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| 1.
First Semester |
| Introduction
to mineralogy, crystallography and mineral chemistry. The objectives
of the first semester of the 278 are to review the geochemical
basis for mineralogy, to introduce the subjects of crystallography
and systematic mineralogy, and to train learners how to identify
minerals in hand specimen. Both rock-forming and ore minerals
will be introduced. In addition, some practical skills in library
research and presentation will be covered. |
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| 2.
Second Semester |
| The use
of the petrographic microscope is essential for geologists as
it is the most cost effective way of identifying minerals and
thus classifying rocks. The course in optical mineralogy is
specifically designed to enable the learner to identify minerals
based on their optical properties. This knowledge is immediately
applied to identifying minerals present in igneous and metamorphic
rocks and to classifying these rocks. Basic introductory concepts
in petrographic interpretation of mineral assemblages and textures
are discussed and their use in identifying igneous, metamorphic
and sedimentary rocks explored. |
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| 1.
First Semester |
The
part of the module will enable students to recognise the common
minerals that they will encounter in rocks and ores, and their
weathering and alteration products. It will also provide students
with an appreciation of the chemical and structural bases
for the classification of minerals and an understanding of
mineral paragenesis (the occurrences of mineral suites). This
understanding will equip the students for the microscope-based
mineralogical and petrological approaches that will be used
in the second semester. |
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| 2.
Second Semester |
| Students
should have the following skills at the end of the course. |
- Practical
ability to use mineral optical properties to identify the
common rock forming minerals in thin sections.
- Understanding
of the petrological classification of igneous and metamorphic
rocks from mineral proportion and mineral textural information.
- Competence
in practical igneous and metamorphic rock description.
- Understanding
of simple igneous systems, including the use of binary and
ternary phase diagrams in interpreting igneous rock petrogenesis.
- Understanding
of simple metamorphic systems including the use of the phase
rule and the concept of equilibrium
- Practical
ability to classify rocks using established geochemical
classification systems.
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| 1.
First Semester |
- Deer,
W.A., Howie, R.A. and Zussman, J. (1996) An Introduction
to the Rock-forming Minerals. 2nd edition, Longman Scientific
and Technical, London, 696 pp.
- Gribble,
C.D. and Hall, A.J. (1992) Optical Mineralogy: Principles
and Practice. UCL Press, London, 303 pp.
- Nesse,
W.D. (2000) Introduction to Mineralogy. Oxford University
Press, New York, 442 pp.
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| The
following websites have useful compilations on hand-specimen
mineralogy and crystallography: |
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| 2.
Second Semester |
| It is recommended
that students taking the G214 course purchase a copy of the
following reference book. |
- Introduction
to the Rock-Forming Minerals by Deer, Howie and
Zussman, Longman Scientific and Technical
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| This
book is a reference book and will be suitable for use through
to the end of your degree and further depending on your career
path. A group order is placed at Protea Bookstores and should
be available by the beginning of the semester. Additional copies
can be ordered but often take 6 weeks or more to arrive. |
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| The following
websites have useful compilations on optical mineralogy |
| ***** http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/petrolgy/thinsect.htm.
This whole site is very good! |
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| These sites
are also useful and have similar information but just on optical
mineralogy |
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| Students are encouraged
to consult as many text books and journals as possible. The
Gemmological and Optical Microscope laboratories are available
at most times, by arrangement with the lecturers. |
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| In 2008,
GEOL278 will be subject to continuous assessment. The assessment
will be divided evenly between the two semesters (ie 50 % of
the marks come from 1st semester assessment opportunities and
50 % come from second semester. |
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| Assessment
for First Semester Component |
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| The first
semester assessment is composed of: (1) Assessment of the three
prescribed practical tasks, (2) an oral presentation based on
library research, and (3) one theory and one practical test
at the end of the semester. |
- Assessed
practical work takes the form of three practical assignments,
one of which constitutes 10 weeks of the semester. This
practical assignment is worth 40 % of the semester's marks
with the other two practicals worth 10 % each
- A library
research task will be assigned to groups of students and
will involve research into a specific mineral group and
a powerpoint presentation on this work. The presentation
is worth 20 % of the semester's marks and will constitute
four weeks work
- A final
theory and a final practical test will take in the second
last week of the semester. Each of these tests is worth
10 % of the semester's marks.
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| Therefore
the assessment mark for the second semester is calculated as
follows: |
- Practical
work 60%
- Research
project and presentation 20%
- Theory
and practical test 20%
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| Assessment
of Second Semester Component |
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| The second
semester assessment is composed of: (1) continuous assessment
of marked practical work, (2) tests during the semester, and
(3) one practical test at the end of the semester. |
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- The
marked practical work is composed of 10 practical assignments.
One of these is a take home assignment. The practicals are
worth 50% of the second semester assessment (i.e. each practical
is worth 4%). Due dates for practicals are clearly indicated
on the practical when it is handed out in class.
- Four
40 minute tests will be held during the semester on dates
to be provided. An optional fifth test will be scheduled
according to students timetables. The four best marks are
combined to give a single test mark out of 20.
- The
practical examination will be 2 hours in duration and will
require microscope identification of minerals and hand specimen
examination. The practical test is worth 30% of the second
semester assessment.
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| Therefore
the assessment mark for the second semester is calculated as
follows: |
- Practical
work 50%
- Test
mark (best of 4) 20%
- Practical
exam 30%
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| Compilation
of Final Year Mark |
| The final
mark for 278 is determined by combining the two semester marks
in the ratio 50:50. A pass or fail is determining according
to standard University guidelines as outlined in the University
Calendar, Part 1. Note that there is no sub-minimum on any individual
component of this course. |
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