Isotopic Analysis in the Geosciences

Catalog description

This course covers the principles and practice of analyzing the isotopic composition of natural geological and biological materials. In particular, the course investigates the physical and chemical principles underlying: the conversion of matter into atomic and molecular ions, the separation of charged particles by mass, and the detection of ion beam intensities for the purpose of precise, accurate, reproducible determination of isotopic ratios in geoscientific applications. The course delves into the principles behind, and practical considerations of, the equipment that enables contemporary mass analysis techniques, such as power supplies, vacuum systems and monitoring, signal detecting and processing, data handling, and standardization. Students will gain advanced understanding of how isotopic ratios are measured, an appreciation of how analytical developments guide (and have guided) research questions in isotope geochemistry, along with practical training in the operation and maintenance of modern mass spectrometers. Through analysis of the scope and limitations of existing techniques and instrumentation, students will be empowered to incorporate isotopic analysis into their research and design methods to support new research directions.