G 146 Rocks and Minerals

Examines rocks, minerals, economic geology, resources, mining, environmental impacts, energy alternatives, resource conservation and problem solving. Labs explore how rocks, minerals and gems form, are classified, their symmetry, textures and structures, and how to decipher their geologic histories. Lab included.

Credits

4

General Education Requirements

Sci/Math/CS-Lab

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Critically examine the methods, hazards, sustainability, and environmental impacts of mining and mineral/rock use

2. Identify the characteristics of minerals and major rock types, and recognize common rock forming and resource minerals and the types of rocks within which they are found

3. Describe the chemistry of minerals and recognize mineral groups and silicate subclasses and their interrelationships

4. Sketch space lattices, and sketch or demonstrate the symmetry and characteristics of the crystal systems

5. Explain the formation of minerals, gems, ore deposits, and specific types of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

6. Conduct sample collection, such as minerals and fossils, using appropriate techniques, labeling, documentation, and ethics

7. Report how rocks and minerals are used as resources and the relationships among rocks, minerals, gems and society