Science Degree Program in China - Geochemistry

1. Introduction

Geochemistry is the science that studies the chemical composition, chemical functions and chemical evolution; it is the marginal discipline that combines geology with chemistry, physics and develops. Geochemistry, geology and geophysics have become the three pillars of the solid earth science. Its research range extends from the earth to the moon and other celestial bodies in the solar system. The theory and method of geochemistry are of great significance to the search, evaluation and development of mineral resources, agricultural development and environmental science. Earth science basic theory of some significant research achievements, such as event boundaries, sea floor spreading, lithosphere evolution were with geochemical studies. It has grown to become a pillar discipline of the earth science.

2. Basic Content

Geochemistry mainly studies the elements and isotopic composition of the earth and the geological body and quantitative determination of elements and their isotopes of the distribution in every part (such as the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere) of the earth and geological body; chemical effect on the earth's surface and internal and some celestial bodies, reveals the migration of elements and their isotopes, enrichment and dispersion rule; chemical evolution of earth and objects, studies every part of the earth, such as balance and cycles of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, mantle, core and in a variety of rocks and geological body in chemical elements, the time and space variation rules.

3. Branch Disciplines

1) Element geochemistry

2) Organic geochemistry

3) Celestial chemistry

4) Environmental geochemistry

5) Geochemistry of ore deposits

6) Regional geochemistry

7) Exploration geochemistry

4. Research Methods

Basic research methods and techniques of integrated geology, chemistry and physics form a set of more integrated and systematic methods for geochemical research. Including: field geological observation, sampling; the elements of natural samples, isotopic composition analysis and the existence of the state of study; element migration, enrichment geochemical process of the experimental simulation, etc.. On the way of thinking, to a large number of natural phenomena observation data and rock and mineral element content analysis data of comprehensive arrangement, widely used inductive method, obtains the rule, the establishment of various models, with text or graphics to express, called the principle of mode. With data on accumulation and basic geochemical theory mature and perfect, especially the earth chemical process simulation and experimental methods of the establishment and the geochemical method from qualitative into quantitative parameters of, and greatly deepened the understanding of the mechanisms of action of natural. Modern geochemical widely introduced precision scientific theory and thinking method for the study of natural geological phenomena, such as quantum mechanics, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, nuclear physics, and electronic computing technology make the earth chemistry to improve the ability to infer and predict the level. On the basis of this, a series of multi dimensional phase diagrams of Geology and mineralization are worked out and a quantitative model for the mineralization of many representative ore deposits is established.

5. Development Outlook

Geochemical research is undergoing 3 major changes: from the mainland to the ocean; from the surface, the crust to the deep crust, mantle; from the earth to the outer space. Geochemical analysis and testing methods will be more accurate and fast. The development of trace and ultra micro analysis test technology will be able to obtain the elemental, isotopic distribution and composition data of micro (micro) and ultra micro (micrograms) samples. Low temperature geochemistry, geochemical dynamics, ultra high pressure geochemistry, rare gas geochemistry and comparative planetary science have great development prospect, etc.

6. Training Objectives

Geochemistry program trains senior specialized personnel with the basic theory, basic knowledge and basic skills of geochemistry and geology, receive basic training in basic research, applied basic research and technology development, with good scientific literacy and preliminary teaching, research, development and management ability, can be engaged in the scientific research institutions, schools in geochemical research or teaching work, engaged in the production, testing, and technical management work in the resources, energy, materials, environment and foundation and administrative departments for the management work.

7. Knowledge and Skills

1) Master the basic theories and knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry and so on;

2) Master the basic theory, basic knowledge and basic skill of the mineralogy, petrology, mineral deposit geology, geochemistry and geology of experiment and the basic principle and basic methods of indoor and field geological and geochemical methods, relevant test means.

3) understand the general principles and knowledge of similar professional;

4) Understand the science and technology policy, intellectual property rights and sustainable development and other relevant policies and regulations;

5) understand the theory of geochemistry, application prospects and the latest development trends;

6) Master the basic method of data information, document retrieval and use of modern information technology to obtain information related to; have certain ability  of experimental design, creating conditions for the experiment, induction, collation, analysis of the experimental results, writing papers, participating in academic exchanges.

8. Main Subjects

Geology, chemistry

9. Main Courses

Earth science conspectus, structural geology, crystallography and mineralogy, petrology, mineral deposit, geochemistry, isotope geochemistry and environment geochemistry, geophysics and so on

10. Similar Programs

Geology, mineral resources exploration

11. Practice Teaching

The experiment and practice of the main courses are arranged in the curriculum, field geological practice, graduation practice, the general arrangement is 6 - 12 weeks.

Core knowledge field

The knowledge field of the program consists of structural geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, environmental science, modern instrumental analysis, etc.

12. Employment Prospects

The earth's chemical research or teaching work at scientific research institutions, colleges and universities; production, testing, technical management work at resources, energy, materials, environmental, basic engineering and other fields; management work at administrative departments.