EA5409 - Mineralogy and Geophysics

[Not offered in 2021]

This subject comprises two components dealing with: (1) learning and applying advanced techniques in mineral identification and mineral characterisation including the petrographic microscope, electron microprobe, laser-ablation PCP-MS and X-ray diffraction; and (2) learning and applying fundamental geophysical methods, including gravity, radiometrics, magnetics, conductivity and seismics. For both components, there will be a strong emphasis on how to collect, process and interpret mineralogical and geophysical data, respectively

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas in mineralogy, including crystalline structure, chemical composition, polymerisation and crystal morphology (Miller indices);
• summarise the physical principles behind analytical mineralogy including the Bohr atom, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence;
• summarise the behaviour of light in isotropic and anisotropic minerals;
• demonstrate the ability to determine optical properties of minerals including pleochroism, relief, birefringence, extinction angle and optic sign;
• demonstrate the ability to collect, process and interpret mineralogical data (optical and analytical) in order to identify and characterise minerals;
• demonstrate an understanding of geophysical principles and techniques;
• demonstrate an understanding of the Earth's structure and physical processes;
• develop GIS skills for interpreting geophysical datasets;
• demonstrate the ability to conduct geophysical field surveys.

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.