Mineralogy and petrology

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes: detailed explanation of concepts and basic principles of Mineralogy and Petrology, using multimedia resources. 

Practical and laboratorial classes: where the students will make the observation, characterization and classification of different types of minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand specimens.

Field work: where the students will have the perception of mineral and rocks in their natural context: the outcrop. In the field the students will develop the methodology of description and classification of the observed materials.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended that students can dominate the basic concepts, principles and theories associated to Mineralogy and Petrology and understand the importance of knowledge of rocks and minerals in the development of human activities related with the land use. It is intended that students can identify the different types of minerals and rocks, with especial reference to the occurrences in Portugal.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Introduction to the Earth Planet.

Geological process and products. The concept of uniformitarianism. The plate tectonics theory. Geological time.

II. Introduction to the terrestrial materials – minerals and rocks.

Introduction to the genesis and diversity of minerals and rocks. Geological and lithological cycle.

III. Mineralogy

Physical and chemical properties of minerals. Mineral classification systems. Identification and main study techiques.

IV. Igneous petrology

Genesis of igneous rocks and their main chemical and physical parameters. Textural aspects and classification systems. Geometry of the igneous bodies. Macroscopic characterization.

 V. Sedimentary Petrology

Genesis of sedimentary rocks and their main environments. Main classification systems. Types and the significance of sedimentary structures. Macroscopic characterization.

VI. Metamorphic Petrology

Genesis of metamorphic rocks. Main classification systems. Macroscopic characterization.

VII. Resources and occurrences in Portugal.

Assessment Methods

Continuous
Attendance and participation in class: 10.0%
Homework: 10.0%
Presentation of practical reports: 20.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Blatt, H., Tracy, R.J. & Owens, B.E. (2006) – Petrology – Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic; 3ª edição, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York;

Press, F. , Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Thomas, J. H. (200& -- Understanding Earth, 4th edition: alguns capítulos;

Nesse, W. D. (2000) – Introduction to Mineralogy, Oxford University Press;

Apontamentos coligidos pelo docente.