625-303 Geochemistry & Petrogenesis

625-202 (or prior to 2004: 625-224). An additional 37.5 points selected from 625-201, 625-211, 625-222, 625-203 or 625-223 is strongly recommended.

Solving geological problems requires unravelling what happened and when. Petrogenesis is literally 'the origin of rocks' and in this subject several essential tools geologists employ to unravel the complexity of earth processes using chemical information preserved in rocks and minerals will be presented. These include mineral equilibria, phase diagrams, and major, trace element and isotope geochemistry. Most of this subject relates to igneous and metamorphic processes, however many of the tools can be applied to a broad range of geological problems (eg. dating the formation of sedimentary rocks and ore deposits).

In addition to learning the principles that underpin these techniques, emphasis is placed on how or when they are best applied. It is expected that by the end of the semester you will be able to explain how specific tools work and demonstrate both when it is appropriate, and how to apply them, to resolve petrogenetic problems.

In this subject, students should recognise the importance of integrating the knowledge and skills obtained through years of study to tackle new and unfamiliar problems. This will require critical thinking and the organisation of materials delivered in lectures, together with the development of problem-solving skills via the laboratory exercises.

A 2-hour practical examination during the semester (25%); a written assignment up to 2000 words due at the end of semester (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (55%).