Petrology and Environmental Mineralogy

Catalog description

This course combines the fundamental principles of petrology with mineralogy to equip students with practical skills in mineral identification and rock petrogenesis within the context of Earth as a dynamic system. The course provides hands-on experience with advanced, industry-relevant laboratory techniques, including XRD, SEM, and bulk geochemical analysis, allowing students to assess mineralogical properties in multiple contexts including resource extraction and environmental pollution. Students will develop the ability to analyze mineral composition, understand its relevance in environmental sustainability, and apply this knowledge to address societally-relevant challenges. Emphasis is placed on the role of critical minerals in the economy, the remediation of mineral-related contamination, and the role of tectonomagmatic processes in Earth's evolution. This course prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, resource exploration, extraction and management, and field-based sectors. Prerequisites: GLG 111 , 121 , or 141; GLG 115L ; GLG 211 .