Mineralogy and Petrology ((4))

Catalog description

This class examines the formation of rocks and minerals. Students will investigate the origin and evolution of the Earth and the development of the continents. Students will develop observation and classification skills using hand samples and petrographic microscopes. Topics covered include the nature and depositional environments of chemical and biological sediments, the mantle and oceanic and continental crusts, the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their tectonic significance, and the basic minerals associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks. There will be a required field trip. 150 minutes of lecture and 150 minutes of lab per week. A course fee is required.