This course provides students with advanced training in analytical techniques. This will include a detailed theoretical background, practical training and a critical understanding of the laboratory-based techniques they will apply during their research projects. The course will build on the Foundations course (EMSC8024), by delivering a more in depth examination of the specific analytical techniques relevant to their research projects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the theoretical aspects of key analytical techniques and instruments used in geochemistry, including but not limited to electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy (including synchrotron techniques).
- Strategically plan analytical campaigns to apply to different types of samples and research objectives, including selection of the most appropriate technique/instrumentation for the students' research project.
- Undertake the correct sample preparation and characterization prior to analysis by the chosen techniques or instruments.
- Design an analytical work-flow to acquire data and achieve the research objectives of their project.
- Process data from the chosen instruments and demonstrate understanding of the limitations and quality of the data. Justify the approach taken to data processing.
- Write a clear and concise justification and description of the analytical techniques employed, suitable for publication in a scientific journal.
Indicative Assessment
- Theory exam on lecture material (30) [LO 1]
- Oral presentation (30 minutes) to class outlining their proposed analytical campaign and justifying the approach to be taken and instrumentation to be used in terms of the research objectives (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Present, in an appropriate form, a data set obtained in the lab exercises on an instrument to be used in the research project, and demonstrate data quality and limitations using appropriate statistical techniques (25) [LO 5]
- Present a written justification and description of the analytical techniques to be employed in the research project, suitable for publication in a scientific journal (25) [LO 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.
Inherent Requirements
Not yet determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
An appropriate reading list will be supplied during the 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:
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4982 | 25 Feb 2019 | 04 Mar 2019 | 31 Mar 2019 | 31 May 2019 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8260 | 22 Jul 2019 | 29 Jul 2019 | 31 Aug 2019 | 25 Oct 2019 | In Person | N/A |
