Master of Science Geology

Transcription

1 Master of Science Geology Course Descriptions GEOL 41: Lithosphere GEOL 411: Geodynamics of the Lithosphere The course provides some quantitative tools to understand geodynamic processes acting in the lithosphere and at plate boundaries. The main topics are heat and temperature as well as lithospheric rheology and deformation. Special focus is on the geodynamic processes relevant for the formation of orogens and sedimentary basins. GEOL 412: Historical Development of the Lithosphere The course concerns itself with first identifying, describing and analyzing the principal processes involved in the development of the lithosphere. A reconstruction of the history of the lithosphere is then attempted, from the Archaean to the present day. Alternative viewpoints are presented in many cases, to stress that the history of the Earth is still by no means fully understood. GEOL 42: Computer Methods GEOL 421: Computer Methods Geological systems are complex ones, therefore data on them can seldom be analyzed effectively without the help of appropriate computer-based methods. By the same token, computer-based models are necessary to provide insight into their parent systems. The course covers the theory of the commonly used analytical and modeling methods; these are illustrated using numerous case studies. The importance of interactive visualization techniques is stressed. GEOL 43: Analytical Methods GEOL 431: Physical Analytical Procedures GEOL 432: Chemical Analytical Procedures These two courses are designed to introduce the theory, applications, and operation of modern instrumental methods for chemical analysis in environmental, Earth and materials science. Students will be introduced to the spectrum of instrumental techniques, which are standard in research as well as in industry and will gain an understanding of the analytical approach to problem solving. To the extent feasible, students will get 2/3/09 1 M.Sc. Geology

2 hands-on experience with the machinery in the course of lab exercises, concentrating on concrete small analytical projects. GEOL 44: Hydrochemistry GEOL 441: Aqueous Geochemistry Waters from the ocean, lakes, rivers, groundwater and deep-water reservoirs in the crust participate fundamentally in geological processes. The waters acquire a specific chemical composition by chemical reaction with minerals and rocks and by interaction with the atmosphere and the biosphere. The quantitative treatment of chemical processes in natural waters is the topic of this course. The students will be enabled to interpret and understand the chemical evolution of natural waters. GEOL 442: Chemical Modeling of Natural Waters The chemical composition of natural waters contains a wealth of information on the origin of the waters, their flow paths and their potential further evolution. In this course students learn to analyze chemical water composition data with the help of modern software tools with the aim to understand the chemical processes that determine the composition of natural waters. GEOL 45: Hydrogeology GEOL 451: Advanced Hydrogeology This advanced course deepens the basic fundamentals from the introductory course of the B.Sc. program. Its focus is on parameters that determine the properties of groundwater reservoirs and the consequences of the reservoir properties for groundwater flow. Groundwater in lowpermeability rocks and in fractured hardrock aquifers builds the bridge to the fields Geothermal Energy and Environmental Geochemistry. GEOL 452: Regional and Applied Hydrogeology The course characterizes groundwater provinces worldwide and introduces to the regional hydrogeology of Baden-Württemberg. Special attention is given to groundwater in arid areas and in costal aquifers including the problem of salinization. Applied topics such as design of wells for communal water supply, the extraction of groundwater, recharge, infiltration of surface water and groundwater protection areas will prepare students for their professional lives. 2/3/09 2 M.Sc. Geology

