EA2001:03
Mineralogy and Petrology
Cairns
Prerequisites: EA1001 or EA1100
Inadmissable Subject Combination: EA2200
16 lectures, 49 hours practicals, 8 hours field work. First semester.
Staff: Dr B Lottermoser and Mr P Whitehead.
Principles of optical mineralogy. Systematic study of the more important silicate mineral groups, their chemistry, structure, optical and physical properties and parageneses. Characterisation and description of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the context of major element chemistry, mineralogy, texture, genetic processes and tectonic setting. Metamorphic facies, microstructures, isograds and zones. An introduction to the techniques of field geology and analysis and interpretation of field data.
Learning Objectives:
- development of the skills and knowledge to identify rock-forming minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and thin section;
- acquisition of the observational skills and knowledge to interpret the genetic meaning of textures in common rocks;
- acquisition of a preliminary knowledge of the techniques of optical petrography;
- an appreciation of the genetic context and crustal setting of common rock-forming minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks;
- to gain experience in identifying metamorphic facies and in understanding the significance of metamorphic isograds.
Assessment by a three-hour written examination (50%); a two-hour practical examination (20%); fieldwork, assignments and practical classes (30%).
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