2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0183 Geochemistry

10 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Linda Forbes
Email: l.j.forbes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module requires prior knowledge of chemistry and intends to apply basic principles of chemical properties to the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. During this module you will be expected to apply knowledge gained from lectures, in workshops and in the laboratory to build a reasonable mental model of the geochemical world based on direct observation and abstract concepts.

Objectives

To begin to create a geochemical model of the earth, appreciating the theories of chemical structure as it applies to earth systems of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Apply chemical principles to investigate the background of the laws and theories in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere
2. Describe, explain and interpret results in terms of chemical principles and concepts and be able to apply mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry
3. Development of knowledge and understanding of chemical theories related to study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere that constitutes our planet
4. Observe and understand chemical reactions in practice, understand the use of reactions to synthesise compounds

Syllabus

The content will cover areas such as:
Analytical chemistry
Chemistry of water
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Chemistry of the soil

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Practical	2	3.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			14.00
Private study hours			60.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources - 14
Private study:
Reading - 12
Working problem sets - 12
Preparing coursework - 12
Revision for examinations - 12
Preparation for practical sessions - 12

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Programmatically, In the first semester coursework will be predominately summative to encourage student engagement with the academic content and with the practice of independent study. In the second semester this scaffolding is removed and the focus shifts to more formative assessment to further develop the appropriate skills as independent learners to support undergraduate study.
For the module, general feedback on assignment performance will be posted on Minerva, while individual feedback will also be provided upon marking of assignments. Students will also participate in self and peer review across the foundation year.
Weekly quizzes (formative); coursework (20%); laboratory sessions

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Lab competency	10.00
Written Work	2 x 2 hour problem sets	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Due to the developmental and pedagogical nature of some assessments and timings, there is not a viable opportunity to provide a resit for the following: Science mid-terms in the first semester; laboratory sessions provided by external departments, or after a coursework deadline has passed and the model answers have been shared. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board. Attendance is required for coursework elements which are linked to an assessment available only at that specific time, in this module, the laboratory report. A minimum attendance standard is expected for lab sessions.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/02/2022

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