3 GEOL 46: Geothermal Energy GEOL 461: Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is a renewable energy that has a very high potential to provide a substantial quantity of the global energy demand in the near future. Exploration and utilization of geothermal energy in various systems is taught in this course on an advanced level, building upon the fundamentals from the corresponding B.Sc. course. It includes topics, such as, the hydrogeology of reservoir regions, capacity and resources, shallow level energy systems, ground source heat pumps, enhanced geothermal systems, hydrogeothermal systems, high-enthalpy systems, and direct use (thermal water). GEOL 462: Applied Geothermal Energy Geology Practical aspects of geothermal energy utilization are the main topics of this course, which will enable the student to carry out specific geothermal energy projects. Typical topics include geothermal reservoir characterization, heat extraction models, long-term forecasts, sustainability, power plants, modeling geothermal heat pump systems, design and operation of hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal systems, and design and interpretation of thermal response tests. The course also presents case studies from geothermal systems worldwide and examples of successful and failed geothermal projects and installations. GEOL 51: Structural Geology and Tectonics I GEOL 511: Structural Geology in Lab and Field The course covers the quantitative treatment of kinematic data in structural geology, and how to integrate field data into a range of laboratory-based interpretative techniques. Laboratory methods demonstrated cover a range of graphic, microscopic and computer-based techniques. GEOL 512: Tectonics This course deals with all aspects of the modern theory of plate tectonics, particularly how we recognize and quantify plate motions, how we identify individual plates, how rigid are plates, what are plate boundary zones, and how are plates driven. Case studies of differing tectonic régimes will also be examined. 2/3/09 3 M.Sc. Geology

4 GEOL 52: Sedimentary Geology I GEOL 521: Sedimentary Facies Analysis The course concentrates on the facies analysis of clastic sediments; it assumes a knowledge of the basic theory in this field. Fluvial, glacial and eolian systems are studied, among others. The theoretical and practical aspects of facies analysis are stressed equally, and the opportunity is afforded to carry out appropriate field-based exercises. GEOL 522: Sequence Stratigraphy Sequence stratigraphy is now the basis for stratigraphic interpretation both in the petroleum industry and in much of academia. This course outlines the theory of sequence stratigraphy in both clastic and carbonate settings, and demonstrates its uses with the help of appropriate computer models. The viewpoint taken is a highly critical one: the basic assumptions of the theory are scrutinized in considerable detail, then alternative explanations are considered. GEOL 53: Geophysics GEOL 531: Geophysical Field Methods This course introduces the theory behind many of the principal geophysical methods used in the field by geologists. The application of these methods is then practiced in the field. The proper treatment and interpretation of the data obtained is covered in subsequent laboratory exercises. GEOL 54: Field Mapping GEOL 541: Independent Mapping Exercise This course provides the opportunity for a student to carry out a short, independent mapping exercise, under the personal supervision of a member of staff. The area, topic and object of the mapping are for the supervisor and student to determine. 2/3/09 4 M.Sc. Geology

5 GEOL 55: Applied Mineralogy GEOL 551: Energy, Waste, and the Environment This course covers a wide range of problems associated with the waste arising from the generation of electricity. The main topics will be: utilization of synthetic mineral analogs for waste containment; the uranium cycle; characterization of nuclear waste; containment and disposal of nuclear waste; characterization of coal combustion products; disposal and reuse of coal combustion products; CO 2 sequestration; incineration of municipal solid waste; incineration products; landfills and landfill gases; waste as resource. GEOL 552: Acid Mine Drainage In this course, the students will learn how oxidation of various types of mining waste leads to the formation of metal-rich acid solutions (acid mine drainage). The main topics covered include oxidation reactions, water chemistry, mineralogy and mineral reactions, remediation strategies, and case studies. GEOL 56: Petrology GEOL 561: Metamorphic Petrology This advanced course in metamorphic petrology focuses on the quantitative treatment of metamorphic processes. It deals primarily with chemical reactions in rocks, and the computation and interpretation of petrologic phase diagrams. Special attention is given to fluids in metamorphic processes, hydrothermal systems and fluid-rock interaction in support of the modules hydrogeology and geothermal energy. GEOL 562: Volcanology This course is designed to introduce the student to the diversity in character of volcanism and its deposits within the geologic record. It emphasizes the physical properties of magmas, eruptive mechanisms, volcanic products. The main topics covered are: the rheological properties of magmas, the geomorphology of volcanic landforms, the dynamics and monitoring of volcanic eruptions, and the emplacement of volcanic deposits. Other topics include planetary volcanism, volcanic hazard assessment, remote sensing/gis applications to volcanoes, and the effects of eruptions on the environment. 2/3/09 5 M.Sc. Geology

