GEOL 312
PETROLOGY

1. Catalog Entry

GEOL 312. Petrology
Three hours lecture; six hours laboratory (5).

Prerequisite: GEOL 212.

Introduction to composition, texture, classification, origin, evolution and distribution of the major rock groups based on established field relationships and experimental determinations. Laboratory emphasis on hand samples and thin-sections.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

Petrology examines the full range of the three rock groups: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic and includes the study of their composition, texture, classification, origin, evolution and distribution. Topics include:

1. Petrography, composition, classification, and field relationships of igneous rocks.
2. Calc-alkaline, subalkaline basaltic, alkaline, and ultramafic rock bodies.
3. Crystal-liquid-vapor equilibria in magmatic systems.
4. Magma generation, diversification, and ascent.
5. Petrography, classification, weathering, and provenance of sedimentary rocks.
6. Sedimentary environments, facies, and sedimentary structures.
7. Petrography, composition, classification, and field relationships of metamorphic rocks.
8. Mineralogical and chemical aspects of metamorphic systems.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course includes three hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory a week. Lecture presents the basic information of petrology. The student is asked to read related journal articles as a supplement to lecture. Laboratory includes the use of hand samples and thin-sections to examine each of the rock groups. Detailed labs are included on rock identification and classification; thin-section examination, with an emphasis on recognition of minerals and fabrics; and the recognition of rocks in a field setting. Field trips are included. Students will also make a thin-section and prepare a detailed report on it.

4. Goals and Objectives of Course

1. Students will understand the principles and theory of the origin of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
2. Students will gain skills in identifying hand specimens of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and be able to demonstrate these skills.
3. Students will understand and be able to explain the mineralogy and textures of rocks.
4. Students will gain skill and be able to demonstrate the use of a petrographic microscope in the study of rocks as thin sections.
5. Students will learn how to further their knowledge of petrology by use of the scientific literature.
6. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge gained in lecture to the practical problems posed in lab.
7. Students will gain knowledge and skills that can be used for further study in advanced courses, graduate graduate school, and in industry.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment is based on a number of lecture exams and laboratory exercises and exams on each rock group, and a final thin-section report. Lecture exams will assess the student's knowledge of the theory and origin of rocks. Laboratory exercises and practical examinations will assess the student's ability to identify and describe rocks. Additional reports on thin-section projects and/or field trips will also be used.

6. Other Course Information

1. GEOL 312 is a required course for a geology major.
2. Bibliography:

• Ehlers, E.G., Blatt, H., 1980, Petrology: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic, W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 732 p.
• MacKenzie, W.S., Donaldson, C.H., Guilford, C., 1982, Atlas of Igneous Rocks and Their Textures, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 148 p.

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

Date Action Approved By
August 12, 2005 Reviewed and Updated Stephen W. Lenhart, Chair