This course focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to understand the processes and environments in which magmatic and metamorphic rocks form, including the following topics: the relations between crystallisation and deformation in metamorphic rocks and their link to evolution of orogens; reconstruction of plate tectonic processes from detailed investigation at a grain scale; construction and detailed interpretation of phase diagrams; the role of fluid phases and the use of trace elements, radiogenic and stable isotopes to constrain magmatic and metamorphic processes. In addition, the rates of processes are explored: are these fast and furious, or slow and steady.
Laboratory: Characterisation and interpretation of microstructures in magmatic and metamorphic rocks using the optical microscope, construction and interpretation of phase diagrams, selected excursions to Canberra and surroundings.
Honours pathway option (HPO)
Additional readings of greater conceptual difficulty requiring an advanced scientific understanding will be made available for students enrolled in the Honours pathway option (HPO). 20 per cent of the marks available on the exam will be answers to alternate questions for HPO students. Integration of this material in the essay will be expected.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Recognize key metamorphic and magmatic minerals in hand specimens and thin sections. Classification of magmatic and metamorphic rocks based on their mineralogy.
2. Reconstruct conditions of rock formation from the texture and composition of minerals
3. Explain the relation of rock forming processes to tectonic environments
4. Construct phase diagrams and use them to interpret rock textures and rock forming processes
5. Explain the recycling of key elements and volatiles in deep Earth cycles.
Other Information
There will be a cost for the fieldtrips - to be advised.Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Laboratory work (30%; LO 1, 2, 4 , 5)
- Field excursion reports (20%; LO 1-4)
- Research project and presentation (25%; LO 3, 4, 5)
- Theory examination (25%; LO 1, 2, 4)
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Workload
Three hours of lectures and two hours of practicals weekly, plus an overnight field trip to Gulaga and a one day field trip Cooma (dates to be confirmed).
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
J. D. Winter (2001) An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Prentice Hall.
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $5160 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2765 | 19 Feb 2018 | 27 Feb 2018 | 31 Mar 2018 | 25 May 2018 | In Person | N/A |
