Course Elective 12 - Geochemical Analysis Techniques and Applications
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Staff Involved:
Dr N.J. Pearson and Dr S.E. Jackson.
Module Objective:
This is an introduction to the various analytical techniques used in inorganic geochemistry to determine the major element, trace element and isotopic composition of rocks and their constituent minerals. The objectives of this module are:
• to familiarise students with the various analytical techniques used in geochemical analysis, concentrating on the facilities available in the Geochemical Analysis Unit (X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), electron microprobe analysis (EMP), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), including quadrupole and multi-collector instruments, and solution and laser ablation sample introduction.
• to develop a basic working knowledge of the principles and procedures used in the evaluation and manipulation of geochemical data.
• to demonstrate the importance of data quality in the application of geochemical data to solve petrological problems.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
choose an appropriate analytical technique for the geochemical analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials;
devise an analytical program using the appropriate techniques to solve basic petrological problems using geochemistry;
use the skills acquired in the unit to assess the quality of data obtained using different analytical methods;
present geochemical data in table and graphical format suitable for a report, thesis or publication.
Generic Skills
Generic skills targeted in the course include problem solving, project management, numeracy, data synthesis, teamwork and communication skills.
Relevance:
Advances in instrumentation and the development of new techniques have led to the acquisition of more complete data from individual samples and the more rapid processing of samples has resulted in the generation of large datasets. An understanding of these analytical techniques is necessary to remove the 'black box' aura and to create a greater appreciation of the quality of the results. This is critical to the interpretation of geochemical data and the significance attached when propagated in petrogenetic models.
Module Program:
The unit is run in a short-course format over 5 days (30 hours), with 3 on-campus sessions. The form of the unit is to provide theory in the lectures and then to extend this into practical applications during the tutorials and practicals. The class will be divided into groups to undertake the practical sessions on the XRF, ICPMS and electron microprobe. Although basic instruction will be given in instrument operation the main aim in the practicals is for you as a group to develop an analytical strategy to solve the problems presented to you.
Attendance at lectures/practical/tutorial sessions is compulsory.
Format, duration and timing:
Lectures and tutorial/practical sessions. Five days 9 am to 5:30 pm. 23 March, 12-13 April, 19-20 May 2007.
Unit of study timetable 2007
Session 1: 23 March 2007; 10:00 5:00
Geochemical Analysis Norman Pearson
Day 1: Lecture 1 Introduction
•Overview of analytical methods, instruments and laboratories
•Analytical procedure
Tutorial 1 Planning an analytical program
Lecture 2 Geochemical data
Tutorial 2 Quality assurance how good is your analytical data?
Session 2: 12-13 April 2007; 10:00 5:00 each day
X-ray Analytical Techniques Norman Pearson
Day 2: Lecture 3 X-ray spectrometry
Tutorial 3 Basic quantitative X-ray analysis
Lecture 4 Whole-rock analysis (1) X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for major and trace elements
Tutorial 4 Whole-rock data quality XRF
Practical 1 XRF sample preparation and analysis
Day 3: Lecture 5 Mineral analysis (1) major elements
Electron Microprobe (EMP) Instrumentation
Quantitative mineral analysis
Tutorial 5 Mineral chemistry data reduction and quality
Practical 2 Electron microprobe analysis
Session 3: 19-20 May 2007; 10:00 5:00 each day
Mass Spectrometry Simon Jackson
Day 4: Lecture 6 Whole-rock analysis (2) Introduction to mass spectrometry Trace element analysis by ICP-MS
Tutorial 6 ICP-MS data reduction and quality Practical 3 ICP-MS solution analysis
Lecture 7 Mineral analysis (2) trace elements Laser Ablation ICP-MS in-situ trace element analysis
Tutorial 7 LAM-ICPMS data reduction and quality Practical 4 In-situ trace element analysis
Day 5: Lecture 8 Isotope geochemistry Multi-collector ICP-MS
Radiogenic and stable isotope systems
Tutorial 8 Isotope ratio data reduction and quality
Practical 5 Isotope ratio measurements
Lecture 9 “Analytical Methods” in your thesis or manuscript Communicating your results
Costs:
None.
Assumed Knowledge:
Third year level geochemistry, igneous or metamorphic petrology.
Text and/or reference material:
Potts, P.J. (1989) A handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis.
Blackie, Glasgow.
Assessment:
Practical assignments; oral/written reports.
Module contact person and co-ordinator:
- Dr Norman Pearson
- Macquarie University
- Phone: (02) 9850 8361
- Fax: (02) 9850 8943
- E-mail: npearson@els.mq.edu.au
- Dr Simon Jackson
- Macquarie University
- Phone: (02) 9850 8368
- Fax: (02) 9850 8943
- E-mail: sjackson@els.mq.edu.au
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