Unit information: Economic Geology in 2014/15

Unit name	Economic Geology
Unit code	EASC30044
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Cooper
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce fundamental concepts in economic geology and the formation of ore deposits, including magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal systems, supergene enrichment in near surface deposits, sedimentary ore forming processes, kimberlites and diamond exploration, global tectonic controls in ore formation, and the relationship between crustal evolution and metallogenesis. Practicals will include hand specimen and thin section work, and calculations based on phase diagrams.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, you should:

• Appreciate the wide variety of ore forming processes and their relationships to local geologic setting and global crustal evolution.

• Be able to critically analyse different models of ore body genesis and the factors that lead to ore body formation.

• Be familiar with some of the recent research literature covering the geological controls on economic resources.

• Be able to identify the key ore forming minerals in hand specimen and thin section.

Teaching Information

Lectures and practicals.

Assessment Information

The unit will be assessed through write ups of practical exercises (20%) and a closed 2-hour final examination (80%).

Reading and References

Robb (2005), Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes, Blackwell, 373pp.