0 or 4 credits
Spring 2026 Laboratory Lecture Upper Division
This course provides an overview of igneous and metamorphic petrology including, but not limited to, the following topics: experimental petrology and phase diagrams, melting of the Earth's interior, understanding the relationship between mineralogy, chemical composition, and physical conditions, relating magmatism and metamorphism to different tectonic environments, and exploring the similarities, and differences, between magmatism on Earth and other planetary bodies. The lectures and labs emphasize developing a basic understanding of petrology and petrologic processes, rather than the simple memorization of terms, definition, and facts.
Learning Outcomes1Identify the origin of common igneous and metamorphic rocks and recall the underlying data that supports current interpretations.
2Describe the types of igneous and metamorphic rocks that would be found in different tectonic settings.
3Interpret phase diagrams and explain how they are constructed.
4Assess how mineralogy and composition change during melting, crystallization, and metamorphism.
5Quantitatively constrain the physical conditions that an igneous or metamorphic rock experienced and how these conditions relate to plate tectonic settings.
6Gain confidence in using scientific methods and information to interpret igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.