Geochemical Data Lab
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course aims to teach students an independent research methodology tailored to solving geological problems in geochemical, petrological, and mineralogical contexts. Students will be guided through a research project structured in four phases:
1. Problem framing
2. Identifying key research questions
3. Developing resolution methods
4. Final interpretation
Hands-on training: students will directly operate some of the most widely used instruments in geochemical laboratories (e.g., XRF, ICP-MS), learning and applying standard analytical techniques. Finally, students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and intellectual tools to understand the formation and evolution mechanisms of continental crust from the Archean to present day.
1. Problem framing
2. Identifying key research questions
3. Developing resolution methods
4. Final interpretation
Hands-on training: students will directly operate some of the most widely used instruments in geochemical laboratories (e.g., XRF, ICP-MS), learning and applying standard analytical techniques. Finally, students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and intellectual tools to understand the formation and evolution mechanisms of continental crust from the Archean to present day.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify and isolate key questions related to a specific scientific problem.
2. Apply knowledge in geochemistry and analytical geochemistry to address these questions through data collection and interpretation.
3. Critically evaluate analytical data while refining communication skills.
The course aims to train individuals capable of clearly and unambiguously presenting their conclusions to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Students will acquire foundational competence in analytical chemistry, mastering the basic tools and vocabulary of the discipline. They will become familiar with data treatment processes developing a rigorous and discerning approach to chemical analysis. Additionally, students will develop expertise in geochemistry (both elemental and isotopic) applied to the study of the continental crust.
1. Identify and isolate key questions related to a specific scientific problem.
2. Apply knowledge in geochemistry and analytical geochemistry to address these questions through data collection and interpretation.
3. Critically evaluate analytical data while refining communication skills.
The course aims to train individuals capable of clearly and unambiguously presenting their conclusions to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Students will acquire foundational competence in analytical chemistry, mastering the basic tools and vocabulary of the discipline. They will become familiar with data treatment processes developing a rigorous and discerning approach to chemical analysis. Additionally, students will develop expertise in geochemistry (both elemental and isotopic) applied to the study of the continental crust.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1. Geochronology: U-Pb method and isochrons
2. Isotope geochemistry: radiogenic and stable isotopes
3. Using geochemical data
4. Continental crust: granites
5. Continental crust: partial melting and migmatites
6. Evolution of the continental crust: from the Archean to the present
2. Isotope geochemistry: radiogenic and stable isotopes
3. Using geochemical data
4. Continental crust: granites
5. Continental crust: partial melting and migmatites
6. Evolution of the continental crust: from the Archean to the present
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry and Petrology
Teaching methods
The course features both lectures and hands-on sessions, held in the classroom and in the laboratory. At the beginning of the course, at each student will be assigned a research project to carry out during the program, using some of the analytical instruments available in the department.
In the initial part of the course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of geochronology, geochemistry, and isotopic geochemistry, with examples of applications in crustal geochemistry and petrology. During this phase, students will need to investigate the scientific literature related to their assigned case studies. Subsequently, open scientific questions will be defined, and the most suitable analytical approaches will be applied to address them. Each student will be required to produce and interpret the obtained data within the framework of their chosen research topic. Finally, each student will have to present their results to the others. Attendance mode: Highly recommended.
In the initial part of the course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of geochronology, geochemistry, and isotopic geochemistry, with examples of applications in crustal geochemistry and petrology. During this phase, students will need to investigate the scientific literature related to their assigned case studies. Subsequently, open scientific questions will be defined, and the most suitable analytical approaches will be applied to address them. Each student will be required to produce and interpret the obtained data within the framework of their chosen research topic. Finally, each student will have to present their results to the others. Attendance mode: Highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Rollinson, H., Pease, V., 2021. Using Geochemical Data: To Understand Geological Processes (second edition). Cambridge University Press.
Relevant scientific literature provided in class.
Relevant scientific literature provided in class.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment includes a presentation concerning the student's course project followed by a final oral examination.
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 6
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Farina Federico
Professor(s)