6 GEOL 57: Applied Geochemistry GEOL 571: Isotope Geochemistry The focus of this course is on stable and radiogenic isotope systems and their applications in Geology and Environmental Science. Systmes discussed include U-Th-Pb, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, K-Ar, Ar-Ar, O, C, S, and Cl. This course will dwell on the principles that have been discussed in the B.Sc. course Geochemistry I. GEOL 572: Contaminant Transport Main topics of this course are the characterization of organic and inorganic contaminants, dispersion and retardation of contaminants, plume migration, and remediation. This course will be based on, and expand on, many of the basic principles taught in modules GEOL 44 (Hydrochemistry) and GEOL 45 (Hydrogeology). GEOL 58: Field Trips and Seminars (I and II) GEOL 581: Field Trips and Visits at Industrial Facilities GEOL 582: Research Seminar GEOL 583: Geoscience Colloquium In this module, all students will fulfill the same requirements by taking part in a minimum of fifteen days of field trips to geological and industrial sites. In addition, all students are required to participate in the weekly Research Seminars in the institute as well as in the weekly Geoscience Colloquium. GEOL 61: Structural Geology and Tectonics II GEOL 611: Rheology and Textures This course focuses on deformation mechanisms in rocks, under all temperature and pressure conditions encountered in the lithosphere. The course emphasizes the microstructural and textural analysis of deformed rocks and their application to understanding geological problems. GEOL 612: Geomechanical Modeling The course introduces the various material laws, which can be used to describe the mechanical behavior and deformation of rocks. Numerical methods, in particular finite element techniques, will be used to predict tectonic stresses and fractures in geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs. 2/3/09 6 M.Sc. Geology

7 GEOL 62: Sedimentary Geology II GEOL 621: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy This course looks at the theory behind many of the principal topics in stratigraphy. It does so in a quantitative way, supported by a suite of computer-based exercises. The purpose-written programs that implement these exercises provide students with the means of simulating common depositional systems and therefore of working out how stratigraphic data should be interpreted. GEOL 622: Micropaleontology Identification of the most frequent microfossils in thin sections and/or in sieved samples is one of the main topics of this course. In addition, the students will be involved in structural analysis and functional morphology of selected groups (e.g. foraminifera), discuss ecological and paleoecological aspects as well as phylogenetical contexts, and learn how microfossils can be used as index fossils during Earth s history. 2/3/09 7 M.Sc. Geology

8 Special Topics in Geoscience (Elective Courses) GEOL 433: Special Analytical Procedures in Mineralogy The emphasis of this course is on important mineralogical techniques used in ore geology, petrology, soil science and environmental science. The students explore the various methods both in theory and in the laboratory, where hands-on experience is an essential part of the course. GEOL 453: Hydraulics This course in groundwater hydraulics treats the hydraulic properties of aquifers, aquifer models, hydraulic signals of geologic structures, hydraulic parameters for storage and transport, permeability, properties of the water and phase separation. The fundamental tools for deriving reservoir properties in hydrogeology are well tests. A comprehensive treatment of various kinds of tests, including pumping and injection tests, slug tests, single well tests, DST-test and other tests, aquifer parameters from well tests, well bore storage, skin effects, transient features, type curves, design and interpretation of tracer tests, will enable the student to independently use well tests in hydrogeological and geothermal energy applications. GEOL 463: Special Topics in Geothermal Research This course will be focused on modeling of heat and heat flow. The topics covered will enable the students to understand heat and heat transport in geothermal systems. GEOL 464: Geothermal Fluids This course covers topics, such as, geothermal fluid and gas composition, scaling problems, reinjection and evaporation of waste fluids, and uses of geothermal waste fluids. It provides many practical aspects to geologists interested in the environmental impacts of geothermal energy use. GEOL 465: Geophysical Fundamentals of Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy utilization requires a solid knowledge in the geophysics of heat, heat production and transport in the lithosphere. This course treats the Earth s thermal regime, its heat budget, heat transport, heat conduction, thermal conductivity, heat advection and the geophysics of geothermal energy resources, including the geophysical modeling of fracture permeability of hard rocks. GEOL 554: Atmospheric Chemistry The atmosphere is an important part of the Earth system. It is impacted by geological processes, and influences itself various geological processes. Various aspects of atmospheric chemistry will be studied, including gaseous reactions, composition of volcanic emissions, composition and structure of aerosols. 2/3/09 8 M.Sc. Geology

