- From www.edx.org
Introduction to Geochemistry
- Self-paced
- Free Access
- Fee-based Certificate
- 7 Sequences
- Intermediate Level
Course details
Syllabus
Week 1: The formation and distribution of elements in space
- Nucleosynthesis I
- Nucleosynthesis II
- The elements today: chondrites
Week 2: Mineralogy: Just a “rock”?
- Silicate minerals
- Igneous rocks
- Metamorphic rocks
Week 3: Distribution of elements on Earth: Igneous processes
- What’s a trace element?
- Magma and melting
- Melting and crystallization
Week 4: Where the fun begins: Radiogenic isotope chemistry
- Dating methods
- Tracing methods
Week 5: Stable isotope chemistry I (Basics)
- Equilibrium fractionation processes, geothermometry
- Kinetic fractionation processes, precipitation
- Biological processes
Week 6: Stable isotopes II (Paleoclimatology)
- Milankovitch cycles
- Paleoclimatology and CO2 levels
Week 7: Geochemistry and our Future
- Terraforming and CO2
- Helium as a resource
Prerequisite
Introductory physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, some calculus
Instructors
Yoji Kobayashi
Associate Professor
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Platform
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