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ESC-20001 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-20001 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Coordinator: Ralf Gertisser Room: WSF32 Tel: +44 1782 7 33181
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

ESC-10070

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module provides you the chance to apply geochemistry and experimental systems to understand igneous rock suites and their global formation processes. Learn isotopic techniques for identifying magma sources and age dating. Study metamorphic rocks in detail, focusing on how initial composition, fluid migration, and temperature and pressure variations influence their mineral assemblages.

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 global geodynamics.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20001/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify minerals and rocks, with an assessment of their igneous or metamorphic environment
: 1,2
describe, evaluate and interpret the origin and diversity of igneous rocks using petrological and geochemical data: 1
describe, evaluate and interpret magma formation in a global geodynamic context
: 1
describe, evaluate and interpret how mineral assemblages relate to chemical composition and pressure-temperature conditions of metamorphic rock formation: 2
evaluate the links between metamorphic processes and plate tectonics through geological time: 2

Study hours

60 hours interactive teaching sessions, combining lecture and practical elements (2 x 2.5 hours per week)
90 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Class Test weighted 50%
2-hour class test - Igneous Petrology
2-hour open book class test. Students will answer questions about selected aspects of each of the igneous case studies covered in the teaching sessions of the module. Questions will be a combination of SAQs and MCQs, and questions where calculated / numerical answers are required.

2: Class Test weighted 50%
2-hour class test - Metamorphic Petrology
2-hour open book class test. Students will answer questions (SAQs) about selected aspects of metamorphic petrology covered in the teaching sessions of the module. The test may also include practical aspects, such as describing a metamorphic rock in hand specimen and under the microscope to infer its petrogenesis.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025