Makerere University
Geology Department
1. Course Name: Isotope Geology and Geochronology
2. Course Code: MGLO 7201
3. Course Description
In this course the students learn about different isotopes and their applications. They
get the general introduction about isotopes, why they exist, their abundances and why
some are stable and others are radiogenic. Detailed studies of radiogenic isotopes
including various types of radiogenic decay series including Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb,
K-Ar, Ar-Ar, Re-Os, 14C, etc. and their applications especially in geochronology.
Stable isotopes as well as their applications are also covered in detail. The course ends
with a one hour seminar presentation by each student.
The course is divided into the following four major topics
 Introduction
 Radiogenic isotopes and their applications.
 Geochronology.
 Stable isotopes and their applications.
4. Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are:
 To identify the different isotopes found in various parts (external and internal)
of the earth.
 To understand why the abundances of these isotopes vary in nature, with time
and from place to place.
 To suggest the various applications of these isotopes as well as their
limitations.
5. Teaching and Assessment Pattern
Duration of Course
The course content will be covered in 15 weeks of semester two with two hours of
instruction per week.
Mode of instruction
 Most of the instruction will be lecture-oriented but usually the lectures start
with a 10 minute discussion of what has already been covered. The students
can still interrupt the instructor and ask questions whenever necessary.
 Students are encouraged to get more information from the given references,
other academic staffs, fellow students and the internet.
 One assignment every two weeks and two tests in the 7th and 14th week.
Assessment Pattern
The following instruments will be used to assess the extent of growth in skills,
abilities and understanding required:
Requirements
Tests
Assignment
Class discussions
PA
Final exam
Contribution
25%
10%
5%
40%
60%
Total
100%
All scores will then be converted to letter grades using the system shown below:
Marks %
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:
 Faure, G. 1986. Principles of Isotope Geology, 2nd Ed. 589p. John Wiley and
sons, New York.
 Gebauer, D., Grunenfelder, M., 1979. U-Th-Pb dating of minerals. Lectures in
isotope geology, Jager, E., Hunzeiker, J. C., Ed. Pp 105-131. Springer-verlag,
Berlin Heidelberg, Germany.
 White, W. M., 1997. Geochemistry.
 Lecture notes by B. Nagudi.
7. Course Outline
Introduction
Definition of an isotope, isotope geology and geochronology. Radioactive decay and
fundamental assumptions, stable isotopic fractionation. Nuclear structure and
energies. Stability of various nuclei based on some combinations of neutrons and
protons. Distribution of stable nuclei.
Radiogenic Isotopes
Definition. Characteristics. Decay of excited and unstable nuclei. Types of radioactive
decay. Applications of radiogenic isotopes and limitations.
Geochronology
Definition. Derivation of the half-life equation and its derivatives.
Decay systems and their applications.
Stable isotopes
Definition. Characteristics. Fractionation, fractionation factor , the delta value .
Characteristics of a standard. Relationship between  and . Equilibrium isotope
fractionation, processes involved in isotope fractionation. Isotope fractionation in a
hydrologic system, biologic system, magmatic system. Applications and limitations.
8. Suggested Teaching Program
I. Introduction





2 weeks
Assignment 1
Definition of an isotope, isotope geology and geochronology.
Radioactive decay and fundamental assumptions, stable isotopic fractionation.
Nuclear structure and energies.
Stability of various nuclei based on some combinations of neutrons and protons.
Distribution of stable nuclei.
4 weeks
II. Radiogenic Isotopes
 Definition.
 Characteristics.
 Decay of excited and unstable nuclei.
 Types of radioactive decay.
 Applications of radiogenic isotopes and limitations.
Test 1
Assignment 2 and 3
4 weeks
Assignments 4 and 5
III. Geochronology
 Definition.
 Derivation of the half-life equation and its derivatives.
 Decay systems and their applications.
IV. Stable isotopes
4 weeks
Assignment 6
Definition. Characteristics. Fractionation, fractionation factor , the delta value .
Characteristics of a standard. Relationship between  and . Equilibrium isotope
fractionation, processes involved in isotope fractionation. Isotope fractionation in a
hydrologic system, biologic system, magmatic system. Applications and limitations.
V. Seminar
1 week
Seminar presentation
9. Responsibility of the students
Regular attendance, do all assignments, tests and attend all seminar presentations,
participate in all class discussions.
10. Responsibility of the course lecturer
Regular and punctual teaching, provide lecture notice, accurate and prompt grading of
course work and examinations, assist students after formal lectures.