Course Catalogue

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Exploration of processes involved in the generation and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks and the techniques used to study them.

Three classes per week for 5 weeks (held as 3-hour workshop). Local field classes.

Normally completion of all credit-bearing courses from Earth Science Level 2 at an average Grade C3 or better, achieving at least a Grade of D3 in each individual course and attendance at the residential field class.

EARTH4072 - Igneous Geology

EARTH4073 - Metamorphic and Structural Geology

None

Set exercises (50%)

Portfolio (50%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of fundamental processes in igneous and metamorphic geology. This will include: physical volcanology, geochemical analysis, constraining magma genesis and evolution, rates of igneous and metamorphic processes, response of rocks to changing pressure, temperature, fluids, deformation and time.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Describe and interpret volcanic rocks to propose eruption histories and modes of deposition or emplacement.

■ Describe the key processes involved in generating igneous and metamorphic rocks, including partial melting, magma evolution and metamorphic reactions.

■ Explain the generation of geochemical data for igneous and metamorphic rocks and discuss how such data are quality controlled and interpreted.

■ Critically discuss different geochronology methods as applied to igneous and metamorphic rocks.

■ Process, present, interpret, and model geochemical and geochronological data.

■ Interpret metamorphic rock textures at a variety of scales to assess metamorphic reactions and pressure-temperature changes over time.

■ Critically assess the occurrence of magmatism and metamorphism in a range of tectonic environments

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.