Geochemical Systems: Building Blocks of Earth and Life

Earth is a dynamic planet with four major systems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Chemical elements and compounds interact and cycle through these different spheres, and ultimately influence the composition and evolution of our planet and the life living on it.

In this course, students explore the building blocks of these geochemical systems, from the scale of an atomic nucleus and cells of living organisms to the minerals that make up the lithosphere. It aims to provide the fundamental knowledge required to understand interactions between Earth¿s systems and the evolution of these through geological time.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence. 

Knowledge

The student can:

• Explain the origin of the chemical elements and their representation in the periodic table
• Differentiate between atoms, ions and isotopes and examine their distribution on Earth
• Explain why and how chemical elements combine to form minerals
• Recognize and describe the basic properties and chemistry of rock-forming minerals
• Explain the basic principles of the evolution and diversity of life
• Describe the fundamental molecular principles of life

Skills

The student is able to:

• Use the periodic table as a tool to predict element behavior
• Calculate simple mineral formulas from geochemical analyses
• Identify and describe the rock-forming minerals in hand specimen
• Construct simple phylogenetic trees from real data

General competence

The student can:

• Evaluate and compile information from sources online
• Effectively use graphical and visual aids to present findings
• Use precise scientific language to communicate results
• Assess uncertainty using resampling
• Demonstrate the ability to function individually and in co-operation with others
• Give constructive feedback and make productive use of peer-feedback