Department of Geosciences
North Dakota State University
GEOLOGY 428 / 628:
Geochemistry
Syllabus

Dates: Fall Semester 2008
Time: Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Location:Walster 220
Instructor: B. Saini-Eidukat, office 129 Stevens Hall, tel 701-231-8785
email: bernhardt.saini-eidukat@ndsu.edu
Office Hours:Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Text:Principles and Applications of Geochemistry, 2nd ed., Gunter Faure
Web Site: http://www.ndsu.edu/instruct/sainieid/geochem/

Chapters 4, 8 (portions) Geochemical classification of the elements;
element abundances in the lithosphere and hydrosphere

Chapter 9Chemical equilibria; acids and bases

Chapter 10Solubility of solids; activities; carbonate equilibria;
K-feldspar-kaolinite reactions

Chapters 11 - 13 (portions)Thermodynamics, mineral stability diagrams; clay minerals

Outside MaterialOrganic materials in geochemistry

Chapter 14Oxidation-reduction reactions and Eh-pH diagrams

Chapter 17Isotope fractionation

Chapters 19-25 (portions)Applications of geochemistry; consequences of weathering; composition of surface waters; geochemical modeling; selected areas of interest

Student Project Reports:

	Short Oral Presentations

	Written Reports (for graduate students)	

Intended Student Outcomes:

• To understand the chemistry of near-surface water
• To understand the basis for calculating mineral stabilities in aqueous environments
• To understand how organic and inorganic materials interact with natural waters
• To understand the use of isotopes in studying natural water chemistry
• To demonstrate the use of mathematical modeling to solve aqueous geochemical questions
• To prepare a report on a geochemical issue, and present results to an audience

Examinations and Grading:

Grading will be based on three exams (short answer, multiple choice and essay), occasional quizzes, approximately six homework assignments, and a project. Each person will undertake an independent class project on some aspect of Aqueous Geochemistry, and will present results as a short class presentation. Graduate students will be required to submit a paper based on their class project.

Grading:
Three exams	60 %
Quizzes and homework	20%
Term Project:	20%

The final letter grade will be assigned based on the following table, unless the class average deviates significantly from 75%. In the latter case, a "curve" will be applied.

Exam Dates:
Exam 1	Sept. 29
Exam 2	Oct. 27
Exam 3	Mon, Dec 15, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

(Exam dates subject to change)

Special Needs: Any students who need special accommodations for learning or who have special needs are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Responsibility: All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm)