DEPARTMENT: Geology
INSTRUCTOR: Carl Kirby
COURSE NUMBER: GEOL 305
TITLE: Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
SEMESTER OFFERED: Spring, usually every other year
PREREQUISITES, IF ANY: GEOL 205 or permission
I. GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVE
To provide a fundamental understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics as applied to both natural and disturbed geochemical systems. To provide sample preparation and laboratory experience in geochemical analysis.
II. DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER
Uncertainty of measurements, Thermodynamics, mixing models, acid-base calculations, factors affecting pH of waters, aqueous complexes and their effect on aqueous concentrations, interpretation of phase diagrams, weathering, composition of natural and contaminated waters, clay minerals, kinetic rate laws and their development, reactor design and interpretation, sorption and surface phenomena, mixing of waters and separation of contamination from background, toxicity of substances, organic contaminants. The laboratory will emphasize hands-on geochemical analytical skills using exercises and projects.
III. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDY
Lecture, small group work, research projects, laboratory and field work. Use of computer spreadsheets, graphing programs and geochemical equilibrium codes. Collaborative and individual work. Graded laboratories, hourly exams, final project.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SOURCES
Textbook; reserve readings assigned from scientific journals; computer software (available through networks or provided); diskettes.
Spring 2000 images from GEOL 305 field trip to the passive mine drainage treatment system in the Carbon Run subwatershed.
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