GO 324 Rocks and Minerals
Dr. Susan Ward Aber

www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/intro.htm

Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas USA
Earth Science Department



Fall 2008 Petrology Class at Stanton Limestone
Left to right: Joseph, Gayla, Susie, Scott, CeLena, John, Sam
Photo © by J.S. Aber, November 2008

Course Introduction

General Enrollment Information

General Course Information

Schedule in Brief

References and Links

Introduction

This course is an introduction to petrology. Petrology is a branch of geology that deals with the origin, occurrence, structure, and history of rocks (Bates & Jackson, 1987, p. 497). It is a term used to encompass the study of rocks, which is based on observation and classification, and subdivided into petrography and petrogenesis. Petrography is the study of the description and systematic classification of rocks in thin sections, whereas petrogenesis covers the histories of formation and origins of rocks (Raymond, 1995, p. 2).

This course focuses on recognition, terminology, and classification of minerals, rocks, and sediments. The emphasis is on sight identification and description using only simple equipment. This three-credit hour course is intended primarily for campus students pursuing an earth science major (B.S.), earth/space science certification (B.S.E.), and integrated studies major (B.I.S.). The course is taught on the Emporia State University campus and these webpages are meant to be complementary to the course.

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General Enrollment Information

An ESU fall semester schedule of events can be found at www.emporia.edu/regist/enroll/syll.htm and generalized course information, www.emporia.edu/esuclass/index.htm. The ESU Undergraduate Catalog is online at www.emporia.edu/regist/catalog/, and review ESU policy at www.emporia.edu/esuclass/dishones.htm. Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating and plagiarism, is not tolerated in this course and penalties will result. In addition,
Emporia State University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services, http://www.emporia.edu/disability/, and the professor as early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. All communication between students, the Office of Disability Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.
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General Course Information


If you are enrolled in this course, please email me at saber@emporia.edu and introduce yourself by September 2, 2008. Place GO 324 syllabus in the subject line, provide me with your preferred email address, and remind me to add one point to your first test for participating and following instructions!


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SCHEDULE in BRIEF

  • Aug. 21
  • Introductions and Minerals
  • Sept. 18
  • Minerals - Exam I
  • Oct. 09
  • No class meeting, Fall Break
  • Oct. 16
  • Igneous Rock - Exam II
  • Nov. 07
  • Required Field Trip on a FRIDAY
  • Nov. 11
  • No class meeting, Veteran’s Day
  • Nov. 13
  • Sedimentary & Metamorphic Rock - Exam III
  • Nov. 18
  • Kansas/Colorado Rocks and Minerals
  • Nov. 27
  • No class meeting, Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec. 09
  • Final review; Collections Due (no excuses accepted!)
  • Dec. 15 or 16
  • Comprehensive Final, Exam IV, Monday, 8:00-9:50 OR
    Tuesday, 8:00-9:50 a.m.
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    References and Notable Links

    Course Lecture Links

    Petrology Introduction
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/intro.htm
    Minerals
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/mineral.htm
    Rocks
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/rock.htm
    Igneous
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/igneous.htm
    Sedimentary Rock
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/sediment.htm
    Metamorphic Rock
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/metamor.htm
    Course Field Trip
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/field_trip.htm
    Course Syllabus
    www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go324/syllabus.htm

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    This page originates from the Earth Science department for the use and benefit of students enrolled at Emporia State University. The curriculum is © by the author, 2001-2008. Last update 26 November 2008. For more information contact the course instructor, Dr. S. W. Aber, e-mail: saber@emporia.edu

    To understand copyright, visit www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/copyright.html and lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/. All rights reserved. Susan Ward Aber.