625-303 Geochemistry & Petrogenesis

Earth sciences 625-224

Topics cover mineral equilibria, igneous and metamorphic phase diagrams, principles of geochemistry; distribution of elements in rocks and minerals; isotope geochemistry; trace element geochemistry; and applications to petrogenetic problems.

On completion of this subject, students should appreciate concepts in phase equilibria, phase diagrams, isotope geochemistry and trace element geochemistry, understand the applicability of geochemistry in delineating and understanding petrogenetic problems, see order in the complexity of igneous and metamorphic rock-forming processes, and understand the approaches used to delineate the rock-forming processes.

A 3-hour written examination and a 3-hour practical examination, or its equivalent in the form of reports totalling up to 3000 words.