OVERVIEW

Petrography provides the basic knowledge necessary to classify and understand the formation processes of magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, forming the Earth's lithosphere. Petrography plays a fundamental role in Earth Sciences because it provides the skills necessary to characterize the composition and structure of geomaterials, with both applicative and understanding implications for the Earth's dynamics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge on the genetic processes of magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. In particular the aspects concerning the microstructures, the mineralogical and chemical composition of the rocks are dealt with, both for classification purposes and for understanding the genetic processes. The latter are also developed through the study of phase diagrams of magmatic and metamorphic petrology. The course also includes a practical part of exercises in the laboratory and on the field, aimed at providing the tools necessary for the recognition and description of rocks, from the thin section, to the mesoscopic sample, to the outcrop.

PREREQUISITES

To deal efficiently with the contents of the course, basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry, mineralogy and geology is required. As reported in the Manifesto, the teaching of Mineralogy is propedeutic to Petrography.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISABETTA RAMPONE (President)

MARCO SCAMBELLURI (President)

LAURA GAGGERO

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is unique and integrated for the two modules.

The exam consists of a written and an oral test. The student must also present a paper that contains the description of all the thin sections and samples of metamorphic and magmatic rocks examined during laboratory exercises (module 1 and module 2).

The written test involves the description and classification of a thin section of magmatic or metamorphic rock under an optical microscope and the description and classification of a hand-made sample of magmatic or metamorphic rock. Each description is given a grade from 0 to 30 and the mark of the practical test is the average between the two votes.

The oral exam consists in the discussion of the Magmatic Petrography (module 1) and Metamorphic Petrography (module 2) program.

The final grade is given by the arithmetic average between the mark of the practical test and the oral exam. The oral exam must be taken in the same session as the practical test. The positive evaluation of the written test (grade> 18) remains valid for one year. 2 appeals will be available in the winter session (January-February) and 4 appeals in the summer session (June, July, September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

The written exam will verify the actual acquisition of the necessary knowledge to recognize and classify the main types of magmatic and metamorphic rocks both through the observation of thin sections by optical microscope and by the observation of samples. The verification also concerns the student's ability to recognize and describe the formation processes of the observed samples and the geological settings of formation of the observed rock samples. The student must be able to connect and integrate the knowledge learned during the laboratory activities with those provided during the lectures.

The oral exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures (modules 1 and 2) and will aim to assess not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to recall the theoretical notions applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule