Geochemistry (GEOL30004)

This subject will examine the role that geochemistry plays in Earth processes. It will begin with an exploration of the foundations of geochemistry, from the behaviour of elements to the analysis of elemental and isotopic compositions, integrating principles across chemistry and physics, and applying this to systems at all scales. We will explore the many ways in which geochemical data preserved in minerals, plants and animals can provide qualitative and quantitative insights into processes as varied as the formation of our planet, to the migration of past peoples, all the way to its use in modern forensics and medicine. We will see how geochemistry is applied across many contexts, including: paleoclimate reconstruction, green resource exploration, archaeological science, marine science and even medicine. The subject emphasises maturation of fundamentals and application to real-world scientific inquiry involving geochemical methods, e.g. critically evaluating several possible analytical approaches, and identifying/applying the most scientifically sound. Subject also refines student ability to navigate communication of highly specialised geochemical methods to scientific problems, simulating the experience of a modern working scientist in and outside academia.