GEOS581

This modular course provides a flexible, intensive introduction to the mineralogy needed in resource geology - the geology applied to mineral deposits, fuels and gems. It is designed for students and professionals in the sciences and engineering who need a focused introduction to and/or review of relevant topics. Four separable 1-credit modules cover principles and tools with illustrative applications: (1) fundamentals, (2) mineral characterization, (3) microscopy, and (4) mineralogical data analysis. Fundamentals cover principles of crystal chemistry, crystallography and systematic mineralogy. Mineral characterization surveys methods for identification (e.g., X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy) and chemical analysis (e.g., electron, ion and laser techniques). Microscopy reviews the principles and covers the basic techniques of transmitted and reflected light microscopy. Data analysis covers treatment of quantitative mineralogical data as commonly used in resource geology applications. Each module consists of asynchronous on-line lectures, self-tests, and lab (practicum) components combined with regular discussion sections.

Modules are self-contained and may be taken as a whole or separately provided that the prerequisites for each module are met. Modules need not be taken in the same semester, however the same module cannot be repeated for credit. Each module consists of 15 hours of lecture plus related reading, homework and project work. Thus 1-4 credits may be earned for the course depending on the number of modules successfully completed (each module completed earns 1 credit). Prerequisites include either prior course work (see below) or satisfactory performance on a qualifying test.