autumn 2019 GEO-3117 Optical mineralogy - 10 ECTS
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. The course is recommended for students in solid Earth sciences and sedimentology.Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student has
- a comprehensive understanding of polarized transmitted and reflected light microscopy
- knowledge of how to identify the most common rock-forming and ore-forming minerals in thin sections.
- knowledge of how to apply polarizing microscopy in mineralogical, petrographical and ore deposit studies.
Skills
The student can
- identify most common rock-forming and oreforming minerals in thin sections
- identify the most common ore minerals in polished sections
- use polarizing microscopy for identification of the most common types of magmatic and metamorphic rocks
- interpret some of the most common textures in magmatic and metamorphic rocks
- interpret some of the most common ore textures
General Competence
The student can
- report findings and formulate scholarly arguments when delivering oral/poster presentations, reporting scientific findings and presenting data.
- work independently with geological analyses that require polarized light microscopy.
Assessment
4 hours written exam that counts 100 % of the final grade.
Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, where F is fail. A re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary exam will be arranged for this course.
Compulsory learning activities
Admittance to the exam requires (1) approved practical course exercises and (2) approval of a practical application of polarizing microscopy for identification of rock-forming and ore-forming minerals.
Error rendering component
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 10
- Course code: GEO-3117
- Responsible unit
- Institutt for geovitenskap