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This course will concentrate on the geochemical aspects of igneous petrology. At every stage we will be seeking to discover what magma chemistry can tell us about the nature of igneous processes and the relationships between igneous rocks. Following coverage of "core material" we will discuss particular igneous processes, the petrogenesis of certain rock suites and select some of the "hot topics" in igneous petrology.
This course focuses on geochemical aspects of igneous petrology. Methods of geochemical data collection, evaluation, interpretation and presentation are examined using real geochemical datasets to discover what magma chemistry can reveal about the nature of igneous processes and the relationships between igneous rocks.Weekly round-table discussions will draw on some of the ‘hot topics’ in igneous petrology, outline techniques used to measure geochemical data and how to tackle the marked assignments. Students will also be shown the sample preparation and analytical facilities available in the School, for possible use in their thesis. Marked assignments will include problem sets where the students have to manipulate, describe and interpret geochemical datasets in terms of igneous processes. Students will also present a poster on a subject of their choice in the field of igneous petrology or geochemistry. Finally, they will prepare an illustrated report in the style of a journal article presenting, describing and interpreting an existing geochemical dataset, applying what they have learnt throughout the course, which will be reviewed by one of their peers and the course coordinator and they will revise the report in response to those reviews.
To become confident and competent in evaluating, interpreting and presenting geochemical data.1) Realise the importance of geochemistry and igneous petrology to all aspects of geology.2) Choose the appropriate geochemical techniques to test geological hypotheses.3) Manipulate and interpret geochemical data to understand igneous processes.4) Discuss the benefits and limitations of geological interpretations based on geochemical data.5) Write an abstract, prepare and present a poster, and deliver an oral presentation. Experience in presenting to an informed audience.6) Research and write a scientific report, undertake a peer review, respond to a peer review and revise the report accordingly. Preparation for writing a thesis and papers, and understanding the peer-review and publication process.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
One lecture per week.
Alex Nichols
Rob Spiers
Five problem sets - 40% - Throughout the coursePoster, abstract and 3-minute oral presentation - 30% - End of term 1Research report, peer review and revised version - 30% - Through term 2
Deer, W. A. , Howie, R. A., Zussman, J; An introduction to the rock-forming minerals ; 2nd ed.; Longman Scientific & Technical ; Wiley, 1992.
Gill R; Modern Analytical Geochemistry ; Longman, 1997.
Rollinson, Hugh R.1949-; Using geochemical data : evaluation, presentation, interpretation ; Longman Scientific & Technical ; Copublished in the U.S. with J. Wiley & Sons, 1993.
Winter, John D.1948-; An introduction to igneous and metamorphic petrology ; Prentice Hall, 2001.
Students will be required to read journal articles to fully answer the problem sets, to help prepare their posters and to support their research report.
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Prerequisites: GEOL336 or equivalent (subject to approval from Head of School)Recommended preparation: An understanding of chemistry, mathematics, mineralogy and some experience of using Excel or an alternative spreadsheet and graphing program is recommended.
Domestic fee $1,084.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .