EA2220 - Minerals and Magmas

Introduction to the principles of solid state physics, crystallography, mineralogy and petrology. The subject focuses on 1. The description of crystal systems, mineral classification and mineral chemistry. 2. The characterisation and description of igneous rocks in terms of chemistry, mineralogy, texture and tectonic settings. Practical classes are focused on mineral identification using the polarising microscope and igneous rock classification

Learning Outcomes

• understand the importance of mineralogical sciences and applications to various fields of Earth Sciences;
• acquire the knowledge required for efficient communication with other geoscientists dealing with minerals and igneous rocks;
• be introduced to techniques of determinative mineralogy and mineral chemistry;
• develop skills and knowledge for the identification of minerals in hand specimens and under the microscope, and to classify common types of igneous rocks based on their mineralogical content and textures;
• acquire the observational and interpretative skills to understand basic magmatic processes and geodynamic environments.

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (50%)
• Non-Invigilated > Essays - (20%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.