Course credit – 1
Course section – 025H

It is advisable that the student already has a scientific project that requires the use of the analytical instruments in the Department of Geological Sciences before enrolling in the class. Consult the instructor(s) if you do not have a specific project but still want to take the class. In such cases a project will be assigned to you by the instructor(s).

Description – This course is designed to train students in sample preparation and the use of one or more of the analytical instruments in the Department of Geological Sciences. These instruments include a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), a multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS), one of several stable isotope mass spectrometers and one of two laser based stable isotope analyzers. Students will learn to operate the instruments that relate to their individual projects.

Course Objectives –The class will allow students to get one-on-one training how to prepare samples and perform analysis on the state of the art analytical instruments in the Department of Geological Sciences. While learning the instrument the students will be able to analyze the samples for their specific project.

Course Topics – Laboratory work on student’s specific project samples.

Course materials – sample preparation protocols will be provided.

Grading plan – Final grades will be assigned on the basis of the student’s work on the specific project.

Schedule to be determined between instructor and individual students.