School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-20001 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  
Co-ordinator: Dr Ralf Gertisser    Room: WSF32, Tel:33181  
Teaching Team: Mr David  Emley, Mrs Stephanie  Everill, Mrs Emma  Harvey, Dr Brian  O'Driscoll, Mrs Karen  Babb, Miss Lianne  Berry, Ms Clare  Sillitto,  Andrew  Rankin  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
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 20%
Practical Assessment (igenous Petrology)
2: Practical Assessment weighted 20%
Practical Assessment (metamorphic petrology)
3: Practical Assessment weighted 20%
Practical Assessment - weekend field and petrography course
4: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 40%
2 hour unseen examination
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

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