GEOL 302 - Petrology

This course focuses on the occurrence, origin, and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Students learn how to “read the rocks,” interpreting textures and mineral assemblages, as well as work with geochemical data (major and trace elements). Class and laboratory exercises include hand specimen identification, thin-section interpretation, phase diagrams, textural analysis, major and trace element modeling, conceptual problems and calculations, SEM/EDS, and micro-XRF analysis. Students participate in a final project involving independent analysis of a geological sample, culminating in a poster session in the style of a scientific conference. Field trip(s). Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 250 Spring semester. (4 Credits)