Introduction to Petrology

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
EAES 2410
Discontinued
No
Course Code
EAES 2410
Descriptive
Introduction to Petrology
Department
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
4.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
2 Hours Lecture / 4 Hours Laboratory
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities
  1. The primary mode of instruction will involve lectures and laboratories.
  2. Field trip and field project may be scheduled.
Course Description
This course will investigate the origin/formation, occurrence, and classification of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and economically important rocks. This course will also serve as an introduction to the petrographic microscope and the use of the microscope to identify minerals and rocks. Field trips will be required.
Course Content

Minerals and Rocks Under the Microscope

  • The petrographic microscope
  • Optical properties of minerals

Igneous Rocks

  • Textures and structure of igneous rocks
  • Composition of igneous rocks
  • Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of igneous rocks
  • Origin and classification of igneous bodies and landforms

Sedimentary Rocks

  • Textures and structure of sedimentary rocks
  • Composition of sedimentary rocks
  • Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of sedimentary rocks

Metamorphic rocks

  • Textures of metamorphic rocks
  • Composition of metamorphic rocks
  • Metamorphic facies and protoliths
  • Identification, classification, origin and occurence/formation of metamorphic rocks

Labs may include:

  • Macroscopic identification of rocks and minerals
  • Introduction to the petrographic microscope
  • Major rock-forming minerals in thin section
  • Intrusive igneous rocks
  • Extrusive igneous rocks
  • Clastic sedimentary rocks
  • Chemical sedimentary rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks
  • Regional metamorphism and index minerals

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Employ a petrographic microscope to recognize the optical properties of common minerals and determine the composition of rocks in thin section. 
  2. Identify, classify and interpret the occurence/formation of a variety of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and ore deposit rocks. 
  3. Use rock composition, textures and structures to infer petrogenesis.
  4. Relate and distinguish between rocks in hand sample and thin section based on their composition, texture and structures. 
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ policy.  The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.  Evaluation will be based on the following:

Lecture Homework             5-10%

Lecture Midterm                15-20% 

Lecture Final                     25-30%

Lab/Field  components       40-50%

    Labs                             10%

    Lab.Field Projects           10%

    Lab tests/quizzes           20-30%

Textbook Materials

Students should consult the bookstore for the latest required course materials, including textbook. The course will use:

Klein, C. & A. Philpotts, Earth Materials, Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, Cambridge University Press, current edition or equivalent.

Raith, M.M., P. Raase & J. Reinhardt, Guide to Thin Section Microscopy, Mineralogical Society of America, current edition or equivalent.

Prerequisites

EAES 2400 or instructor permission

Equivalencies

GEOL 2410

Which Prerequisite

EAES 2500