Earth Materials: Genesis, Composition, Evolution, Properties
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course unit will provide a basic knowledge of Earth materials, starting with an introduction to mineralogy to understand the constitution and properties of minerals, and their aggregation in rocks. Genesis, evolution, and weathering, considering variables such as pressure, temperature, and geochemical environment, of minerals and rocks will also be presented.
Expected learning outcomes
The student is expected to possess the following set of knowledges:
- Basic mineralogy
- Crystal properties and geophysical implications
- Earth's origin and chemical differentiation
- Composition of Earth's major reservoirs
- Rock cycle and rock classification
- Petrological processes in the different geodynamic environments
- Water-rock interaction and water chemistry
- Biogeochemical cycles (C-N)
- Most common tools available for the identifications of minerals and rocks
The student will also acquire communication skills (ability of describing topics related to basic elements of mineralogy, rocks and geochemistry) and learning skills (ability to select and read scientific papers and books to increase the knowledge on the topics introduced during the lectures).
- Basic mineralogy
- Crystal properties and geophysical implications
- Earth's origin and chemical differentiation
- Composition of Earth's major reservoirs
- Rock cycle and rock classification
- Petrological processes in the different geodynamic environments
- Water-rock interaction and water chemistry
- Biogeochemical cycles (C-N)
- Most common tools available for the identifications of minerals and rocks
The student will also acquire communication skills (ability of describing topics related to basic elements of mineralogy, rocks and geochemistry) and learning skills (ability to select and read scientific papers and books to increase the knowledge on the topics introduced during the lectures).
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to mineralogy, crystallography, and crystal growth. Physical properties of crystals and aggregates. Systematic mineralogy with special focus on the most important rock-forming minerals (carbonates, quartz, inosilicates, phyllosilicates, feldspars). Methods for identification and characterization of minerals and rocks. Practical examples in the field of applied mineralogy for the characterization of Earth materials.
Introduction to cosmochemistry, genesis of the Earth and its chemical differentiation. Fundamentals of magmatic and metamorphic rocks. Processes of chemical interaction in the Earth's interior linked to major geodynamic environments (spreading ridges, subduction zones). Geochemistry of water in surficial environments and fluid-rock interaction at low-temperature. Biogeochemical cycles.
Introduction to cosmochemistry, genesis of the Earth and its chemical differentiation. Fundamentals of magmatic and metamorphic rocks. Processes of chemical interaction in the Earth's interior linked to major geodynamic environments (spreading ridges, subduction zones). Geochemistry of water in surficial environments and fluid-rock interaction at low-temperature. Biogeochemical cycles.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are needed, but a basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry is recommended. Supplementary material will be provided as a support for students who will need a recovery of the required basic knowledge.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures (5 CFU, corresponding to 40 hours). Workshop learning (1 CFU, corresponding to 12 hours)
Teaching Resources
- Course slides.
- Wenk, Hans-Rudolf, and Andrey Bulakh. Minerals: their constitution and origin. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
- Nesse William D. Introduction to Mineralogy. Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Philpotts A. and Ague J. J. Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology. 3rd edition Cambridge University Press, 2021.
- Wenk, Hans-Rudolf, and Andrey Bulakh. Minerals: their constitution and origin. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
- Nesse William D. Introduction to Mineralogy. Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Philpotts A. and Ague J. J. Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology. 3rd edition Cambridge University Press, 2021.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in an oral discussion organized in questions and answer concerning the topics treated during lectures. The final assessment will be based on the following criteria: knowledge of the topic treated during the frontal lectures; critical reasoning; skill in the use of specialistic lexicon; description of rock/mineral samples investigated during the workshop lectures.
The final score will be expressed in thirtieth.
The final score will be expressed in thirtieth.
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY - University credits: 1
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 2
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 2
Practicals with elements of theory: 6 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment (just send me an email). Drop-ins are welcome too.
Via S. Botticelli 23, room #2084
Reception:
send an e-mail for appointments