Laboratory Methods in the Geosciences

Knowledge:

Hands-on experience in the lab will train practical skills in how to test a scientific hypothesis in lab, how to collect field samples and analytical data, and how to account for representativeness and reproducibility. Fundamental lab safety will be trained in theory and practice. Key methods covered in the course include:

• Fundamental laboratory safety in soil science, geochemistry and geobiology
• Introduction of basic calculations needed in daily work in a geoscience laboratory, i.e., density, molar weight, molarity, ppm/ppb conversions, % solutions, dilution ratio/dilution factor, linear regression, as well as basic statistical analysis.
• Introduction to sampling of soil, sediment, and water.
• Demonstration and training of specific analytical approaches include, i.e., soil bulk density and soil pore distribution, spectrophotometry analyses, i.e., of ionic species in porewater, titration, pH meter, grain size determination, cation exchange capacity, iron oxide extraction, sample filtration and dissolved ion analysis, C/N content, DOC/DON, microbial biomass (chloroform fumigation extraction), microbial cell plating and counts, non-destructive XRF analysis of sediment and powders at an introductory level.

Skills:  

• The student can demonstrate understanding and application of standard laboratory safety in the execution of geochemical, physical and biological methods.
• The student is able to perform standard calculations required to execute laboratory protocols in biogeochemistry, as well as assess and analyse produced data. 
• The student can demonstrate ability and manual skills in practical laboratory skills, i.e., preparing solutions, sample collection in the field and lab, pipetting, titration, pH measurements.
• The student successfully bridges theory and practice in their analysis of produced laboratory results.

Competences:

• Analyses and assessment of analytical results of laboratory analysis of soil, sediment and water.
• Learn to work independently in a geoscience laboratory.