Advanced Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Scientists

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Plan an effective field work campaign and identify and collect appropriate samples in the field that are suitable for subsequent geochemical analysis.
• Work as a team to plan and execute a field sampling campaign
• Describe, apply and evaluate common methods of sample preparation and assess the risks involved in sample handling, sample dissolution and related activities to enable safe working
• Evaluate the utility, and have a working knowledge of, a range of cutting-edge laboratory-based analytical equipment (such as mass spectrometry, XRF, ion chromatography etc.)
• Develop a risk assessment appropriate for at least one piece of lab work you are carrying out
• Apply field geochemical measurements (e.g. pH, salinity etc) to carry out basic environmental monitoring
• Apply your new skills in data acquisition to solve novel real-world problems.
• Measure geochemical data using a selection of analytical tools and document their accuracy and precision
• Write up and present your results in a lab report and short presentation and develop and apply your IT, personal and communication skills.

The precise and accurate geochemical analysis of natural and anthropogenic materials underpins numerous aspects of practical geoscience. For instance, the source of dangerous particulate air pollution is revealed via its chemical composition and so such measurements are required to implement effective mitigation strategies. Similarly, geochemical analyses of critical metal ores are required for effective extraction of the vital resources, minimising the impact of any harmful waste materials generated while simultaneously providing the materials required for the green energy transition. These, and many other issues cutting across the Earth and Environmental sciences, require skilled geochemical analysts who are capable of understanding and interpreting geochemical datasets and know which analytical tool is best for any given job. In this course you will learn the basics of mass spectrometry and other cutting-edge analytical tools through a series of lectures. You will be trained in planning an effective field campaign and instructed in taking suitable samples for geochemical analysis in the field in trips to local sites to sample rivers, sediments and soils. Data analysis will be taught in practical classes and you will gain hands on experience collecting new geochemical data on the samples collected in our world-leading Geochemical facilities (CERAS).

This module is run as a 7-day intensive course based out of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton where you will be required to attend every day from 9am to 5pm (with appropriate breaks scheduled throughout the day). This structure allows for field work and laboratory work to be completed in the available time. We will use the following methods: Lectures: will provide an overview of sample collection, mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques. They will cover important aspects of data analysis and quality assessment including blank, standards, detection limit, precision, accuracy and presentation of results. They will also cover key issues of health and safety around laboratory and field work. Practical classes: these will provide training in experimental design and hands-on experience of cutting-edge analytical tools including (but not limited to) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, XRF, and ion chromatography. Field work: several excursions from NOC to the local area will allow sample collection for subsequent analysis and will train you in how to safely take appropriate samples for subsequent analysis, how to record relevant meta data and how to plan an effective field campaign.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.