The Solid Earth – A Close Up Look at Rocks

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
GEOL 2410
Discontinued
Yes
Course Code
GEOL 2410
Descriptive
The Solid Earth – A Close Up Look at Rocks
Department
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
4.00
Start Date
End Term
201910
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
Class 36, Lab 18
Contact Hours
3 Hours Lecture / 3 Hours Laboratory
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
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.
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 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.
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%

 

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.

Prerequisites

GEOL 2300 or instructor permission