Undergraduate Course: Geomaterials (EASC08021)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | In this course we explore the fundamental nature of the material which constitutes the Earth and other planets. In the Mineral Science section we consider how atoms are arranged in crystalline materials and how this ultimately governs the nature of geomaterials. Interaction of crystalline materials with light, X-rays and electrons are used to introduce the theoretical and practical basis behind the polarising microscope, X-ray diffraction and electron microscope/microprobe. In Composition of the Earth we review the main groups of Earth Materials, considering (1) how structure, chemistry, physical properties, and occurrence are interrelated, (2) how earth materials are used in modern research as information sources to reveal the nature of Earth processes, and (3) introduce theoretical aspects of modern Earth Materials research (e.g. phase stability and transitions). In the final section Chemical Equilibria we consider how the stability and occurrence of geomaterials can be predicted and determined numerically using thermodynamics, and consider factors governing the rates of Earth processes at variable depths. |
| Course description |
The week-by-week schedule is given in a separate sheet available from the course Learn page.
Further Course Information can be found at the following links:
https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC08021_SV1_SEM1 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/current/dpt/cxeasc08021.htm
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
Earth Dynamics (EASC08001)
Students MUST have passed:
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | If students have not taken Earth Dynamics, they will need the permission of the Course Organiser to take this course. |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the constituent materials which make up the solid Earth, and how the study of minerals can be used to understand the processes which have shaped the Earth throughout geological time.
- Identify, describe and interpret geomaterials from an atomic level to a hand specimen scale, and to be familiar with the foundations and application of modern methods used to study geomaterials: diffraction, optical mineralogy, electron microbeam analysis
- Have a broad understanding of the most important groups of minerals which constitute the Earth, and develop an understanding of the relations between different groups of materials, their occurrence, formation and stability, and how this information can be used to understand processes occurring on the Earth.
- Understand how stability of earth materials can be predicted and determined using thermodynamics, and how the rates of atomic processes govern Earth processes.
- This course will develop students theoretical understanding of the study of Earth materials, observational and analytical skills, and numerical skills through lectures and practicals.
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Reading List
Essential
Nesse, WD (2011) Introduction to Mineralogy. Oxford.
Anderson GM (2009) Thermodynamics of Natural Systems. Cambridge University Press.
Recommended
Klein C (2007) Mineral Science. Wiley.
Klein C and Philpotts A (2016) Earth Materials. Cambridge University Press.
Deer, Howie & Zussmann (1992) An Introduction to the Rock Forming Minerals. Prentice Hall
Best MG (2002) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Blackwell Science.
Gill R (2008) Chemical Fundamentals of Geology. Springer.
Ganguly, J. (2008) Thermodynamics in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Springer.
Cemic, L. Thermodynamics in Mineral Sciences
McKenzie & Guilford, Atlas of Rock-forming Minerals. Routledge
McKenzie & Adams, A Colour Atlas of Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section. Manson
Further reading
Putnis, A. Introduction to Mineral Sciences. Cambridge.
Langmuir D (1997). Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry. Prentice Hall.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Quantitative ability (through practical based mathematical calculations), observational and individual analytical skills (lab practicals) and group work through Portfolio assessment exercises.
Students are actively encouraged to discuss academic problems with fellow students and to work in collaboration through Portfolio assessment exercises: invaluable transferable skills. This course will develop students' theoretical understanding of the study of Earth materials, observational and analytical skills, and numerical skills through lectures and lab-based practical's.
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| Keywords | Geomaterials |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Tetsuya Komabayashi
Tel: (0131 6)50 8518
Email: Tetsuya.Komabayashi@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Johan De Klerk
Tel: (0131 6)50 7010
Email: johan.deklerk@ed.ac.uk |
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