Fall 2020 - EASC 315W D100

Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3)

Class Number: 1969

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 19, 2020
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CHEM 122 and 126. Corequisite or prerequisite: EASC 304. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Emphasis is on the fundamentals of water-rock interactions and the chemistry of natural waters, developing an understanding of the physical and chemical principles that govern the geochemistry of water within Earth's crust. Topics will include water sample collection and analysis, chemical thermodynamics, gas-water-rock interactions and geochemical modeling. The applications range from weathering and recharge to acid rock drainage and diagenesis. Students with credit for EASC 412 and/or EASC 315 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
This course examines the fundamentals of aqueous geochemistry as applied to natural waters. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of the physical and chemical principles that govern the interaction of water with the geochemical environment. Topics will include water sample collection and analysis, chemical thermodynamics, gas-water-rock interactions, groundwater hydrogeochemistry and geochemical modelling. The course is taught in a lecture/laboratory format where the majority of the writing instruction will be provided during the laboratory.

Course Topics:
1. Water Quality, Water Sampling and Water Analysis
2. From Rainwater to Groundwater
3. Solutions, Minerals and Equilibria
4. Carbon Dioxide, Acidity, Alkalinity and Carbonate Reactions
5. Ion Exchange and Adsorption
6. Reduction Oxidation
7. Organic Compounds in Natural Waters
8. Mineral Weathering and Silicates
9. Transport Processes
10. Kinetics
11. Isotopes
12. Geochemical Modelling

Course Organization: One 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour laboratory per week. The assignments are based on the theory part of the course, and these will be distributed during lab time. Lectures and labs will be synchronous at the times shown in the course schedule. This means that students are expected to be online at the lecture and lab times. The midterm and final exams will be synchronous on dates that are to be determined.

Grading

  • Assignments 50%
  • Mid-Term Exam 15%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Computer with webcam and headset with microphone, reliable high-speed internet access, Remote Desktop app for accessing SFU EASC computer lab computers

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text: “Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution”:   Appelo, C.A.J.; 2005. CRC Press 2nd edition available through online access from the library
ISBN: 9781439833544

RECOMMENDED READING:

Selected Readings:
Drever, J.I., The Geochemistry of Natural Waters:  Surface and Groundwater Environments, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, 436pp.

Langmuir, Aqueous Enviornmental Geochemistry, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 600pp.

Morel and Hering, Principles and Applications of Aquatic Chemistry, Wiley-Interscience, 558pp.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).