Syllabus

Module 1: Cosmic abundance of elements Crustal abundance of elements Composition of meteorites Geochemical classification of elements
Module 2: Elementary crystal chemistry Polymorphism and Isomorphism Ionic substitution Periodic law
Module 3: Chemical thermodynamics Activity-concentration relationship Clausius-Clapeyron equation Henry’s Law Raoult’s Law
Module 4: Solution-Mineral Equilibria: Carbonic acid system, Carbonate equilibria, Silicate equilibria Activity-activity diagram Oxidation and Reduction reactions Eh-pH diagram
Module 5: Surface chemistry: Nature of interface Adsorption Ion exchange Colloids Flocculation Carbon cycle Nitrogen cycle

To provide fundamental knowledge of chemistry for understanding the distribution of elements in different earth components.

To develop geochemical approaches to investigate various processes operate on and within the Earth

CO1: To gain an understanding of the behaviour of elements in a geochemical context and relate this knowledge to how elements redistribute within the Earth.
CO2: To demonstrate the use of thermodynamics for understanding mineral-water reactions and use equilibrium constants to calculate mineral solubility.
CO3: To develop knowledge for relating the fundamental geochemical concepts in the context of various earth processes.
CO4: To develop knowledge for understanding the surface reactions for metal mobilization in different systems
CO5: To understand the significant of geochemical processes in global climate change and its impact

J. V. Walther, Essentials of Geochemistry, Jones and Bartlett

K. B. Krauskopf, D. K. Bird, Introduction to Geochemistry, McGraw-Hill

G. Anderson, Thermodynamics of Natural Systems: Theory and Applications in Geochemistry and Environmental Science, Cambridge University Press

H. McSween, S. M. Richardson and M. E. Uhle, Geochemistry: Pathways and Processes, Overseas Press