ESC-20082 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

In this module you will study the fundamentals of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, including an understanding of the importance of mineralogy and rock texture to the interpretation of a rock¿s origin and environment of formation. You will learn how to reconstruct past environments of formation and discover the links between petrology and geochemistry of rocks and the geodynamic / geomorphological setting in which they were formed. The module includes a couple of field courses to help develop this understanding in a field context, in preparation for your independent mapping as part of your third year dissertation.

The module aims to introduce the fundamentals of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, including and understanding of the importance of mineralogy and rock texture to their interpretation. It includes reconstruction of past environments of formation with an appreciation of the links between petrology/geochemistry and geodynamic/geomorphological setting.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe, evaluate and interpret the origin and evolution of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks: 1,2,3
critically evaluate the links between rock forming processes and geodynamics: 1,2,3
apply phase diagrams to determine igneous and metamorphic processes: 1,2
describe, evaluate and interpret how mineral assemblages relate to chemical composition and rock formation: 1,2,3
explain and apply the concepts, principles and implications of facies analysis to the analysis and interpretation of sedimentary successions: 1,2,3
explain and apply Walther's principle of accumulation of sedimentary successions, and the link between sedimentology and stratigraphy: 1,2
produce standard scientific reports to communicate data analysis and interpretation: 3

Study hours

Lectures 48 hours
Practicals 68 hours
Fieldwork 18 hours
Independent study 166 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment