Course

The Solid Earth – A Close Up Look at Rocks

Important Notice

This course is not active. Please contact Department Chair for more information.

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Course Code
GEOL 2410
Credits
4.00
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
Class 36, Lab 18
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course will investigate the fundamental character of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, how they can be identified in the field and how they can be used to interpret conditions on the earth in the past. Field trips may be required.
Course Content
  1. The petrographic microscope.
  2. Optical properties of minerals.
  3. Origin, classification and identification of igneous rocks.
  4. Origin and classification of igneous landforms.
  5. Origin, classification and identification of metamorphic rocks.
  6. Origin, classification and identification of sedimentary rocks.
  7. Sedimentary structures.
  8. Field methods of mapping igneous, sedimentary and igneous rocks.
Learning Activities
  1. The primary mode of instruction will involve lectures and laboratories.
  2. Field trip and field project will be scheduled when appropriate.
  3. Readings will be assigned to supplement lectures.
  4. Audio-visual aids will be used where appropriate.
Means of Assessment
Test 1: Optical Mineralogy 10%
Test 2: Igneous Rocks and Landforms 30%
Test 3: Metamorphic Rocks 20%
Test 4: Sedimentary Rocks and Structures 30%
Field Project 10%

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Show an understanding of the use and care of the petrographic microscope.
  2. Show an understanding of the optical properties exhibited by common rock forming minerals.
  3. Determine the optical characteristics of a variety of minerals.
  4. Identify a selection of common rock forming minerals in this section.
  5. Show an understanding of the origin and classification of igneous rocks.
  6. Identify and classify a variety of igneous rocks in hard sample, in their section and in the field.
  7. Identify and show an understanding of the formation of a variety of igneous landforms in the field.
  8. Show an understanding of the origin and classification of metamorphic rock.
  9. Identify and classify a variety of metamorphic rocks in hard sample, their section and in the field.
  10. Show an understanding of the origin and classification of sedimentary rocks and sedimentary environments.
  11. Identify and classify a variety of sedimentary rocks and structures in hard sample, their section and in the field.
  12. Show an understanding of the formation of a selected variety of ore deposits.
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

Elhers, E. G., and Blatt, H. (1982) Petrology: Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic, W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco.

Raymond, L. A., (1984) Petrography Laboratory Manual Vol. 1: Handspecimen Petrography, Geology Services International.

Requisites

Prerequisites

GEOL 2300 or instructor permission

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for GEOL 2410
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025