Analytical Geochemistry and Laboratory

A.Y. 2024/2025
9
Max ECTS
84
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/08
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to provide to the student the basic principle of analytical geochemistry. During the course, the main techniques used in Earth Sciences will be briefly illustrated and simple case studies and applications will be presented.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire competence of analytical chemistry acquiring the basic tools and the vocabulary of the discipline. The student will familiarize with the process of data treatment and learn about basic statistical concepts. Different techniques and methods will be presented and the student will be able to determine which techniques I more suitable for specific analytical problems. At the end of the course, the student will be able to judge the quality of analytical data developing a critical approach to chemical data.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1. Basics of analytical chemistry.
2. Basics in statistics.
3 Preparation of geological samples.
4. Analytical method: producing good data.
5. Spectrometry: emission and absorption, MP-AES, XRF.
6. Mass Spectrometry: ICP-MS.
7. Sampling rocks at high spatial resolution: laser ablation.
8. Geological applications and interpretation of real data.
Prerequisites for admission
Basics of inorganic chemistry and geochemistry.
Teaching methods
Lectures and laboratory activities. The latter give the opportunity to the student to use different equipments in the department. The produced analytical data will be reduced and interpreted in class.
Teaching Resources
Slides in power points.
A few chapters of the book: "Analytica Chemistry 2.0" (by D. Harvey).
Scientific literature.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Two steps of evaluation:
1. Written exam. The student is required to solve problems of analytical chemistryusing the Excel software.
2. Oral exam. The student must prove the acquisition of the theoretical knowledge and be able to use the technical language of analytical chemistry.
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment (just send me an email). Drop-ins are welcome too.
Via S. Botticelli 23, room #2084
Reception:
to be scheduled via email