Earth Materials - GEOS2181

 
Faculty: Faculty of Science
 
 
School:  School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 4
 
 
CSS Contribution Charge:Band 5 (more info)
 
 
Tuition Fee:See Tuition Fee Schedule
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description


An introduction to the nature and analysis of minerals, rocks and soils. Atomic structure, composition, properties and classification of minerals, with special reference to the rock-forming minerals and the clay minerals. Mineral analysis techniques including chemical methods and X-ray diffraction; application of isotope studies including an introduction to radiometric dating. Genesis, analysis and classification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types; chemical weathering and rock formation. Optical properties of minerals and rocks under the polarising microscope.