Prerequisites:

First-cycle Bologna degree or a university degree in the natural sciences.

Content (Syllabus outline):

Overview of modern analytical methods in sedimentology and palaeontology:

• Basic field techniques
• Preparation of thin secions
• Micropalaeontological techniques
• Scanning electron microscopy with electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM / EDS)
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD)
• Cathodoluminescence
• Microtomography
• Stable isotopes analysis
• FTIR and Raman spectroscopy

Readings:

Selected chapters and papers

• Tucker, M.E. (ed.) 1988 Techniques in Sedimentology. Blackwell Scientific, 1-
• Goldstein, J.I. [et al.], 2003: Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis, 3^rd Springer, 1-673.
• Jenkins, R. & Snyder, R.L., 1996. X-Ray powder diffractometry,. Wiley & Sons, 1-95- 231-286, 319-387.
• Martin, R.E. 2000. Environmental micropaleontology. Springer, 1-481.
• Coe, A.L. (ed.) 2010: Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell,1-137, 206-260.

Objectives and competences:

The student is able to select and apply appropriate analytical methods depending on the material and the problem investigated. He is capabe to evaluate and interpret the results of the analyses.

Intended learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

The student is familiar with basic chemical and physical principles underlying the various analytical techniques. He knows for what kind  of samples and problems each of the techniques is appropriate and how the results can be applied. He knows the principles of sample preparation and the requirements and limitations of each technique. He is able to perform analyses with individual instruments and interpret the results.

Assessment:

Oral exam (50 %), written reports (50 %).