9 GEOL 563: Geology of Ore Deposits Ore deposits represent unusual concentrations of chemical elements that are economically useful to humans. The major types of deposits will be discussed within the framework of the diverse geological environment in which they occur. On the basis of selected case studies, the course will focus on the formation of ore deposits by emphasizing the relationships between mineralogical composition and geochemical processes. GEOL 623: Special Topics in Paleontology A variety of special topics in paleontology are treated in this course. Emphasis is laid on current research themes, and students are encouraged to develop their own interests. CRYS 422: Space Groups and Crystal Structures The symmetry of any atomic arrangement in a crystal can be described by one of the 230 different crystallographic space groups. A first part of the course deals with principles of space group structure, notation and visualization. The most important basic crystallographic atomic arrangements are treated in a second part, starting from closest sphere packing structures. CRYS 511: High-Resolution Spectroscopy The course provides tools for the characterization of crystalline materials, especially the type and site of atoms as well as their first sphere surroundings. The methods of surface analysis using X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) and Auger Spectroscopy (AGS) are introduced and compared to their characteristics and limitation of material analysis. To analyze the local geometry, the chemical state and coordination spheres of atoms X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), Extended Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), and X- ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) will be presented; this part includes an introduction into synchrotron technology. To find the oxidation state of atoms (e.g., Fe 2+, Fe 3+ ) the Mössbauer Spectroscopy will be explained. CRYS 512: X-Ray Diffraction by Crystals Methods which make use of the diffraction of X-rays (or neutrons) by crystals yield much more detailed and precise knowledge on the arrangement of atoms in matter than any other methods. This course teaches the principles of X-ray diffraction starting from two point scatterers and ending at an (ideally infinite) crystal structure and its structure factors. The geometric relationships between crystallographic lattice planes on one side, incident and diffracted beams on the other, are explained by means of the reciprocal lattice and the Ewald construction. Requires CRYS /3/09 9 M.Sc. Geology

10 CRYS 551: Electron Back Scatter Diffraction In this advanced course of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the diffracted electrons are used to analyze the orientation of crystals. The basics of electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) will be presented in theory and practice. Main parts of the course are practical exercises at the SEM to measure and interpret textures in natural rocks or polycrystalline materials (e.g. solar cells). Requires modules CRYS 42 and GEOL 43. CRYS 621: Structure Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction In a first part, methods to determine lattice parameters and space group of a single crystal and to measure the intensities of diffracted beams are discussed. Then, the course deals with different ways to solve the crystal structure (i.e., to determine the atomic arrangement and more). In a final part, methods to solve and refine crystal structures from powder diffraction patterns are treated. Requires CRYS 512. CRYS 622: Defect Analysis by Diffraction Position and intensity of a Bragg reflection are used for structure analysis of a crystal. In addition, the fine structure of such a reflection contains information about the real structure of this crystal. In terms of dynamical diffraction theory defects are characterized using high-resolution diffractometry. Rocking curves and reciprocal space maps are demonstrated to give insight into the crystal quality. X-ray topography will be discussed as a useful imaging method for strain fields around extended defects. CRYS 631: Modern Ceramics, Cements, and Glasses Polycrystalline and amorphous materials play a major role in modern technology. The course will cover the production methods of technical ceramics, cements, and glasses, as well as their applications. CRYS 632: Thermal Analysis After a short introduction of the underlying thermodynamics the course deals with the principles of Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermal Gravimetry (TG). A phase diagram is constructed based on DTA measurements. The exact chemical composition of a substance is determined by TG/DSC measurements. Geoscience Courses from B.Sc. Curriculum Students with a B.Sc. degree in a Non-Geoscience field will have to select a number of courses from the B.Sc. program at the University of Freiburg. Students with a B.Sc. degree in Geoscience from another university may also have to take some courses from our B.Sc. program to make up for deficiencies. 2/3/09 10 M.Sc. Geology