Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EASC 301 D100

Igneous Petrology (3)

Class Number: 1324

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 205 and 208. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Integrated theoretical and practical investigation of igneous rocks. Topics include melt generation, ascent and modification of magma, and solidification of magma in plutonic and volcanic environments. Emphasis will be placed on mineralogy, geochemistry and petrography. Relations between magmatic and tectonic processes will be explored.

COURSE DETAILS:

Integrated theoretical and practical investigation of igneous rocks. Topics include melt generation, ascent and modification of magma, and solidification of magma in plutonic and volcanic environments. Emphasis will be placed on mineralogy, geochemistry and petrography. Relations between magmatic and tectonic processes will be explored. Laboratory exercises will focus on rock suites using optical microscopy.
Topics may include:

  1. Classification
  2. Petrographic description
  3. Textures
  4. Field relationships
  5. Phase diagrams
  6. Normative mineralogy
  7. Magmatic differentiation
  8. Magma series
  9. Major and minor element geochemistry
  10. Trace elements
  11. Generation of basaltic magma
  12. Tracer isotopes
  13. Relation of magmatism to tectonics
  14. Geochemistry and tectonics

Grading

  • Lecture Exam 1 20%
  • Lecture Exam 2 20%
  • Labs 15%
  • Lab Exam 20%
  • Lecture Final Exam 25%

NOTES:

*Subject to change within the first two weeks

REQUIREMENTS:

Lab assignments in this course typically require more than 3 hours to complete. Students should realize that extra time, outside the scheduled lab period, will be required.

There will be no field trip, and no supplementary fee, associated with this offering of EASC 301.

** Please check your SFU email and ‘Announcements’ on Canvas regularly **

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have their own hand lens for lab.

RECOMMENDED READING:

“Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology” (2nd edition): John D. Winter; 2010; Prentice-Hall; ISBN: 978-0-321-59257-6. There are only a few differences between this version and the International version that students may have access to online.

“Introduction to Mineralogy”; Nesse, William D; Oxford University Press (Print or Ebook).

Although the 4th edition is the most recent, earlier editions can be used. Note, some of the diagrams and pages may be numbered differently

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.