Earth Materials - GEOS2181

Faculty: Faculty of Science

School: School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Course Outline: http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/

Campus: Sydney

Career: Undergraduate

Units of Credit: 6

EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)

Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 4

CSS Contribution Charge: 2 (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.