zonal structure and chemical composition of the earth.
 Major and minor discontinuities.
II. Internal part of the earth
3 weeks
Assignment 2
 Structure, geochemistry and evolution of the crust, mantle and core.
 Mantle geochemical reservoirs.
 Mantle plume reservoirs.
III. External part of the earth
2 weeks
Assignment 3
 Structure, geochemistry and evolution of the atmosphere.
 Geochemistry of the hydrosphere and biosphere.
IV. Primary differentiation of elements
 Major elements.
 Trace elements.
 Geochemical classification of elements.
Test
V. Applied geochemistry 3 weeks
In the fields of:
 agriculture.
 public health
 marine
 petroleum production
 geochronology, environment
 geologic mapping
1 week
Assignment 4

mineral exploration.
VI. Analytical
5 weeks
Practicals
Techniques
 Concepts and instrumentation of: AAS, ICP-AES, XRF, XRD and microprobe.
 Practicals with AAS and XRF.
Test
9. Responsibility 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.