This course focuses on:

• Multidisciplinary approach to understand the processes and environments in which magmatic and metamorphic rocks form. 
• Reading of hard rocks. 
• The relations between crystallisation and deformation in metamorphic rocks and their link to evolution of orogens. 
• Reconstruction of plate tectonic processes from detailed investigation at a grain scale. 
• Construction and detailed interpretation of phase diagrams and their use to constrain nature and composition of fluid phases. 
• Rates of processes: are these fast and furious, or slow and steady: the use of trace elements, radiogenic and stable isotopes to constrain magmatic and metamorphic processes.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. An extra research paper will be given to Masters level students. 

On completion of this course students will achieve:

1. Understanding of the characterisation and interpretation of microstructures in magmatic and metamorphic rocks using optical and electron microscopes. Construction and interpretation of phase diagrams.
2. Expertise in using spreadsheets for petrologic calculations and data manipulation, and graphic programs for display of results. Formulation and testing of working hypotheses.

Assessment will be based on:

• Laboratory work (20%; LO 1, 2, 4, 5)
• Field excursion report (20%; LO 1-4)
• Theory examination (two tests of 30% each; LO 1, 2, 4)

Two hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly, plus one day field trip to Cooma (date to be negotiated)

Bachelor degree; with first year Geology or first year Chemistry

Geology or Chemistry to a first year level.