NDSU Geology / Chemistry 428 / 628 -- Geochemistry Syllabus

Department of Geosciences
North Dakota State University
GEOLOGY 428 / 628:
Geochemistry
Syllabus

Dates: Fall Semester 2012
Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Location:Stevens 134
Instructor: B. Saini-Eidukat, office 127 Stevens Hall, tel 701-231-8785
email: bernhardt.saini-eidukat@ndsu.edu
Office Hours:Wed 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or by appointment
Text: Faure, G., Principles and Applications of Geochemistry, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall
Web Site: http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~sainieid/geochem/

topics to be covered:

What is the Earth made of? Geochemical classification of the elements; element abundances in the lithosphere and hydrosphere
Chemical equilibria; acids and bases
Solubility of solids; activities; carbonate equilibria; K-feldspar-kaolinite reactions
Thermodynamics, mineral stability diagrams; clay minerals
Organic materials in geochemistry
Oxidation-reduction reactions and Eh-pH diagrams
Isotope fractionation
Applications of geochemistry; consequences of weathering; composition of surface waters; geochemical modeling; selected areas of interest

Student Project Reports:
Short Oral Presentations
Written Reports (for graduate students)

Intended Student Outcomes:

To understand the chemistry of near-surface water
To understand the basis for calculating mineral stabilities in aqueous environments
To understand how organic and inorganic materials interact with natural waters
To understand the use of isotopes in studying natural water chemistry
To demonstrate the use of mathematical modeling to solve aqueous geochemical questions
To prepare a report on a geochemical issue, and present results to an audience

Examinations and Grading:

Grading will be based on three exams (short answer, multiple choice and essay), occasional quizzes, approximately six homework assignments, and a project. Each person will undertake an independent class project on some aspect of Aqueous Geochemistry, and will present results as a short class presentation. Graduate students will be required to submit a paper based on their class project.

Grading:

Three exams 60 %

Quizzes and homework 20%

Term Project: 20%

Grading:
Three exams	60 %
Quizzes and homework	20%
Term Project:	20%

The final letter grade will be assigned based on the following table, unless the class average deviates significantly from 75%. In the latter case, a "curve" will be applied.

A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70 - 79; D = 60-69; F = <60
"Borderline" cases will be judged individually, based on grade improvement, demonstrated effort, class participation, etc.

Exam Dates:

Exam 1 Sept. 27

Exam 2 Oct. 30

Exam 3 Dec. 11, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

(Exam dates subject to change)

Exam Dates:
Exam 1	Sept. 27
Exam 2	Oct. 30
Exam 3	Dec. 11, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Special Needs: Any students who need special accommodations for learning or who have special needs are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Responsibility: All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm)

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B. Saini-Eidukat
Fall 2012
Geochemistry
Geology 428/628