This course covers:

• Magmatic formation of the continental and oceanic crusts involving processes at mid-ocean ridges, supra-subduction zone systems, hot-spots, and intra-continental rifts.
• Phase diagrams relevant to mineralogical changes leading to melting of the upper mantle and crustal rock types, and crystallisation processes of magmas.
• Origins of  the diversity of magmas and geochemical processes associated with different tectonic environments.
• Magmatic, metamorphic, and geochemical consequences of recycling of lithospheric components.
• Techniques for deciphering the record preserved in metamorphic mineral assemblages for rates of recycling of lithospheric components through pressure and temperature changes.
• Secular changes in lithosphere creation and destruction.

This Masters course will include a research paper. 

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.

On completion of this course students will achieve:

1. Understanding of the secular evolution of formation and destruction of the Earth's outer mechanical and chemical boundary layer ("Lithosphere").
2. Appreciation of basic thermodynamic principles in the construction of phase diagrams; competence in interpreting phase diagrams. Integration of mineralogical ("micro") principles with large-scale, global recycling processes.
3. Competence in application of simple differential equations governing partitioning of trace elements in heterogeneous phase equilibria.
4. Ability in recognising minerals and their parageneses with the aid of petrographic microscopes.
5. Expertise in using spreadsheets for petrologic calculations and data manipulation, and graphic programs for display of results.

Theory Exam (50%)

Practicals (30%)

Field Trip Assignment (20%)

Bachelor degree; with first year Geology or first year Chemistry. 

Geology or Chemistry to the first year level.