Spring 2026 - EASC 311 D100
Metamorphic Petrology (3)
Class Number: 2478
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 17, 2026
Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Reid Staples
rdstaple@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4925
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Prerequisites:
EASC 301 with a grade of C- or better. EASC 302 recommended.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Investigation of the physicochemical processes responsible for the origin of metamorphic rocks. Integrated study of the mineralogy, textures and phase relations through examination of hand sample and petrographic thin sections.
COURSE DETAILS:
Investigation of the physicochemical processes responsible for the origin of metamorphic rocks. Topics covered include: the identification and classification of metamorphic rocks; the relationship between the timing of mineral growth and deformation fabrics in the context of changing P-T conditions and crustal processes; application of the principles of equilibrium thermodynamics to evaluate the formation and stability of metamorphic mineral assemblages; phase diagrams; distinguishing mineralogical differences that are the result of variations in bulk rock composition versus those that result from differences in pressure, temperature, and/or fluid conditions; using mineral and bulk-rock chemical analyses with thermodynamic calculations to predict equilibrium temperatures and pressures.
Grading
- Lab assignments 15%
- Final lab test 25%
- Lecture mid-term 25%
- Final lecture exam 35%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Hand lens
RECOMMENDED READING:
“Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology”; John D. Winter; 2nd Edition 2010; Pearson Prentice Hall; ISBN 978-0-32-159257-6
“Introduction to Mineralogy” 3rd Edition; Nesse, William D; 2016; Oxford University Press; ISBN 978-0-19-0618353 (This text is also used for EASC 202
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.