Course Catalogue

Analytical Methods in Geoscience EARTH5013

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course provides students with advanced skills in analytical methods used in geoscience, focusing on environmental and geological applications. The course includes a theoretical background on the principles of the scientific method, a practical introduction to analytical equipment and its uses in geoscience, data manipulation, and appropriate scientific and ethical working practice.

Timetable

The equivalent of two weeks of theory and practical work in analytical facilities within Geographical and Earth Sciences and/or the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, as appropriate.

Requirements of Entry

Normally completion of Level 3 Geology or Level 3 Earth Science courses at a mean of B3.

Excluded Courses

EARTH4004 - Independent Research Project

Co-requisites

EARTH5010P - Independent Geoscience Research Project

Assessment

Portfolio comprising critical appraisal of scientific datasets related to the scientific techniques introduced during the course, including aspects of working practice, data presentation, quality control and interpretation.

Course Aims

The aims of this course are:

■ To introduce students to the rationale and practical and ethical caveats behind scientific sampling and data collection

■ To demonstrate how analytical data are safely acquired and quality controlled using an array of scientific instrumentation and facilities

■ To develop student's skills in the critical evaluation of one or more analytical methodologies and to help inform their evaluation of analytical procedures for their own independent research projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Appraise the principles of the scientific method

■ Describe and evaluate the practical use of analytical methods for geological or geo-environmental problems as appropriate

■ Review available literature on a new or cutting-edge method and discuss its workflow, application and relative merits.

■ Critically discuss the quality of a geoscience dataset

■ Evaluate ethical and safe working practice during sample collection, preparation and analysis

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions