EOS 240: Geochemistry#
Foundational course
Chemical tools for understanding Earth materials, climate, and planetary evolution.
EOS 240 introduces the geochemical principles used to interpret processes from Earth's surface to the deeper interior, with lab work anchored in real geological datasets.
Course status
Archived course materials from Spring 2026.
In geochemistry, we use the tools of chemistry to understand the Earth and how it works. Principles of thermodynamics and kinetics will be applied to understand key processes that control of the geochemistry of the Earth, from the low temperature and pressure conditions of Earth’s surface environment to higher temperature and pressure conditions in Earth’s interior. We will consider processes operating on time scales of millions (planetary formation) to hundreds (climate change) of years. The lab will provide hands-on experience using real data to solve geological problems.
Course outline
Schedule, grading, and policies
Start here for the semester structure, evaluation, and course logistics.
Lectures
Slides and core concepts
Browse the lecture sequence and supporting materials for the term.
Labs
Applied work with real data
Work through lab assignments and guided exercises tied to the course topics.
Earth systems
Surface to interior
Trace chemical processes across environments ranging from climate-sensitive surface systems to deeper Earth materials.
Core methods
Thermodynamics and kinetics
Use equilibrium, reaction progress, and rates to interpret why Earth materials behave the way they do.
Practice
Quantitative interpretation
Build confidence using data to solve geologic problems rather than treating chemistry as abstract background theory.