| Effective Term: | 2024/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Petrology |
| Unit ID: | SCGEO3102 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (SCGEO1103) (At least 105 credit points from ANY subject-area at any level) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 010703 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This unit gives students the opportunity to examine metamorphic and igneous rocks, minerals, and relationships in detail. Students will be exposed to both theory and practical application, as well as field based investigations. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:No |
| Supplementary assessment is not available to students who gain a fail in this Unit. |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | |  | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Communicate the mineralogy of the main igneous rock associations. |
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| K2. | Explain key magmatic processes. |
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| K3. | Relate metamorphic processes to lithology and environments |
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| K4. | Compare and contrast igneous rock classification and nomenclature schemes |
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| K5. | Categorise metamorphic and igneous minerals and relationships in thin section |
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| K6. | Relate the optical properties of common rock forming minerals using a standard polarizing microscope to mineral chemistry and structure |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Appraise and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks using a range of nomenclature systems |
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| S2. | Appraise tectonic significance of igneous rock occurrences. |
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| S3. | Identify and sketch minerals and rocks using optical microscopy |
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| S4. | Investigate igneous and metamorphic rocks and minerals and connect to techtonic environments |
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| S5. | Interpret and appraise mineral and rock textures |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Interpret, reframe and articulate complex geological concepts to a range of audiences |
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| A2. | Classify, interpret and connect metamorphic and igneous rocks and processes |
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| A3. | Articulate the correct use of a polarizing microscope to identify a range of minerals and rock textures |
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| Other outcomes: |
| Unit Content: |
•The mineralogy and classification of Igneous Rocks.
•Chemistry - silica content, the saturation concept (silica and alumina). The CIPW norm and its calculation. Feldspathoids.
•Igneous rock associations and suites. Tholeiites, alkaline rocks and calc-alkaline rocks. *Other associations. Chemical variation diagrams etc.
•Magmatic differentiation, fractional crystallisation, assimilation, immiscibility etc.
•Origin of basalts. Partial melting of the mantle and magmatic evolution.
•Tectonic settings of basaltic rocks. MORB`s, IOB`s, Continental and island arc basalts.
•Granites - nomenclature. Naming coarse grained felsic igneous rocks. Mineralogy and its relationship to chemical composition and oxidation state.
•Theories on the origins of granite magmas. Historical development to present day.
•Classification and naming of metamorphic rocks
•Metamorphic facies
•Metamorphism and rock bulk composition
•Theory of polarised light and its interaction with crystalline matter
•Use and application of polarizing microscope to mineralogy
•Basics of crystallography |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | Professional Standards |
| 1. |
K1,K4-K6, S1-S5. A1- A3 |
Examination of various key rock suites in both hand specimen and thin section |
Laboratory Practicals |
30-40% |
|
| 2. |
K3, K4 , S1, S4, A1, A2 |
Early intervention task - theory test on lecture material |
Online test |
5-10% |
|
| 3. |
K1, K5, K6, S1, S3, S5, A3 |
Examination of selected samples in hand specimen and thin section and interpretation of bulk rock chemistry |
Practical test |
15-25% |
|
| 4. |
K1-K4, S1, S2, S4, A1, A2 |
Demonstrate level of understanding of key petrological principals and rock associations |
Theory test |
25-35% |
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