- The primary mode of instruction will involve lectures and laboratories.
- Field trip and field project may be scheduled.
Minerals and Rocks Under the Microscope
- The petrographic microscope
- Optical properties of minerals
Igneous Rocks
- Textures and structure of igneous rocks
- Composition of igneous rocks
- Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of igneous rocks
- Origin and classification of igneous bodies and landforms
Sedimentary Rocks
- Textures and structure of sedimentary rocks
- Composition of sedimentary rocks
- Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of sedimentary rocks
Metamorphic rocks
- Textures of metamorphic rocks
- Composition of metamorphic rocks
- Metamorphic facies and protoliths
- Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of metamorphic rocks
Labs may include:
- Macroscopic identification of rocks and minerals
- Introduction to the petrographic microscope
- Major rock-forming minerals in thin section
- Intrusive igneous rocks
- Extrusive igneous rocks
- Clastic sedimentary rocks
- Chemical sedimentary rocks
- Metamorphic rocks
- Regional metamorphism and index minerals
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Employ a petrographic microscope to recognize the optical properties of common minerals and determine the composition of rocks in thin section.
- Identify, classify and interpret the occurence/formation of a variety of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and ore deposit rocks.
- Use rock composition, textures and structures to infer petrogenesis.
- Relate and distinguish between rocks in hand sample and thin section based on their composition, texture and structures.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Lecture Homework 5-10%
Lecture Midterm 15-20%
Lecture Final 25-30%
Lab/Field components 40-50%
Labs 10%
Lab.Field Projects 10%
Lab tests/quizzes 20-30%
Students should consult the bookstore for the latest required course materials, including textbook. The course will use:
Klein, C. & A. Philpotts, Earth Materials, Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, Cambridge University Press, current edition or equivalent.
Raith, M.M., P. Raase & J. Reinhardt, Guide to Thin Section Microscopy, Mineralogical Society of America, current edition or equivalent.
EAES 2400 or instructor permission