WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERISTY
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE : GEOL 4404 - Geochemistry
Campus:
INSTRUCTOR:
Office:
Office Hours:
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CATALOG DESCRIPTION: An examination of the Earth and Earth processes through the application of chemical principles. Topics will include 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.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 1401 and CHEM 1401, or consent of instructor
TEXTBOOK:
LAB BOOK:
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.
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.
ATTENDANCE: The university expects students to make class attendance a priority.
(Place additional attendance requirements here.)

Geochemistry
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 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.
(Place test/quiz/lab grade values used and schedule here.)
COURSE OUTLINE
(Actual dates & book chapters may be included.)
______Subject
1
2
Introduction; Origin of the elements
Presentation of Geochemical data; A review of the atom; Element distribution and
3
4
5 differentiation of the Earth
Crystal Chemistry: Structure and composition of common minerals
Thermodynamics: Free energy and equilibrium; Gibbs Function
Thermodynamics: Crystalline solutions; Henry’s Law behavior; Controls on element distribution
Crystal chemistry: Transformation of minerals; Order-disorder’ Crystal-liquid 6
7
8
9 partitioning; Silicate magmas
Thermodynamics: Phase equilibria; geothermometry and geobarometry
Isotope geology: Principles; Distribution and radiogenic isotopes
Isotope geology: Geochronology
10 Isotope geology: Fractionation and distribution of stable isotopes
11 Isotope geology: Paleothermometry; Fluid-Rock interaction
12 Aqueous geochemistry: Oxidation-reduction relationships; Eh-pH diagrams
13 Aqueous geochemistry: Mineral stability and chemical weathering
14 Origin of mineral and ore deposits
15 Disposal of radioactive waste
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.