- Course Code
- GL 2508
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr C M Rice
Pre-requisites
Overview
The main objective of this practical course is to learn how to describe and identify the common rock forming minerals using the petrological microscope. The mineral groups will include olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, feldspars, quartz, clay minerals and carbonates. The theoretical background will include a systematic study of the atomic structure, chemical composition and geological occurrence of the rock-forming minerals together with the fundamentals of crystallography, mineral optics and mineral chemistry. Environmental mineralogy and gemstones will be briefly covered.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week, 2 two-hour laboratory sessions per week.
Assessment
1st Attempt: Assessment by course work (25%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (75%). Oral exam for borderline candidates only.
Resit:100% Exam