Geology of mineral deposits
About the course
This course is available as a single course.
The course is recommended for master students in solid Earth sciences aiming for a M.Sc. thesis project within ore geology. It provides fundamental knowledge on ore deposit geology and mineral exploration techniques. Its principal aim is to familiarize students with ore-forming processes, geodynamic settings of various ore deposit types and with economic aspects of mineral resources globally as well as in Norway. In addition, the course provides fundamental knowledge on methods to discover new ore mineralization, estimation of their economic potential and assessment of their environmental impact. Elementary aspects of economic geology; an overview of analytical methods in ore deposit studies; magmatic ore deposits; magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits; hydrothermal ore deposits; sedimentary and supergene ore deposits; deposits in a global and Fennoscandian tectonic contexts; an overview of mineral exploration techniques; environmental impact of ore deposits.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree in geology or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years duration, 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 programme for basis of admission.
Application code: 9371.
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student has
- a comprehensive understanding of ore-forming processes.
- a comprehensive understanding of mineral exploration techniques.
- a comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts of various types of ore deposits and mining activities.
Skills
The student can
- identify the most common ore textures.
- describe the most common types of magmatic, hydrothermal and sedimentary ore deposits.
- link ore-forming processes and geodynamic settings, and use ore mineral occurrences as indicators of specific geodynamic settings.
- select an appropriate set of analytical techniques in studies of ore deposit models.
- select an appropriate set of field and laboratory techniques in exploration of various types of ore deposits.
- select an appropriate set of field and laboratory techniques for the environmental risk assessment of various types of ore deposits.
- use geochemical compositions of waters, soils and marine and stream sediments in the environmental risk assessment of various types of ore deposits.
- combine mineralogical, petrological and geochemical features in interpretation of genetic models of most common types of magmatic, hydrothermal and sedimentary ore deposits.
General competences
The student can
- actively participate in the most important elements of ore geological research projects: penetrating literature, carrying out field sampling, analyzing data, and communicating results to fellow students/scientists.
- use data and geological knowledge to understand processes.
- work independent and in a team with problems related to ore geology.
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- GEO-3108 Ore Geology 5 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see the Admission requirements" and the "Prerequisite" sections for more information.
Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: INBOUND STUDENT MOBILITY: COURSE COORDINATORS AT THE FACULTIES | UiT
Examination
| Off campus exam | Hand in: 20.05.2026 14:00 Hand out: 20.04.2026 09:00 Duration: 4 Weeks Weighting: 1/2 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
| Oral exam | Weighting: 1/2 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Active participation in the safety briefing prior the fieldwork | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Active participation in the field course and excursion | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Attendance of at least 80% of the lectures and exercises | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
Approval of training in health, safety, and environment prior to the field course and excursion. This includes the use of helmets, high-visibility safety vests etc., and the use of geological equipment (e.g., hammer, spade, scraper, magnifier) in the field.
Active participation in the field course and excursion.
Admittance to the exam requires attendance of at least 80% of the lectures and exercises.