The University of British Columbia

Course Description

Introduction to crystallography, physical and chemical properties of minerals. Recognition and identification of common minerals.

UBC Calendar

For a full listing of course offerings please see the UBC calendar description

Learning Goals

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Use atomic structure and crystallography to identify and explain the properties and groupings of common minerals.
2. Explain correlations between relevant chemical concepts (e.g., substitution and solid solution) and the parts of chemical formulas that control the properties and groupings of common minerals.
3. Describe and explain the processes and environments that lead to common associations of minerals in rocks.
4. Observe, describe, and measure properties of mineral hand specimens to identify minerals and place them in groups.
5. Develop interpersonal and practical skills useful in future careers, such as working in groups to make decisions and preparing individual laboratory term projects. 
6. Apply mineralogy concepts and skills learned in lecture and lab to geological, materials science, environmental, and economic topics.
7. Appreciate the rarity, beauty, and usefulness of Earth’s minerals.

Instructors

Randal Mindell; James Scoates

Textbook

Required lab manual:  EOSC 220 Lab Manual (UBC Bookstore)

Required textbook: 

Perkins, Mineralogy, 3rd edition, Pearson Education (UBC Bookstore)

Course Content

Students currently enrolled in the course can access content on the course VISTA website by using their Campus Wide Login (CWL).

Lecture Topics

See course VISTA website.

Labs

See course VISTA website.