This course is for Honours students
This course provides an introduction to powerful analytical techniques used to determine the elemental and isotopic compositions of Earth materials such as rocks, minerals, microfossils, corals and water.
Lecture material introduces the fundamentals of mass spectrometry, and the theory behind specific techniques and applications; practical exercises use a mixture of observation of the equipment plus manipulation of real data to gain an insight into how each piece of equipment functions and the types of information each produces. Problems of data quality assessment, standards, and appropriate method documentation and presentation will be discussed. At the end of the course the student should be able to design an analytical regimen to obtain data relevant to their research proposal.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On completion of this course, students will have the skill and knowledge to:
- Understand the basics of the major analytical techniques including sample preparation, standardisation and data analysis for each technique;
- Evaluate strengths and weakness of different analytical techniques for different applications;
- Design an analytical regimen to obtain data relevant to their research proposal;
- Process data sets produced from some instruments;
- Report in detail on a chosen technique and on analysis of the data; and
- Write an analytical methods section suitable for publication in a scientific paper.
Indicative Assessment
• Theory exam (40% LO 1, 2, 5)• Practicals (30% LO 3, 4)
• Report on technique (30% LO 1-6)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
A total of 30 hours of lectures and 35 hours of practicals. Students are expected to spend an additional 60 hours on work related to practicals and to prepare a report for the chosen analytical technique.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Earth Sciences to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Assumed Knowledge
Basic knowledge of mathematics and chemistry.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 3 to 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
| 4.00 | 0.08333 |
| 5.00 | 0.10417 |
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $546 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $728 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4785 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9799 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |