GEOLOGY 2505 - Geochemistry II
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GEOLOGY 2505 Course Geochemistry II Coordinating Unit Earth Sciences Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites GEOLOGY 1100 or GEOLOGY 1005, & GEOLOGY 1103 Assumed Knowledge CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201 Assessment Tests, problem sets, projects Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Alexander Francke
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
A successful student in this course should be able to:
1 demonstrate proficiency in common practical data handling skills in geochemistry 2 plan and carry out appropriate mathematical strategies for solving geochemical problems; 3 synthesize the results of their problem-solving with other work in the form of short, well-organized articles; 4 have insight into the origins of earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rocks; 5 critique possible oversimplifications in geochemical models. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,4,5 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1,2,3,5 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1,2,3 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1,2,3,5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
3,4 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course will be delivered by the following means:
- 2 X 1-hour theory workshop
- 1 X 2-hour workshops
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and workshops), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading, homework and revision).Learning Activities Summary
This course covers the broad areas of:
Geochemical Fundamentals
- Thermodynamics and chemical reactions, solubility, pH and redox
- The Elements; basic principles of inorganic chemistry, periodic properties
- Aquatic chemistry and biogeochemistry: photosynthesis/respiration, carbon and nitrogen cycles, stable isotope and the water cycle.
- Chemical weathering, soil formation, geochemistry of clays.
- The geochemistry of the atmosphere: greenhouse gases, ozone, acid rain
- The geochemistry of the oceans: carbonate chemistry, primary productivity, nutrient cycling and the marine sediment record.
- Planet formation, differentiation of the Earth.
- Evolution of the crust, mantle and core.
- Trace element and Radiogenic isotope geochemistry/Geochronology
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Type of Assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
Yes/NoOutcome being assessed/achieved Due Date Problem Sets Summative and Formative 25%
No 1,2 Weeks 2,6,11 Lecture Tests Summative and Formative 45% No 1,2,3 Weeks 4,9,12 Projects Summative and Formative 30% No 1,2,3 Weeks 4,8 Assessment Related Requirements
Attendance at workshops is compulsory for those workshops marked as such in the course syllabus - namely the initial introduction to each Problem Set and Project (5 items). Students are able to apply for an allowed absence from a class by submitting the application form with appropriate documentation to the Course Co-ordinator. Application forms can be downloaded from http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/forms/savs-allowed-leaveofabsence-tute-prac.pdf.Assessment Detail
Lecture Tests: (45%)
Test material comes primarily from lecture materials and assigned readings. The tests will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short/longer answer questions.
Problem sets: (25%):
These will serve to teach geochemistry tools, and how to apply them for critical analysis of data and interpretation of results.
Projects: (30%)
These will serve to teach geochemistry tools, and how to apply them for critical analysis of data and interpretation of results.Submission
Late Submission
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
