ENSC 631 - Isotope Geochemistry

Units: 4
This course covers rules and assumptions for radiometric dating and examples of dating rocks and other natural materials, and rules governing fractionation of stable isotopes and applications of stable isotopes as tracers of geologic and biogeochemical processes.

Equivalent Quarter Course: GEOL 6310.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Cross-listed: GEOL 631.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explore the chart of the radionuclides and understand its organization and theoretical basis.
Practice calculating dates of geologic materials using numerical and graphical methods.
Develop an understanding of the breadth of applications and key successes of isotope geochemistry in the earth sciences.
Critically evaluate isotopic research presented in journals.
Collect and interpret isotope data for a geologic, hydrologic, or biogeochemical application.