Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LC Atoms to Volcanoes
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 33739
Module Lead	Tom Dunkley-Jones
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Practical Classes and workshops-20 hours Guided independent study-70 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The module begins with an investigation into the physical and chemical makeup of the primitive solar nebula the solar system, asteroids/meteorites and planets – with emphasis on Earth. Focus then moves onto building planetary bodies from scratch. The discussion begins with the atoms, crystals and minerals that represent the “basic building blocks of rocks”. Time is spent learning about basic theory about crystallography and mineralogy. The properties of all classes of minerals (including structure and composition) are discussed so that mineral identification can be accomplished in hand specimen. However, particular reference is given to the main rock-forming mineral groups. The module then moves on to the introduction of the petrological microscope whereby the principles of basic petrography are undertaken. This enables the rock-forming minerals to be studied in thin section. After the principles of petrography have been introduced the skill is developed throughout the rest of the module alongside the discussion of basic rock analytical techniques and igneous rock classification. This leads on to magmatic processes with an emphasis on the larger impacts of volcanological hazards.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Place the chemistry of the Earth in the context of the solar system and interstellar objects; Be able to undertake basic transmitted light microscopy; Use an understanding of basic mineralogy and crystallography to make observations of mineral properties in hand specimen and thin section; Be able to identify the main mineral groups and igneous rock types; Understand the fundamentals of igneous petrology and volcanology; Describe the process of magmatic evolution using geochemical data
Assessment	33739-04 : Thin Section Description : Coursework (50%) 33739-06 : MCQ Canvas Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: One, 1 hr, multiple choice question examination (January) (50% of the module) and 1 assessed summative practicals based on in-class practical activities (50% of the module). Reassessment: If module failed, resit exam component only.
Other
Reading List