This course covers the fundamentals of physical and chemical mineralogy as a basis for senior courses in petrology. The course comprises four inter-related sections as follows: crystallography, crystallographic calculati
ons and a brief introduction to X-ray crystallography; Crystal optics: the theory and practice of identifying minerals by means of the polarising microscope; Mineralogy: the chemical, physical and optical properties of select
ed groups of rock-forming minerals; Phase diagrams: interpretation of one, two and simple three component phase diagrams.

DP requirements: Attendance at 80% of practicals and an average of 30% in all marked class work and tests.

Assessment: Marked class work, including tests, count 20%; one 2-hour practical examination in June counts 30%; one 2-hour theory paper in June counts 50%. Subminima of 40% are required in practical and theory examination papers.

*Course content subject to change