Rocks and Fluids: Analytical Methods and Data Management
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course introduces advanced analytical techniques for the geochemical and petrological characterization of rocks and fluids. Its objective is to cover the fundamental principles of analytical geochemistry, equipping students with knowledge of the primary analytical methods used across various Earth Science disciplines.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of key petrological and geochemical analytical techniques and their application to the characterization of rocks and fluids in research contexts. 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 and learn essential statistical concepts. Through exposure to various techniques and methods, students will develop the ability to select the most suitable approaches for specific analytical problems. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the quality of analytical data, fostering a rigorous and discerning approach to chemical analysis.
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
First part (Farina)
1. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
2. Principles of Statistics
3. Analytical Methods: Producing Precise and Accurate Data
4. Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Instrumentation (TIMS, ICP-MS, IRMS)
5. Mass Spectrometry: Applications
6. Solid-Sample Sampling Systems: Laser Ablation
7. Geological Data Applications and Interpretation
Second part (Secchiari)
1. Sampling: objectives, representative samples, sample size, and types of geological samples.
2. Analytical method selection and sample preparation.
3. Common analytical methods in Earth Sciences (in-situ and whole-rock): principles and applications.
4. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF): principles, limitations, and examples.
5. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA): operating principles, imaging, quantitative analysis, and examples.
6. Interpretation of petrological and geochemical data.
7. Laboratory and practical activities.
1. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
2. Principles of Statistics
3. Analytical Methods: Producing Precise and Accurate Data
4. Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Instrumentation (TIMS, ICP-MS, IRMS)
5. Mass Spectrometry: Applications
6. Solid-Sample Sampling Systems: Laser Ablation
7. Geological Data Applications and Interpretation
Second part (Secchiari)
1. Sampling: objectives, representative samples, sample size, and types of geological samples.
2. Analytical method selection and sample preparation.
3. Common analytical methods in Earth Sciences (in-situ and whole-rock): principles and applications.
4. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF): principles, limitations, and examples.
5. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA): operating principles, imaging, quantitative analysis, and examples.
6. Interpretation of petrological and geochemical data.
7. Laboratory and practical activities.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology
Teaching methods
The course is primarily delivered through lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions conducted in the department's facilities. Analytical data generated by students during lab work will subsequently be
processed and interpreted in classroom sessions. Student questions and active participation are both welcomed and strongly encouraged. Attendance Mode: highly recommended.
processed and interpreted in classroom sessions. Student questions and active participation are both welcomed and strongly encouraged. Attendance Mode: highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides and notes, selected scientific papers.
Selected chapters from the books: "Analytical Chemistry 2.0" (D. Harvey) and "Practical Geochemistry" (P. Alexandre)
Selected chapters from the books: "Analytical Chemistry 2.0" (D. Harvey) and "Practical Geochemistry" (P. Alexandre)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments cover the entire program and are carried out by means of a written test and an oral exam.
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY - University credits: 3
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Farina Federico, Secchiari Arianna
Professor(s)