autumn 2017 GEO-3117 Optical mineralogy/Sedimentary petrography - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the fall semester.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 15 April for the fall semester.


Type of course

This course is available as a single course. The course is recommended for students in solid Earth sciences and sedimentology.

Recommended prerequisites: GEO-2001 Mineralogy, GEO-2004 Petrology.


Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in Geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the Bachelor's degree level or other program for basis of admission.

Application code: 9371.


Course content

Within the scope of this course, students will get training in polarized light microscopy. The course starts with theoretical background of crystal optics and polarized light microscopy. The second part of the course is devoted to the training in identification of the most common rock forming minerals and interpretation of textural relationships in magmatic and metamorphic rocks using polarized transmitted light microscopy. The third part of the course focuses on identification of the most common ore minerals and interpretation of textural relationships in ore-forming processes using polarized reflected light microscopy.  

Recommended prerequisites

GEO-2001 Mineralogy, GEO-2005 Sedimentology, GEO-2007 Historical geology / Stratigraphy

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, the students will:

  • have a comprehensive understanding of polarized transmitted and reflected light microscopy

Skills

Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

  • identify most common rock-forming minerals in thin sections
  • identify the most common ore-forming minerals in thin sections
  • identify the most common ore minerals in polished sections
  • interpret some of the most common textures in magmatic and metamorphic rocks
  • interpret some of the most common ore textures
  • report findings and to formulate scholarly arguments when delivering oral/poster presentations, reporting scientific finds and presenting data

Competence

Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

  • use polarising microscopy in mineralogical, petrographical and ore deposit studies
  • use polarising microscopy for identification of most common types of magmatic and metamorphic rocks

Language of instruction and examination

English.

Teaching methods

The course will be given as a course during the whole semester with 14 hours lectures and 42 hours exercises.

Assessment

4 hours written exam and a practical application of polarising microscopy in identification of rock-forming and ore minerals . Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, whereof F is fail. Admittance to examination requires that assesments and all comulsary educational activities is passed . A re-sit exam will be arranged for students who do not pass the examination for this course.

Recommended reading/syllabus

Raith, M.M., Raase, P. & Reinhardt, J. (2011): Guide to Thin Section Microscopy, 113 pp. PDF-tutorial, Can. Min. Soc. Nesse, W. D. (2009) Introduction to mineralogy. Oxford University Press, pp. 114-159. Ineson, P. R. (1989) Introduction to practical ore microscopy. Longman Earth Science Series, 192 p. Craig, J. R., Vaughan, D. J., & Hagni, R. D. (1981) Ore microscopy and ore petrography. Wiley, New York, 406 p. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, lectures, literature seminars, computer/data exercises and excursion.

Error rendering component

  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: GEO-3117