EA2220 - Minerals and Magmas

Mineralogy as applied to rocks, sediments and soils. Applications of the polarising microscope to mineral identification and textural interpretation of Earth materials. Introductory mineral chemistry and its applications. Characterisation and description of igneous rocks in terms of major element geochemistry, mineralogy, texture, genetic processes and tectonic setting. Characterisation of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic facies, isograds and thermal metamorphism.

Learning Outcomes

• acquisition of the observational skills and knowledge to interpret the textures of common rocks in terms of rock-forming processes;
• to develop an appreciation of the genetic processes and crustal settings of igneous and metamorphic rocks;
• to develop skills and knowledge for the recognition of minerals in hand specimens and to classify common types of rocks;
• to provide an introduction to the techniques of determinative mineralogy and mineral chemistry including optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and electron probe microanalysis.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

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.