Høst 2022

GEO-3117 Optical mineralogy - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for geovitenskap

Type of course

This course is available as a single course.

Course contents

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.

Application deadline

Applicants from countries within EU/EEA: June 1st for the autumn semester.

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 April for the autumn semester.

UiT students: September 1st for the autumn semester.

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.

Objective 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.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English and all the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English.

Teaching methods

14 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical exercises.

Date for examination

School exam 30.11.2022

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.