NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

FARGO, ND

    

 

 

               

 

 

 

Course Policy

Lessons

N D S U  

                                                 

 

                                           Department of Geosciences

 

 

 

Instructor:      Dr. Peter G. Oduor

Office phone: 231-7145

E-mail:            Peter.Oduor@ndsu.nodak.edu

Homepage:     www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/oduor

Office:            227 STVN

Office Hours: Any time by appointment

 

Lectures:  LEC (10:00 – 10:50 a.m.)  TWTRF in STVNS 134

 

 

Text(s):

  1. Principles and Applications of Geochemistry – Gunter Faure  (1998)
  2. The Geochemistry of Natural Waters – James I. Drever (1997)

 

 

 

Prerequisites: CHEM 121 or CHEM 150

 

Course Description:

 

Introduction to geochemistry: chemistry of the Earth, groundwater, isotopes, global

geochemical cycles, geochemical modeling, and environmental geochemistry.  The

course provides an understanding of the processes that control the chemical composition of surface and ground waters, both natural and polluted, introduces Law of Mass Action and influence of physical parameters on chemical systems.  The course also provides teachers with easy to use classroom teaching techniques and tools that reinforces learnt concepts.  Software that will be introduced include WEB PHREEQE, Geostatistical Analyst extension of ArcGIS, MODFLOW etc

 

 

 

Course objectives:  On completion of this course the students will learn to: -

 

  1. apply equilibrium thermodynamics,  activity concentration relations, and complex ion formation principles to geochemical systems (A)
  2. solve problems involving activity, concentration, pH and Redox equilibria (E)
  3. model adsorption with MINTEQ (C)
  4. compute Eh-pH (A)
  5. model geochemical speciation using PHREEQE (C)
  6. apply hydraulic routing to open channel flow (A)
  7. solve problems involving stability relationships (A, B, K)
  8. use professional versions of computer software for various geochemical applications such as ArcGIS, PHREEQE, MINTEQA, WATEQ, and GMS (C, D, I, J, K)

 

Alphabets within parentheses refer to program outcomes listed below.

General Program Outcomes

 

A          an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science

B          an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret

data

C          an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

D          an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams

E          an ability to identify, formulate and solve geochemical systems

F          an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities

G         an ability to communicate effectively

H         the broad education necessary to understand the impact of geochemical solutions

            in a global and societal context

I           a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

J          a knowledge of contemporary issues

K         an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern software tools necessary

             for environmental practice

 

 

Computer Usage:

 

Professional versions of software are introduced for geochemical computations, chemical speciation, groundwater and air pollution modeling, and contaminant flow in the subsurface. 

 

 

Evaluation:

 

Homework problems from the textbook and other projects will be assigned and graded.  Weekly quizzes will be given at beginning of Friday lessons.  Homework will be periodically assigned with at least 3 homework sets every week except on the finals week.  Lab assignments and work will be assigned in class and graded at the end of the class period.  For some topics special problems are assigned from other sources.   

 

 

Grading (Assessment Tools):

 

 

Score

Homework

15%

5 Tests

50%

Finals

35%

 

 

Final grade

Course grade

90-100

A

80-89

B

70-79

C

60-69

D

0-59

F

 

 

Disability concerns:

 

Any student with disabilities or other special needs is invited to share his/her concerns with the instructor as soon as possible.  Every effort will be made to accommodate the concerns.

 

 

Academic honesty:

 

All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU Senate Policy, Section 355: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct as shown on the university web page, http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm.

 

 

Disclaimer

The course schedule, content, and assignments are subject to modification when circumstances dictate and as the course progresses and matures.  If changes are made, you will be given due notice.

 

 

References:

 

Professional Societies and Organizations

 

Journals

 

On-line Geochemical Data

 

 

Geochemical Analytical Standards

 

Government and University Laboratories

 

                                                                               

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