Introduction to Geochemistry (edX)

Introduction to Geochemistry (edX)
Course Auditing
Categories
Effort
Certification
Languages
Introductory physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, some calculus
Misc

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Introduction to Geochemistry (edX)
The goal of the course is to apply chemical principles to understand the natural (non-living) world around us and appreciate its complexity. Chemistry, often referred to as the central science, concerns matter and the transformations it can undergo. While many aspects of chemistry can be applied to solving various problems relevant to our society, chemistry also offers a convenient framework to understand the complexity of the natural world surrounding us.

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The goal of this course is to apply chemical principles to understand the natural (non-living) world around us and appreciate its complexity.




The chemical principles usually covered in general chemistry, undergraduate inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry enable us to examine many aspects of the Earth. We will look at the formation of the elements, and describe the reason for the different abundances, and what this means for the Earth’s composition. We will also look at how isotopes can be used as chemical tracers and “clocks”, leading us to insight on the various processes of the Earth, and even our own bodies. Finally, we will see how geochemistry can help us understand, or even combat the many environmental and technological problems that we face.


What you’ll learn:

- How the Earth’s elements are formed

- What determines the elements’ abundances and distribution on Earth

- How can we identify the climate millions of years ago

- How to use isotopes to identify what we eat

- How can we classify something as general as “rocks”, and explain the diversity

- How geochemistry can help be applied to solve environmental/technological problems


Syllabus


Week 1: The formation and distribution of elements in space

Nucleosynthesis I

Nucleosynthesis II

The elements today: chondrites


Week 2: Mineralogy: Just a “rock”?

Silicate minerals

Igneous rocks

Metamorphic rocks


Week 3: Distribution of elements on Earth: Igneous processes

What’s a trace element?

Magma and melting

Melting and crystallization


Week 4: Where the fun begins: Radiogenic isotope chemistry

Dating methods

Tracing methods


Week 5: Stable isotope chemistry I (Basics)

Equilibrium fractionation processes, geothermometry

Kinetic fractionation processes, precipitation

Biological processes


Week 6: Stable isotopes II (Paleoclimatology)

Milankovitch cycles

Paleoclimatology and CO2 levels


Week 7: Geochemistry and our Future

Terraforming and CO2

Helium as a resource



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Course Auditing
44.00 EUR
Introductory physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, some calculus

MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.