Course content

During this course, the student will gain a comprehensive appreciation of the formation of the most important mineral-deposit forming processes in the world. Geological processes that are particularly important for the formation of mineral-deposits will be taught. The student will acquire a knowledge level sufficient for communicating the formation of important ore deposits to a third party. The course will offer the student hands-on experience with selected mineral-deposits in S-Norway or in Cornwall, UK.

Learning outcome

This course will provide basic insights into the genesis of economic mineral deposits that are imperative for modern sustainable societies.

Knowledge: The student will be capable to understand when and how a geological process proceeds to the formation of a common economic mineral deposit where either the minerals or the elements that comprise the minerals may have economic potential.

Skills: The student will be able to read and understand professional publications that are addressing economic mineral deposits.

General competence: The student has a general knowledge about the geological setting of economic mineral deposits hence know where, generally to look for them and has the basic knowledge to participate in ore-geological project groups in developing or mining a mineral deposit, prospecting for ore-deposits or studying for a Master of Science in mineral deposit geology. Finally, the student will be able to identify important ore-forming phases by reflected light microscopy.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises, and field course. The course includes 6-8 mandatory double lab hours in reflected light microscopy of ore-forming phases and ends with theoretical questions in ore-mineralogy in the final written exam. The course also has a mandatory 5-7 days field course (normally Sunday to Friday) either in Cornwall or in South Norway, after which the student has to submit a mandatory field report. The written exam will include questions relevant for the field lab teaching.

Compulsory assignments

• Report
• Microscopy test
• Field course

Recommended previous knowledge

TGB4130 Petrology or comparable course.

Required previous knowledge

TGB4125 Mineralogy, TGB4126 Mineralogy, Basic Course or comparable course.

Course materials

ppt-presentations with notes (available in Blackboard), Laurence R. Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes, Blackwell 2005.

Credit reductions