ESS321H1 F
Mineralogy
Fall 2025 Syllabus
Course Overview
Systematic mineralogy (including identification, classification, and description); physical and chemical properties of minerals; crystallography and crystal systems (symmetry, crystal structure, crystal systems); optical techniques in mineral identification.
Systematic mineralogy (including identification, classification, and description); physical and chemical properties of minerals; crystallography and crystal systems (symmetry, crystal structure, crystal systems); optical techniques in mineral identification.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to identify common rock-forming minerals using physical properties and optical techniques. You will be able to describe the chemical, structural and physical basis for mineral properties. You will understand how these minerals relate to geological processes and how they are significant to daily life.
However, my learning goals for you are only half the picture. In the first few classes we will talk about what you want to get out of this course, and I will do my best to work in those topics.
Prerequisites: ESS224H1, ESS234H1
Corequisites: None
Exclusions: None
Recommended Preparation: None
Credit Value: 0.5
Course Materials
These textbooks are suggested reading. If you don't understand something from class, please consult them. They're available at the Earth Sciences Library.
Klein, C., & Dutrow, B. (2007). Manual of mineral science (23rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Deer, W., Howie, R., and Zussman, J. (1992). An introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals (2nd ed.). Pearson.
Nesse, W. (2013). An Introduction to Optical Mineralogy (4th ed.) Oxford University Press.
Marking Scheme
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Assessment
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Percent
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Details
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Due Date
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Lab Reports & 1 Quiz
|
35%
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The first lab submission is a short quiz on mineral ID. All other lab submissions are a lab report format. They will be due by 9AM on the date of the next lab session.
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2025 09 15, 2025 09 22, 2025 09 29, 2025 10 06, 2025 10 20, 2025 11 10, 2025 11 17, 2025 11 24
|
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Mid Term
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15%
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During class time
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2025 10 16
|
|
Lab Tests
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25%
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During Lab time. Each test will cover one half of the lab material.
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2025 11 03, 2025 12 01
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|
In-Person Final Exam
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25%
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|
Final Exam Period
|
David Summer will be handling most of the marking for the lab reports and I thank him in advance for his hard work. Mid terms, tests and exams will be marked by the instructor.
Late Assessment Submissions Policy
A penalty of 10% of the total mark for lab assignments will apply per 24 hour period. This includes weekends and holidays.