To introduce and consolidate understanding of rock forming minerals and their properties;

To examine mineral occurrence and environments;

To consider the physical and chemical properties of magmas, how compositions of magmas are changed, and how magma emplacement history is recorded in rock texture;

To use standard geochemical diagrams to classify igneous rocks and model the evolution of magmatic systems;

To engage with new and emerging ideas in the mineralogical, igneous petrology and economic geology literature;

(LO1) Use the properties of common rock-forming minerals identified using a hand lens and a polarising microscope to classify and interpret common rocks

(LO2) Be able to observe, record, interpret and present descriptive information on minerals and their properties, and interpret mineral environments, physical and geochemical processes

(LO3) Be able to infer conditions and processes of emplacement and comment on economic resources through igneous rock texture and plotting/analysing standard geochemical graphs

(LO4) Use basic laboratory equipment to plan and complete an experiment to collect and analyse high quality data

(LO5) Work with geochemical data using Microsoft Excel and specialist geochemical plotting software

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Personal action planning

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S4) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving

(S5) Personal attributes and qualities - Self-efficacy (self-belief/intrinsic motivation)

Lectures, practical classes and independent reading guide the student to construct their own learning in a range of mineralogical, igneous petrology and geochemistry topics.

Module themes include :

Minerals physical properties;
Crystallography;
Mineral optical properties;
Classification of minerals;
Mineral occurrence and environments;
Classification of igneous rocks;
Igneous rock textures;
Magma cooling histories;
Magma differentiation;
Magma transport processes;
Geochemical signatures of volcano-tectonics;
Magma chamber processes;
Plutons;
Magmatic economic mineral resources

Practical skills provide students with the ability to:

Study minerals and their textures using the optical polarising microscope to view thin sections and record systematic observations using transmitted and reflected light;
Study rocks and minerals in hand specimens using the hand lens and other tools;Understand miner al properties, occurrence and environments through problem solving;
Use computer software to manipulate and model geochemical data;
Plan and develop laboratory experiments to test a hypothesis;
Develop laboratory skills.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Presentation and discussion of key theoretical models, chemical and physical principles related to mineralogy, igneous petrology and geochemistry.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Practicing microscope and hand specimen skills, carrying out laboratory experiments, and working with geochemical data.
Attendance Recorded: Yes