X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry in Undergraduate Geology Education

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9351228 Longshore An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is being used as a state of the art analytical instrument in the undergraduate geology curriculum. Operating principles are being introduced in sophomore-level classes, and students are having hands on experience with the equipment in several upper-division laboratories, including petrography, igneous petrology, X-ray powder methods, geochemistry, and economic geology. Students are using the apparatus to perform high precision major and trace element analyses on a variety of geological materials in these classes, elucidating course subject matter and gaining practical experience with modern instrumentation. The analytical power of the requested equipment is finding significant applications in senior undergraduate research projects. The ability of the students to obtain accurate chemical data is greatly enhancing their abilities to achieve their research objectives, to solve important problems, and to contribute meaningfully to the knowledge of northern California geology. Many of these undergraduate projects are leading to publications and presentations at professional meetings. ***