This course will cover: 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.

Laboratory: competence in recognising minerals and their parageneses with the aid of petrographic microscopes; expertise in using spreadsheets for petrologic calculations and data manipulation, and graphic programs for display of results.

Honours Pathway Option

Additional readings of greater conceptual difficulty requiring an advanced scientific understanding will be made available for students enrolled in the Honours Pathway Option. 20% of the marks available on the exam will be answers to alternate questions for HPO students. Integration of this material in the essay will be expected.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Assessment will be based on theory exams and practicals which will separate the igneous and metamorphic components of the Course.

• Laboratory work (35%; LO 1-6). This will involve practical use of phase diagrams relating to heterogeneous equilibria (solid, liquid, gas/fluid); graphical calculations using these diagrams; petrographic study of globally representative thin-sections of the most important igneous and metamorphic rocks forming the crust and shallow upper mantle of Earth. A subset of the practicals will be assessable.
• Examination (65%; LO 1-6). The theory exam, possibly split into two (igneous and metamorphic) to be given half-way and end of semester, will explore the understanding, competence, and degree of knowledge integration with concurrent 2nd-year and previously studied 1st-year courses, in: formation and differentiation of igneous rocks on Earth, and compositionally similar materials on other terrestrial planets; the processes of metamorphism  including phase and compositional changes consequent to transfer of materials between different pressure-temperature regimes on Earth.

A maximum of 65 hours formal contact time, including 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and 26 hours of laboratory classes. Up to 55 hours non-contact time for completion of assessed practical exercises and revision.

EMSC2017 Mineralogy