Mineralogy and Petrology

Catalog description

Within this course students investigate the nature of Earth materials starting with the foundation material, minerals, through exploring systematic mineralogy, mineral chemistry and optical theory as applied to mineral identification in thin section. The course introduces students to the rock cycle, sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. In the course explore how minerals and rocks are recorders of processes that shape the Earth and other planetary bodies. Laboratory exercises are focused on developing practical knowledge of how to identify minerals and rocks as hand samples or thin sections. Field experience is an integral part of the course.