Listed in: Geology, as GEOL-321
Victor E. Guevara (Sections 01 and 01L)
The majority of Earth’s volume is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which originate through processes that operate deep beneath earth’s surface, driven by the movement of tectonic plates. Igneous and metamorphic rocks preserve an interpretable record of the creation and modification of continents, mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The formation and existence of these rocks, in turn, modulate global volatile cycles, and the evolution of life on earth. In this course, students will explore the processes and environments involved in the genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks by integrating field and petrographic observations with quantitative applications of experimental data and chemical principles (thermodynamics, major and trace element geochemistry). Through field and laboratory investigations, students will learn how to read the archive of earth processes as preserved in igneous and metamorphic rocks and make inferences about the implications of their formation for the evolution of the Earth system.
Requisite: GEOL 111 and GEOL 271. Professor Guevara. Spring 2024
How to handle overenrollment: null
Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Lab exercises and field trips will involve hands-on experience in: analyzing mineral textures and microstructures in rocks (at all scales - in the field, in hand sample, and under the microscope) and applying principles of thermodynamics to reconstruct the record of igneous and metamorphic processes in the rock record. In-class, active-learning exercises and problem sets will foster an inclusive learning community. Reflection assignments will ask participants to deeply engage with the course content and become aware of how they are learning. There will be two open-note, asynchronous, learning assessments that assess students' understanding of concepts, and the integration of the concepts. A capstone research project involving reading of peer-reviewed literature and a 12-15 minute oral presentation will allow students to explore cutting-edge topics in igneous and metamorphic petrology.
Section 01
Tu 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM BEBU 303
Th 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM BEBU 303
Section 01L
Tu 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM BEBU 303