This course provides those interested in any aspect of the Earth Sciences with the base necessary to understand the physical and chemical properties of Earth Materials (e.g. minerals and rocks). The primary focus of this course is to understand the concept of optical and chemical mineralogy in the broad context of the geosciences, and explore how the tools of chemical thermodynamics can be used to explore the Earth System." 

Our primary tools will be field and hand sample observations, petrographic analysis of rocks and minerals in thin section, and x-ray and electron beam based analytical techniques.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Any 100-level GEOS course.

Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: