Applied Mineralogy I

Knowledge and understanding
The course wishes to offer an introduction to applied aspects of modern mineralogy. In particular, the course gives students knowledge of i) natural and artificial (stone, gem, ceramic, clinker and cement) and their weathering products and ii) traditional and innovative analytical techniques employed for their characterisation (theoric principles, experimental and application)
The course gives strong practical skill and will be mostly carried out in the Lab.

Applying knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course students will be able to i) collect, analyse and interpret data relating to applied mineralogy and ii) design and execute laboratory investigations to analyse problems related to natural and artificial materials.

Making judgements
Through course students will i) develop competences applicable in work on the mineralogical aspects in materials' industry, ii) make judgements, frame appropriate questions and identify a range of solutions to an applied problem and iii) take informed decisions and solve complex problems by use of appropriate learning technologies.

Communication skills
On completion of the course the students will be able to i) function as independent and reflective learners, ii) construct reasoned arguments, assumptions and abstract concepts and iii) give presentations in a range of applied mineralogy contexts.

Learning skills
Students will develop skills for (i) analyzing natural and artificial materials and (ii) understanding and applying the physico-chemical methods for mineral and material characterisation