Staff involved: Dr D.R. Cohen, C.R. Ward, I.E. Wainwright.

Module Objectives: To provide students with practical experience in the use of some common physical and chemical analytical procedures, as well as sampling and sample processing procedures and data quality control techniques. Of particular interest to potential environmental scientists or exploration geologists.

Module program:

Sampling strategies and methods in soil, rock and water analysis.
Mineral separations and physical characterization.
Techniques for total and selective extractions of metals and organics.
Theory and practice of modern analytical methods for water, vegetation, soil, rocks and minerals, including AAS, ICP, XRF, XRD, INAA and electron microprobe.
Analytical quality control.
Formulation and use of reference materials.
Practical assignment based on samples collected from Centennial Park.

Format, duration and timing: Tuesday afternoons plus analytical laboratory time as required. Total of 28 hours, Applied Science Building, UNSW. Not offered in 2004.

Assumed Knowledge: First year geology/geography and 1st year or HSC chemistry.

Text and/or reference material: Notes are provided during course.

Assessment: A practical assignment on analytical quality control and a (group) report on a field sampling (in beautiful Centennial Park) and laboratory exercise.

Module contact person and coordinator:

Dr D. R. Cohen,
The University of New South Wales
Phone: (02) 9385-4273
Fax: (02) 9385-5935
E-mail: d.cohen@unsw.edu.au

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