Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EASC 315 D100

Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3)

Class Number: 6565

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.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 315W may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

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, with laboratory sessions focusing on data analysis, problem-solving, and the application of geochemical models. 

Course Topics:

  1. Water Quality, Sampling and Analysis
  2. Solutions, Minerals and Equilibria
  3. From Rainwater to Groundwater
  4. The Carbonate System
  5. Mineral Weathering and Silicates
  6. Clay Minerals and Ion Exchange
  7. Flow and Transport Processes
  8. Reduction and Oxidation
  9. Adsorption and Trace Metals
  10. Isotopes
  11. Kinetics
  12. Geochemical Modelling (throughout course)

Course Organization:
One 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour laboratory per week. The assignments and term project are based on the theory part of the course, and these will be distributed during lab time.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Knowledge Development: Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that control the geochemistry of water, and geochemical thermodynamics.

Knowledge Application: Apply knowledge to determine the factors impacting water quality, develop a conceptual model of groundwater water quality problems, and identify the geochemical processes impacting water chemistry.

Scientific Methods: Employ scientifically-based approaches to evaluate water composition data using the appropriate plotting methods and construct simple geochemical models to identify data trends and processes impacting water composition.

Analytical Skills: Employ calculation and graphing features of a spreadsheet, specialized geochemical plotting software and geochemical modeling software for analyzing and interpreting data.

Communication Skills:  Prepare clear, logically organized technical reports (e.g., consulting or scientific reports) that describe and synthesize data and scientific findings

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Term Project 20%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text:

Appelo, C.A.J. and Postma, D.  2005. Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution, 2nd edition. CRC Press ISBN 9780415364287. Available through online access from the library

RECOMMENDED READING:

Morel and Hering, Principles and Applications of Aquatic Chemistry, Wiley-Interscience, 558pp. Available through online access from the library


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.