Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LC Earth Materials
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 36184
Module Lead	Tom Dunkley Jones
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Practical Classes and workshops-30 hours Guided independent study-160 hours Total: 200 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 the planet Earth where the major planetary reservoirs are examined. The discussion begins with the 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 the introduction to metamorphism and magmatic processes with an emphasis on the larger impacts of volcanological hazards.The basic knowledge acquired in the first part of the module is now used to understand the mechanisms of magma production across global tectonic settings. Geothermal gradients, decompression, volatile release and high temperature processes are discussed for generating magmas and volcanic products. Basic information about magma ascent and processes operating in magma chambers is also given. Introduction to metamorphic rocks and development of metamorphic textures and metamorphic minerals follows on from knowledge of igneous processes. The course also provides an introduction to basic chemistry and the first principals of geochemistry, especially in its application to magmatic and metamorphic processes.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the overall chemical composition and structure of the solar system and the Earth and the major processes regulating distribution of the elements. Identify and describe the common types of igneous and metamorphic rocks and rock-forming minerals. Understand the origin and nature of igneous and metamorphic rocks from source region, to magma chambers to secondary deformational events. Use the petrological microscope to identify common primary minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as interpret mineral relationships and textures in thin section. Understand the basic geochemistry. Including atoms, elements, isotopes, balancing equations, phases and reactions.
Assessment	36184-04 : 90 minute MCQ Canvas exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) (50%) 36184-05 : Assessment 1 : Coursework (25%) 36184-06 : Assessment 2 : Coursework (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Summative assessment: Assessments: One, 1.5 hr, multiple choice question examination (January) (50% of the module) 2 assessed summative practicals based on in-class practical activities (50% of the module). Reassessment: If module failed, resit exam component only. Formative assessment: Ongoing formative feedback for all practical classes that will give students preparation for the summative assessments
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