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School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-20001 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  
Co-ordinator: Dr Brian O'Driscoll     
Teaching Team: Dr Ralf Gertisser  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
Successful completion of level 1 Geology or Geoscience programmes (or equivalent)
Barred Combinations
None
Description

Application of simple experimental systems and geochemistry to an understanding of igneous rock suites. Introduction to isotopic techniques for magma source identification and age dating. Detailed study of regionally metamorphosed rocks selected to show how the influence of initial rock composition (protolith), fluid migration (metasomatism) and varying temperature and pressure dictate the metamorphic mineral assemblage.
Aims
The module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of igneous and metamorphic petrology, including and understanding of the importance of mineralogy and rock texture to the interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks and an appreciation of the links between petrology/geochemistry and geodynamics (plate tectonics).
Intended Learning Outcomes
  • Interpret and analyse phase diagrams to understand igneous and metamorphic processes (1,2,4)
  • Explain the petrogenesis and evolution of igneous rocks using geochemical data (1,2,4)
  • Summarise magma formation in a global geodynamic context (1,2,4)
  • Identify minerals and rocks, with an assessment of their igneous or metamorphic environment (1,2,4)
  • Interpret how mineral assemblages relate to chemical composition and pressure-temperature conditions of formation (1,2,4)
  • Explain the links between metamorphic processes and plate tectonics through geological time (1,2,4)
Study hours
  • 20 hours lectures
  • 24 hours practical sessions
  • 16 hours field and petrography weekend
  • 20 hours lecture preparation
  • 35 hours practical preparation/completion
  • 35 hours private study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Practical Assessment weighted 25%
IGNEOUS - PRACTICAL BOOKS AND FORMAL REPORT
l
2: Practical Assessment weighted 25%
METAMORPHIC PRACTICAL EXERCISES
3: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50%
UNSEEN EXAM - 2 HOURS
Reading Sources
Course Text
Title: Using Geochemical Data. 
Author: ROLLINSON, H.
Title: Igneous Petrogenesis. 
Author: WILSON, M.
Title: An Introduction To Igneous And Metamorphic Petrology. 
Author: WINTER, J.D.
Version: (1.04S) Created: 04/Jun/2010

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.