Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
Students will learn how to determine geological processes through application of microscopic techniques. This will include transmitted light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Cathodoluminescence and quantitative mineral analysis by Electron Microprobe. The students will work through a suite of geological materials based around themes determined by the underpinning geological processes. These themes will include: deformation processes, metamorphism, fluid-rock interaction, melt crystallisation, and sedimentary processes.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Geological research requires the study of rocks and therefore information about component minerals in those rocks is fundamental to understanding geological processes. For magmatic rocks, methods of applying quantitative mineral analysis to obtain temperature and pressure estimates for crystallization will be investigated. These will centre on olivine- and pyroxene- melt equilibria and phase relationships. For metamorphic rocks, textural and chemical data obtained from both electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope will be used to investigate the relationships between mineralogy, rock texture and styles of deformation. This will involve examination of fault rocks from brittle to ductile, including pseudotachyltes, cataclasites and mylonites. The growth of minerals and mineral-fluid equilibria during burial and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks will also forma a significant part of the course. The course will involve ‘hands-on’ experience of scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis and cathodoluminescence along with optical microscopy. Problems will be set that require the utilization of these techniques and the students will apply the relevant techniques to solving thses problems.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | 10,13,17 | Feedback Weeks | 12,15,18 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be given both online (MyAberdeen) and at workshops |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | Understand the geological problem that is to be investigated. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically analyse data and select and organise that which is relevant to the problem as defined. |
| Reflection | Create | Create a scientific report outlining the reasons for the selection of a particular model as applied to the problem identified. |
| Factual | Apply | Apply analytical techniques by executing laboratory analysis and implementing data acquired to geological problems. |
| Reflection | Create | Generate hypotheses and models to match the acquired data to the problem in question. Assess the validity of each model. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Evaluate data and assess its applicability to the problem identified. |
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