2024 Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Advanced Earth and Space Sciences D
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Tetsuya Yokoyama
- Class Format
- Lecture (HyFlex)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Mon / 3-4 Thu
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- EPS.A422
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course focuses on the geochemical application of radiogenic isotopes, following the textbook "Geochemistry" by W. White. In the first five lectures the basic knowledge about radiogenic isotopes will be given. In the following two lectures the students will be involved in a general discussion of current topics in the geochemical application of radiogenic isotopes.
Course description and aims
The goal of this course is to understand the basic principles of radioactive decay and the origin of radiogenic isotopes. Another goal is to learn about the application of radiogenic isotopes in geochemistry, including the latest research outcomes.
Keywords
Radiogenic isotopes, Mantle, Crust, Chemical evolution, Chronology
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Before coming to class, students should read the course schedule and prepare for the topics with handouts and references.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Structure of nuclei | Understanding of elemental particles |
| Class 2 | Origin of elements | Understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis |
| Class 3 | Stability of nuclei | Understanding of binding energy and Weizsäcker's formula |
| Class 4 | Radioactive decay | Understanding of the styles and equation of radioacitive decay |
| Class 5 | Basic geochronology | Understanding of principle for radiometric dating method using long-lived and short-lived nuclids |
| Class 6 | Discussion-1 | Discussion on recent publications in radiogenic isotope geochemistry |
| Class 7 | Discussion-2 | Discussion on recent publications in radiogenic isotope geochemistry |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
W.M. White "Geochemistry" Wiley-Blackwell
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Handouts will be provided during the class
Evaluation methods and criteria
Students will be assessed on their understanding of the geochemical application of radiogenic isotopes.
Students' course scores are based on discussion during the class (30%) and group presentation (70%).
Related courses
- EPS.A330 ： Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry
- EPS.A201 ： Introduction to Material Sciences of Earth and Planet
- LAS.A101 ： Earth and Space Sciences A
- LAS.A102 ： Earth and Space Sciences B
Prerequisites
No prerequisites