Fall 2020 - EASC 202 D100

Introduction to Mineralogy (3)

Class Number: 1950

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2020
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Kevin Cameron
    kjc@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4703
  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 and CHEM 121. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and chemical properties and chemical principles necessary for the study of minerals.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
Minerals are the basic building blocks of earth materials - this course is designed to give the student a fundamental background in minerals, necessary to understand earth materials. Introduction to Mineralogy will examine the physical and chemical characteristics of the main rock-forming and economic minerals. Lectures will cover the principles of symmetry, mineral chemistry, and mineral-forming environments. Laboratory exercises will deal with basic mineral identification. Students must provide their own handlens and mineral identification kits.

Course Topics:
1. Basic crystallography; including elements of symmetry, atomic order, and stereographic projection.
2. Physical and chemical properties of minerals; methods of mineral identification.
3. Characteristics of the main silicate and non-silicate mineral groups; mineral associations and paragenesis; basic phase equilibria.
4. Economic interest and scientific application of minerals.

Grading

  • Laboratory Mid-term 20%
  • Final Lab Test 35%
  • Lecture Mid-term 15%
  • Final Lecture Exam 30%
  • *Subject to change

NOTES:

The Fall 2020 offering of EASC 202 will be a combination of remote and “face-to-face” instruction.  Lectures for the course will be delivered remotely and labs will be conducted “face-to-face” on campus.  This means that students must be able to listen to the lectures remotely and then travel to the university to attend the lab component in person.  Students should take this into consideration when deciding whether to register for this course.

Due to university access restrictions, students will be responsible for completing some of the lab material / exercises in the scheduled lab time but away from the lab room.

Government health regulations will be in place during the lab sessions and, while physical distancing will be implemented, students are recommended to wear non-medical facemasks while in attendance.

Technology requirements for successfully completing this course include:  Students will require a computer or tablet with stable internet connection.  This device must have video and audio capability and be able to access Canvas, Zoom and be equipped with a camera / webcam.  Students should be aware that some of the assessment methods (quizzes, tests, exam) in this course will be conducted online and may be proctored using electronic invigilation during which students will be required to have their computer camera turned on.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

See also Notes. A 10X magnifying lens should be brought to labs.  Coloured pencils will be useful in labs.  Information on what should be included in a mineral identification kit will be discussed in the first few weeks of the course.

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text: “ Introduction to Mineralogy” 3rd Edition; Nesse, William D; 2012; Oxford University Press

Note:  As this text is required / useful for other courses in the EASC program, it is recommended that students acquire an actual copy.  Numerous websites offer this text for purchase either as used or new versions.  Although the 3rd edition is the most recent, the 2nd edition can be used.
ISBN: 9780190618384

RECOMMENDED READING:

A mineral identification "handbook" and a Geological dictionary.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).