As two Geology with Geophysics students in between our second and third years at the University of Leicester, we found ourselves with a rather long summer break which needed to be filled. After spending 4 weeks in the field carrying out coursework we came to the Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at the University of Hull to try and be helpful and learn one or two things! We were very lucky to spend 5 weeks in the department and although there were times where we could have cried (lab equipment can really try your patience sometimes!), we had an absolutely fantastic time with lots of great photo opportunities so we thought we would share our experiences (and funny pictures) with you.
Rich feeling very smart in his lab coat whilst filtering water samples |
"All hope is lost" - Jess contesting with the latest tantrum the QICPIC is throwing |
In between filtering water samples and testing our patience
with the QICPIC, we catalogued the extensive geological map collection the
department owns (and when we say extensive, we are talking about >2000
maps), and organised a section of the sample collection which had been locked away for
twenty-odd years. Admittedly, cataloguing the maps wasn’t the most exciting job
in the world but we did subject the department to some interesting music (along
with Jess’s rather out-of-tune renditions) so luckily the job didn’t take too
long! On the other hand, organising the sample collection was really enjoyable
and we unearthed some absolutely brilliant samples which gave rise to the
unfortunate picture of Jess below.
The main project we were involved in during our time in the
department was testing out a handheld-XRF machine to determine its suitability
for use in the field. This involved
getting up at an ungodly hour to collect the equipment and receive an induction at the Scarborough campus first, followed by many days of testing
samples. Firstly we tested manufacturer's standards to determine the accuracy of
the equipment, followed by testing our own standards and then some of Dr Williams and Dr Rogerson’s rock samples. Experiments included: rough vs.
smooth surfaces to determine whether the XRF could be used on weathered rocks
in the field; carrying out multiple tests on the same sample point to determine
accuracy and reliability of the XRF; and carrying out tests on multiple sites
on the same sample to determine how well the XRF deals with heterogeneity. Once
we had completed the experimental work, we then began the rather extensive task
of writing up our results (and to this day we are continuing to finish up the
report we started to create – don’t worry Becky, we’ll have it with you very
soon!)
The Handheld XRF kit - yes it does look just like a
supermarket scanner, but it can't check the prices of your groceries for you
We were incredibly lucky to have such an active role in the
work the department carries out and feel really privileged that, despite being
only Second years, we were trusted to carry out experimental work and our
opinions are truly taken into consideration! Despite the, at times hilarious,
low points (running a whole test cycle on the XRF when we had forgotten to even
add a rock sample; the QICPIC failing us for what felt like the hundredth time,
and dealing with rush hour traffic on a bus) we had an absolutely brilliant
time in the Department and gained a real insight to the life of an academic.
I'd like to add a huge thank you to Jess and Rich for their invaluable help in a number of research projects this summer.
Work experience in an academic department is an excellent way to add to a CV, gain skills outside of your degree programme and to trial what research is like if you're thinking of doing a PhD. If you would like some research work experience, get in touch!
A thin-film sample support window is a substance used for retaining liquid, powdered, slurry or solid specimens in XRF Sample Cups. Of the many different types of materials available, few possess the necessary combination of consistency and chemical and physical properties to serve x-ray spectrochemical needs.
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