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. It includes understanding types of instrumentation and other analytical techniques essential to the Earth Sciences, how to assess data quality and how to document and present results effectively. It will prepare students for the analytical aspects of their Honours research projects. The course will also develop students theoretical and practical understanding of the geochemical and/or mineralogical techniques that they will deploy in their research.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the theoretical and practical aspects of major analytical instrumentation (including electron microprobe, FTIR, XRF, XRD, mass spectrometery - ICPMS, TIMS, SIMS) used across the Earth Sciences in fields such as geochemistry, mineralogy, biogeochemistry, marine and climate science. The emphasis is on instrumentation and laboratories available to students at RSES.
2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different analytical techniques for different applications.
3. Appraise the advantages and disadvantages of different analytical techniques for a research program.
4. Undertake data assessment and quality control.
5. Explain the requirements for data documentation and reporting in a professional context.
6. Design an analytical work-flow to acquire data and achieve the research objectives of their project.
7. Process data from the chosen instruments and demonstrate understanding of the limitations and quality of the data. Justify the approach taken to data processing.
8. Write a clear and concise justification and description of the analytical techniques employed, suitable for publication in a scientific journal.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will be taught about most of the major, cutting edge geochemical analytical techniques available at RSES. All of these have enabled research in the School for many years. Students will research techniques of direct relevance to their honours research projects and develop analytical protocols to aid their research.

Field Trips

Nil

Additional Course Costs

Nil

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

Students will require a lap top during lectures and practical sessions.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	General introduction to geochemical analysis	Greg Yaxley
2	Lecture visit to Centre for Advanced Microscopy - Scanning Electron Microscopes and Energy Dispersive Analysis	Greg Yaxley and Frank Brink (guest lecturer)
3	Lab visit to Centre for Advanced Microscopy - Wavelength Dispersive Analysis	Greg Yaxley and Frank Brink (guest lecturer)
4	Practical session on EPMA and EPMA data processing including structural formulas of minerals from EPMA data	Greg Yaxley - Assessable practical (20%)
5	XRD theory and lab visit	Greg Yaxley
6	TEM theory and lab visit at CAM	Teng Lu
7	Synchrotron methods	Greg Yaxley and Andrew Berry
8	Infrared spectroscopy theory and lab visit	Greg Yaxley and Penny King
9	LA-ICPMS Theory and lab visit	Greg Yaxley and Brett Knowles
10	Practical exercise on designing an LA-ICPMS analytical protocol	Greg Yaxley
11	Practical session on LA-ICPMS data analytical protocols and data reduction	Greg Yaxley - assessable practical (20%)
12	Introduction to mass spectrometry and isotope analysis and TIMS lab visit	Stewart Fallon
13	Secondary ionisation mass spectrometry and in-situ isotope dating and SHRIMP lab visit	Stewart Fallon
14	IRMS stable isotope and Radiocarbon measurements	Stewart Fallon
15	Practical session on TIMS/SIMS	Stewart Fallon - Assessable practical (20%)
16	In situ isotope analysis with LA-MC-ICPMS practical (A)	Stewart Fallon and Brett Knowles
17	Practical on processing of LA-MC-ICPMS data	Stewart Fallon - Assessable practical (20%)
18	Oral presentation of analytical design for the students' research projects	Greg Yaxley, Stewart Fallon - Assessable presentation (20%)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Practical session on EPMA and EPMA data processing including structural formulas of minerals from EPMA data	20 %	29/03/2022	1,2,3,4,5
Practical session on LA-ICPMS data analytical protocols and data reduction (A, AT)	20 %	28/04/2022	1,2,3,4,5
Practical session on TIMS/SIMS	20 %	05/05/2022	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Practical on processing of LA-MC-ICPMS data	20 %	12/05/2022	1,2,3,4,5
Oral presentation of analytical design for the students' research projects (20%)	20 %	05/05/2022	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The final presentation (assessment task 5) is compulsory for passing the course.

Examination(s)

There will be no formal examination.

Assessment Task 1

Practical session on EPMA and EPMA data processing including structural formulas of minerals from EPMA data

An in-class, written practical exercise to be handed in (20%). Students will perform exercises on designing a WDS EPMA analytical approach to different types of minerals and on calculations using EPMA data such as structural formulas, detection limits, precision and so on.

Assessment Task 2

Practical session on LA-ICPMS data analytical protocols and data reduction (A, AT)

An in-class, written practical exercise to be handed in (20%). Students will undertake reduction of raw LA-ICPMS data using the Iolite software package.

Assessment Task 3

Practical session on TIMS/SIMS

An in-class, written practical exercise to be handed in (20%).

Assessment Task 4

Practical on processing of LA-MC-ICPMS data

An in-class, written practical exercise to be handed in (20%).

Assessment Task 5

Oral presentation of analytical design for the students' research projects (20%)

Students will design an analytical approach to an earth science problem of relevance to their research topics (where possible) and make a 15 minutes presentation to the class and teaching team outlining and justifying their experimental design.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned during practical classes (one week after hand-in where possible), and results discussed with students.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Yes, after discussion with the convenor.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students