Geochemical Instrumentation and Analysis: so you've collected a sample, now what?

Catalog description

Many geologic studies start with fieldwork and sample collection, but that's not where they end. This course explores processes, instrumentation, and analyses involved in taking a sample from the field to a dataset. Topics include: appropriate method selection, sample preparation apparatus and concepts, spectroscopic methods (e.g., FTIR, Raman), x-ray techniques (e.g., XRF, XRD, CT), high-energy beam methods, electron microscope and microprobe, mass spectrometry (e.g., gas source, SIMS, ICPMS, TIMS), uncertainty analysis and propagation. Methods and discussions have application to samples ranging from solids (e.g., rocks, fossils, crystals, soils) to liquids and solutions. Students will also be introduced to scientific staff and facilities available for sample preparation and geochemical analysis at Stanford. No prerequisites.