Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks which comprise the solid Earth. The study of minerals is essential for understanding the structure and composition of the earth and the detailed processes of the rock cycle. Mineralogy forms the basis for petrology (the study of the genesis of rocks) and geochemistry.

Aims

This unit aims to allow you to develop the theoretical background to understand the genesis and stability of minerals and the practical skills necessary to describe, identify, and classify minerals and mineral associations.

Objectives

In completing this unit you should
1. understand the theory of mineralogy and optical mineralogy,
2. understand the concepts related to the genesis of minerals, occurrence of different mineral associations and mineral stability,
3. be competent in the identification of minerals in hand specimen,
4. be skilled in the application of optical microscopy to the identification of minerals and be able to identify unknown minerals optically using systematic approaches,
5. develop skill in independent research and scientific writing.

Content

Systematic treatment of the physical, chemical and structural properties of minerals; crystallography, and crystal chemistry; bonding and mineral properties; classification of minerals; mineral associations; mineral formation and stability in igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks and ores; techniques of mineral analysis; theory and identification of minerals in transmitted light.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and independent research. Lectures are used to introduce the central concepts of mineralogy and optical mineralogy. Practical exercises incorporate independent and group work, with an emphasis on reflective learning. Practical exercises are self-marking in a framework of formative assessment. Problems are set to encourage you to develop and apply the theory of mineralogy or various analytical techniques. An independent project introduces selected components of scientific research and report develops your skill in scientific writing.

Assessment

Summative assessment includes a mid-term theory and practical examination and a final theory and practical examination. Assessment of the project (applied) [Learning Outcome 5] is formative and summative with feedback provided on drafts.Verbal feedback on a weekly basis on their practical assignments.
Verbal and written feedback on project work.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Formative/summative
Relates to objectives: 3, 4, 5
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: late semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Mid-semester theory and final theory examinations.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7 and end sem

Assessment name: Examination (Practical)
Description: Final practical examinations.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text:

Required:

1. Perkins D (2011) Mineralogy, 3rd edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall
2. Copeland P (2011) Communicating Rocks, 1st edition, New Jersay: Pearson

References:

1. Klein C (2002) Mineral Science, 22nd edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc

2. Deer WA, Howie RA & Zussman J (1992) An Introduction to the Rock Forming Minerals, 2nd edition, Essex: Longman

3. Gribble CD & Hall AJ (1992) Optical Mineralogy Principles and Practice, London: UCL Press Ltd

4. Kerr, Optical Mineralogy (any edition)

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Jan-2013