Course overview
This course is designed to give a fundamental background in mineralogy (mineral chemistry, classification and structure) and in the origin, occurrence, identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It includes examination of minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in practical skills relevant to igneous and metamorphic geology
- Explain the basic principles of crystallography and mineralogy
- Identify and classify the common rock-forming minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section
- Identify and classify the common igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section
- Know and understand the basic classification schemes for igneous rocks
- Explain the basic processes for the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks
- Identify how the chemistry, structure and texture of a rock can be used to interpret past geological processes and the history of the earth
- Work in small groups to research and collate information on a given topic to gain an understanding of geological processes