spring 2020 GEO-3105 Petrology 2 - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries:1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester.

Type of course

This course is available as single course.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other program for basis of admission.

Application code: 9371.


Course content

The aim of this course is to teach the students modern methods of analysis of the metamorphic and magmatic rocks.

The first part of the course will be devoted to magmatic petrology. Advanced concepts on the magmatic processes from genesis to emplacement of the magma will be given. The main emphasis will be on the magma itself (properties, volatiles content, diffusion, rheology, magma ascent) and how the tools of petrology can be used to better understand the magmatic processes.

In the second part, a thorough introduction to metamorphic processes and their evaluation will be given, including the use of projections, phase diagrams and Schreinemakers phase theory. The main focus will be on the problems associated with estimates of metamorphic conditions. The compulsory practicals will be focused on the reading of phase diagrams and also on the actual use of conventional thermobarometry, as well as the use of modelling thermodynamic software.


Recommended prerequisites

GEO-2001 Mineralogy, GEO-2004 Petrology, GEO-2008 Geochemistry

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The students has

  • knowledge of the basic principles of phase petrology.
  • knowledge of the principles of phase diagrams used in metamorphic and magmatic petrology.
  • understanding of the basic theory used for the practical thermobarometry.

Skills

The student can

  • read the commonly used petrological phase diagrams.
  • relate the information in the phase diagrams with natural rocks.
  • use thermodynamic modelling software for the calculation of the phase diagrams.
  • analyze and integrate information on concepts relevant to petrology.
  • use the data collected from natural metamorphic rocks for the interpretation of their temperature/depth history.

General competences

The student can

  • carry out the most important elements of geological research projects: penetrating literature, analyzing data, and communicating results to fellow students/scientists.
  • obtain, analyze and synthesize information relevant to petrology from a range of external sources, including the scientific literature.
  • solve advanced petrological problems analytically and prompt in written English and present research results orally in plenum.
  • work independent and in a team.


Language of instruction and examination

English.

Teaching methods

28 hours of lectures and 28 hours of practical exercises.

Assessment

Take-home exam (home assignment) that counts 100% of the final grade.

Grading scale: Letters A-F, where of F is fail. There will not be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the ordinary examination.

Admittance to the exam requires approved exercises.


  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: GEO-3105