Introduction to Mineralogy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

85 hours

Knowledge of third-year geology strongly recommended.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This is a 5-day course of lectures, practical sessions, and laboratory visits focussed on modern mineral identification techniques. The course will include demonstrations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). A revision of basic mineralogy concepts will be provided, before visiting Melbourne Museum to use some of the museum's mineralogy facilities (including the XRD) and a tour of the museum's mineral collection provided by the museum's senior geoscience curator. Students will be introduced to EMPA and analyse their samples using the SEM. A practical on how to evaluate the quality of geochemical data and how they should be presented will also be included.

• Evaluate the quality of geochemical data using modern mineral indentification techniques;
• learn how to recognize the relationship between mineral phases and geological processes;
• learn how to use modern laboratory methods of mineral identification.

• 1500 word project report, due one week after the last day of classes (70%)
• 15 minute project presentation, due last day of teaching period (30%)

Hurdle requirement: the completion of daily exercises (not assessed) throughout the teaching period.

Pre-reading to be completed in the pre-teaching period.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Exercise critical judgement;
• undertake rigorous and independent thinking;
• adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks;
• develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills;
• interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature;
• work as part of a team.