Vår 2022

GEO-3130 Ore Geology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Fakultet for naturvitenskap og teknologi, Institutt for geovitenskap

Type of course

This course is available as a single course.

Course overlap

GEO-3108 Ore Geology 5 stp

Course contents

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.

Application deadline

Applicants from countries within EU/EEA: 1 December for the spring semester.

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester.

UiT students: 1 February for the spring semester.

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.

Objective 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.

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

45 hours of lectures, 30 hours of practical exercises, 4-5 days of field course and excursion.

Assessment

4 hours written exam that counts 100 % of the final grade.

Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, where F is fail. There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.

Compulsory learning activities

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.