Entry requirements

120 credits with (1) 90 credits in earth science or biology, or (2) 90 credits in technology or physics and 30 credits in earth science or environmental science. 5 credits in inorganic chemistry are recommended.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the major hydrogeochemical processes and parameters that control metal mobility in an aquatic system
• for aquatic systems, quantify mass balance relations and thermodynamic reactions
• determine concentrations of dissolved substances and rates of reactions based on the principles of chemical kinetics
• explain the differences in water composition that are observed in the environment as a result of differences in soil, geology, climate and chemical reactions

Content

Introduction to hydrochemistry, with special emphasis on geochemical processes at low temperature. The student will attain an improved understanding for processes that control the composition of water in environments where water - mineral interactions dominate (e.g. in groundwater). Acid - base reactions in natural water, the carbonate system, oxidation and reduction processes, mineral precipitation and dissolution, and metal speciation.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and exercises.

Assessment

Grading is based on exercises and exercises (2 credits) and a oral and written exam (3 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.