Geology: Earth Materials w/lab

Exploration of the building blocks of the Earth (elements, minerals, and rocks) and their connection to the Earth's past, present, and possible sustainable future. With laboratory. Credit not awarded for both GEOL 3105 and GEOL 2105. Prerequisites: GEOL 1100, GEOL 1400, or Instructor permission.

Prerequisite enforced by the system: GEOL 1400; or Instructor Permission; Must register for lab PACE students with permission and override

Earth Materials explores Earth as a chemical system where a limited number of elements react over a range of geologic conditions to form igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks characterized by unique mineral assemblages, and rock fabrics and mineral textures. Topics covered include processes driving rock-forming reactions, where they take place, and why certain minerals are associated with each rock type. Also included is a study of the chemistry, crystallography and identification of silicate and other common minerals based on their physical and optical properties. Hands on laboratory exercises complement lecture material allowing students, for example, to use microscopes to explore clues that a rock might preserve regarding its origin and history. Textbook (required): Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, Cornelius Klein and Anthony Philpotts, Cambridge University Press, 2016, second edition.

This is an in-person course. Attendance/participation in lectures and labs is expected.

Final grades in this course will be based on: • Lab/homework exercises (50%): Weekly assignments tied to lecture, readings and laboratory content. • Exams (25%): This class has two take-home, open book/open note exams. • Presentation and written reflection (15%): Related to Earth Materials sustainability-related themes • Participation (10%): Attendance and active participation in lecture/lab discussions and activities.