- 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 and carbonates together with other minerals of petrogenetic importance. 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.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week, 2 two-hour laboratory sessions per week.
Assessment
Assessment: Course work (25%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (75%). Oral exam for borderline candidates only. Students must pass both components.
Resit: Examination (100%).