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GEOL251 Minerals and Rocks

The structure, chemistry and properties of minerals. Describing and identifying minerals and rocks in hand specimen and the optical microscope. Using observations of minerals and rocks to understand Earth processes.

This paper introduces the physical and chemical principles that control the crystallisation of minerals. A practical and theoretical background to mineral optics, essential to identifying minerals, is provided using petrographic microscopes. Mineralogical knowledge is then applied to the classification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. This is a compulsory course for all students intending to major in Geology at Otago, and is also a prerequisite to several of the optional 200-300 level papers.

Paper title Minerals and Rocks
Paper code GEOL251
Subject Geology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
GEOL 112
Pre or Corequisite
EAOS 111
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility
Background requirements: A basic knowledge of high-school level chemistry will be helpful.
Contact
geology@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Dr Marco Brenna
Professor David Prior

Paper Structure

Lectures will integrate the five themes of the paper:

  • Crystallography
  • Optical mineralogy
  • Igneous rocks
  • Sedimentary rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks

Assessment is approximately an even split between internal (on-going during the semester) and external (final exam).

Teaching Arrangements

Two x 2 hour practicals per week.

Textbooks

Klein, C. & Philpotts A.R., 2017 Earth Materials. Cambridge University Press

Nesse, W. 2012. Introduction to Optical Mineralogy. Oxford University Press

Course outline

View the latest course outline.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will have:

  • Ability to identify a variety of common minerals and rocks in hand specimen
  • Basic understanding of crystallography and its relationship to optical mineralogy
  • Use of transmitted polarised light microscope to identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen
  • Basic understanding of mineral- and rock-forming processes

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Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Wednesday 08:00-09:50 9-13, 16-22
Wednesday 13:00-14:50 9-13, 16-22