Fall 2003

Instructor: Karl Wirth

Class Meetings: MWF 2:20 - 4:20 pm

Office: Olin/Rice 113

Phone: 651-696-6449

E-mail: wirth@macalester.edu

Objectives & Format

The Mineralogy course introduces students to the composition and structure of minerals, the basic building blocks of the Earth. Once you know how to “read” them, minerals can provide information about the origin and evolution of rocks and the Earth. The primary objective of this course is to help you learn how to read these clues!

Specifically, by the end of this course you will:

1. be familiar with the physical properties of minerals
2. will recognize common minerals and will be able to identify others
3. understand the relationships between internal (composition and structure) and external properties of minerals
4. be familiar with the equipment (spectrograph, optical microscope, x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope), methods, and literature used to study minerals
5. be introduced to the physical conditions that affect the stability and occurrence of minerals
6. know how to use the interaction of light with solid materials to study minerals
7. know how to utilize the interaction of x-rays with crystalline materials to study minerals
8. have the research skills necessary to investigate minerals and rocks
9. recognize elements of symmetry and have improved 3D visualization skills
10. be able to interpret the broader significance of mineral compositions and structures

The course is designed to have a studio format. In other words, lecture and laboratory are not separate. The class meets in three two-hour blocks to provide maximum flexibility for moving between hands-on, group activities, and lecture. In general, whenever possible we will try to learn by “doing” rather than by more traditional lecture. Therefore, it is essential that you come prepared to class. This means that you must do the assigned readings before class in order to effectively benefit and contribute to the classroom activities. Many of our activities will also be based on teamwork, and you are encouraged to work closely with others in the course throughout the semester. However, it is important that you make sure each team member has full ownership and understanding of the course materials.

Texts & Materials

Assessment

How to Succeed in this Course
This course is designed so that readings, lectures, and laboratory exercises reinforce each other. If you give it your honest effort (i.e., attend class, lab and field trips; do all the assigned readings before class; take notes and ask questions in class; complete all of the laboratory exercises; re-read your notes and the assignments after class/lab; and seek assistance whenever you have questions) it is highly probable that you will receive a letter grade of at least a B+. Trust me! As always, you also have the option of ignoring all of the above and going for the "Squash Challenge" (challenge me to a match on the squash court). However, you should be warned that no one has ever attempted this option before!

Lab Assignments
Laboratory assignments are due in lab the week after they are assigned. I am usually quite understanding if you have other conflicts that week, but you must talk to me before the fact! Late lab assignments will receive a lower grade.

Incompletes
Incompletes are granted only under unusual circumstances. Do not wait until the end of the semester to discuss this with me if you anticipate extraordinary circumstances during the semester.

Schedule (click here to download a copy of the schedule in PDF format) - revised 09/10/03

Links