Download GEOL 2020 – Introduction to Petrology

GEOL 2020 – Introduction to Petrology
Semester/Year: Fall 2007
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credit Hours: 4
Class Time: .1:00-3:25
Days: Tu, Th
Room: TM 121
Instructor’s Name: Gerald “Jerry” Nelson
Office Phone: 268-22233
Home Phone: 259-7587
Email: [email protected]
I very much appreciate email contact, it is quick and efficient, and I
usually check my email at least once per day most of the time more often
that that.
Office Hours: Posted on office door, and by appointment
Course Description:
Introduces study of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section. Covers
textural and mineralogical features of igneous and metamorphic rocks, chemistry of igneous
rocks, phase diagrams controlling mineral crystallization in igneous and metamorphic rocks
and tectonic environments in which various igneous and metamorphic rocks are found. Field
trip required.
Statement of Prerequisites: GEOL 2010
Goal:
Introduction to Petrology is fundamental to further study in geology. The main objective of
this course is to provide the student with a rigorous background in petrology in preparation
for advanced courses and entering the workforce as a professional geologist.
Outcomes:
Passing Students should:
• Be able to identify igneous and metamorphic rocks by testing the physical and optical
properties using hand samples and thin sections
• Demonstrate their understanding of the chemistry and conditions of formation of
common igneous and metamorphic rock and rock assemblages
• Understand the relationships between igneous and metamorphic rocks and the
earth’s plate tectonic history
• Understand the importance of igneous and metamorphic rocks as the source or host
of many economically important minerals
Methodology:
This course will consist of a series of lectures designed to cover the main facets of petrology
and the economic importance of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The lectures will explain
and expand upon the material in the text, handouts, and reserved references. Since
petrology is a lab-intensive topic, students will be expected to do considerable work on their
own outside of the regularly scheduled lab meeting time. Students will get an opportunity in
lab to examine igneous and metamorphic rocks, using standard methods of hand sample
testing and petrographic microscopic analysis. Student evaluation will be as objectively as
possible through the use of regularly scheduled exams in both the lab and lecture portions of
the class, as well as lab projects. There will be a lot of complicated and important material
presented each day, so students are expected to make every effort to attend class meetings,
to carefully read all assigned material, and above all, ask questions when confused or
unsure.
Evaluation Criteria:
Lecture is approximately 50% and lab is approximately 50% of your final grade. Lecture
grade consists of quizzes, exams and participation. Your lab grade will be based on lab
assignments and lab exams. The grade scale is traditional: 90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79%
C, 60-69% D, <60% F
Make-up exams are extremely difficult to arrange in a lab-intensive class. You are expected
to make every effort to attend all classes; I may consider make-up exams on a case by case
basis, so plan accordingly.
If you must miss an exam, you may be allowed to make it up only if you contact me prior to
your absence with a believable, significant excuse.
Late assignments are accepted with a penalty of half grade for each day overdue.
All work must be original. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Outside help on lab work or
assignments will not be allowed without prior approval from the instructor.
Required Text, Reading, and Materials:
An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, John D. Winter, plus readings and
references given in class
Class Policies: Last Date to Change to Audit Status or to Withdraw with a W Grade: Please
refer to Casper College catalog and calendar.
Student Rights and Responsibilities: Please refer to the Casper College Student Conduct
and Judicial Code for information concerning your rights and responsibilities as a Casper
College Student.
Chain of Command: If you have any problems with this class, you should first contact the
instructor in order to solve the problem. If you are not satisfied with the solution offered by
the instructor, you should then take your problem through the appropriate chain of command
starting with the department head, then the division chair, and lastly the vice president for
academic affairs.
Academic Dishonesty - Cheating & Plagiarism: Casper College demands intellectual
honesty. Proven plagiarism or any form of dishonesty associated with the academic process
can result in the offender failing the course in which the offense was committed or expulsion
from school. See the Casper College Student Code of Conduct.
ADA Accommodations Policy: It is the policy of Casper College to provide appropriate
accommodations to any student with a documented disability. If you have a need for
accommodation in this course, please make an appointment to see me at your earliest
convenience.
Tentative Schedule of Topics: We may move faster or slower than indicated, but we will
keep to this sequence
WEEK 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
No Lab During Week 1
WEEK 2
Chapter 2- Igneous Classification
Chapter 3- Igneous Textures
Lab 1
WEEK 3
Chapter 4- Field Relationships
Chapter 5- Thermodynamics I
Lab 2
WEEK 4
Chapter 6- Phase Rule and Binary systems
Chapter 7- Binary and Greater Systems
Lab 3
Exam 1
WEEK 5
Chapter 8- Major Element Chemistry
Chapter 9- Trace Element and Isotopes
Lab 4
WEEK 6
Chapter 10- Magma Generation
Chapter 11- Magma Diversification
Lab 5
WEEK 7
Chapter 12- Layered Mafic Intrusions
Chapter 13- Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts
Lab 6
WEEK 8
Chapter 14- Oceanic Intraplate Volcanism
Chapter 15- Continental Flood Basalts
Lab 7
Exam 2
WEEK 9
Chapter 16- Island Arcs
Chapter 17- Continental Arcs
Lab 8
WEEK 10
Chapter 18- Granitoid Rocks
Chapter 19- Continental Alkaline Magmatism
Lab 9
WEEK 11
Chapter 20- Anorthosites
Chapter 21- Introduction to Metamorphism
Lab 10
WEEK 12
Chapter 22- Classification of Met Rocks
Chapter 23a- Metamorphic Textures 1
Lab 11
Exam 3
WEEK 13
Chapter 23b- Metamorphic Textures 2
Chapter 24- Metamorphic Mineral Assemblages
Lab 12
WEEK 14
Chapter 25- Metamorphic Facies and Mafic
Rocks
Chapter 26- Metamorphic Reactions
Lab 13
WEEK 15
Chapter 27- Thermodynamics and
Geothermobarometry
Chapter 28- Metamorphim of Pelitic Sediments
Lab 14
WEEK 16
Chapter 29- Metamorphism of Calcareous and
Ultramafic Rocks
Chapter 30- Metamorphic Fluids, Mass Transfer,
and Metasomatism
Lab 15
FINAL WEEK
Exam 4, final