Programme

Theoretical activities

The igneous process. Structure and composition of the Earth. The crustal rock cycle and the main petrogenetic domains. Igneous rocks. Chemical composition of igneous rocks and the main chemical classification schemes. General classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks. Magma. Modes of occurrence of igneous rocks. Magmatic crystallization. Fundamental aspects of the physical chemistry of magmas. Two-component systems with a eutectic. Two-component systems with a peritectic. Two-component systems involving solid solutions. Three-component systems. Bowen's reaction series. The granitic system. The residual petrogenetic system. Magmatic evolution: source and differentiation.
Chemical petrology. Major and minor elements. Main magmatic series. Trace elements and isotopes. Generation of basaltic magmas. Magmatic differentiation processes.
Magmatism and tectonics. Characteristics of magmas in different petrogenetic settings. Mid-ocean ridge settings. Intraplate magmatism. Orogenic associations. Orogenic plutonism. Granitoid rocks.

The metamorphic process. Factors controlling metamorphism. Main types of metamorphism. Classification of metamorphic rocks. Structural, textural and field-occurrence features of metamorphic rocks. Isograds, metamorphic facies and P-T-t paths. Metamorphic mineral assemblages and metamorphic reactions. Metamorphism of mafic and ultramafic rocks. Metamorphism of pelitic and residual rocks.

Petrographic laboratory activities
Laboratory exercises are carried out on samples not previously examined by the students and are designed to progressively develop their ability to independently apply the knowledge and methods acquired to the identification, classification, and petrographic interpretation of rocks, using the analytical and interpretative tools available to them.
Use of the polarizing microscope and identification of the main mineral species occurring in igneous rocks, with particular reference to olivines, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, feldspars, quartz and oxides.
Identification of the main mineral species occurring in metamorphic rocks, with particular reference to anhydrous aluminium silicates, garnets, chlorite and epidotes.
Description of the mineralogical composition, structure and texture of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Identification and classification of the main intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.
Analysis of textural relationships among minerals and reconstruction of the main crystallization sequences of igneous rocks.
Identification and classification of the main metamorphic rocks formed along different pressure-temperature paths.
Analysis of mineral assemblages and textural relationships aimed at reconstructing the metamorphic history of rocks and identifying evidence of retrograde metamorphism.

Field activities
Field identification of the main igneous and metamorphic lithologies and observation of their mineralogical, petrographic, structural and field-occurrence characteristics at the outcrop scale.
Observation of the relationships between different lithologies and of the main geological structures relevant to the reconstruction of petrogenetic processes.
Integration of field observations with theoretical knowledge and petrographic observations made in the laboratory in order to interpret the geological processes and geodynamic setting of the study area.
Field observations are compiled into a report aimed at integrating and critically interpreting the data collected and communicating the results using appropriate scientific language.

Core Documentation

1)1. Winter, J.D., An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
2. Frost, B.R., Frost, C.D., Essentials of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Cambridge University Press.
3. Morbidelli, L., Le rocce e i loro costituenti. Scienze e Lettere.
4. Zezza, U., Petrografia microscopica. La Goliardica Pavese.
5. Teaching materials (texts, diagrams, and exercises) provided by the instructor.

Reference Bibliography

1)AN INTRODUCTION TO IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY. JOHN D. WINTER.PRENTICE HALL NEW JERSEY. 2)ESSENTIALS OF IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY B. RONALD FROST CAROL D. FROSTCAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 3) LE ROCCE E I LORO COSTITUENTI. LUCIO MORBIDELLI SCIENZE E LETTERE 4) PETROGRAFIA MICROSCOPICA. ZEZZA U. LA GOLIARDICA PAVESE 5)MATERIAL FURNISHED BY THE PROFESSOR

Type of delivery of the course

The course is organized with theoretical lectures and pratical teaching in the optical mineralogy and petrography laboratory.

Attendance

Attendance at lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and field activities is regulated in accordance with the Teaching Regulations of the Degree Programme, which should be consulted for the minimum attendance requirements and any specific provisions applicable to particular categories of students.

Type of evaluation

The examination consists of a written theoretical test, a practical laboratory test, a report on the fieldwork activity, and a final discussion of the submitted work. Written theoretical test The written test is designed to assess theoretical knowledge and the ability to interpret the main petrogenetic processes covered during the course. The test consists of 8–10 open-ended questions on igneous petrology and 8–10 open-ended questions on metamorphic petrology. The questions are designed to assess not only the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, but also the student’s ability to apply this knowledge to the interpretation of petrogenetic processes, diagrams, and petrological data. The total duration of the written test is 3 hours. The theoretical component may be taken as a single examination or divided into two separate tests, covering igneous petrology and metamorphic petrology, respectively, either during the course or in subsequent examination sessions. Each separate test has a duration of 2 hours. In this case, the grade for the theoretical component is calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the two tests. Practical laboratory test The practical test is designed to assess the skills acquired in petrographic analysis using a polarizing microscope and the student’s ability to independently apply the knowledge and methods acquired during the course to the analysis of petrographic samples not previously examined. The student is required to examine two thin sections, one of an igneous rock and one of a metamorphic rock, identifying the main minerals present and describing the mineralogical composition, structure, and texture of the rocks. For the igneous rock, the student is also required to classify the rock and, based on the observed textural relationships, interpret the crystallization sequence and the main petrogenetic processes. For the metamorphic rock, the student is required to classify the rock and use the mineral assemblage and textural relationships to interpret its metamorphic history, identifying evidence of retrograde metamorphism where present. The total duration of the practical test is 3 hours. During the course, the practical component may be divided into two separate tests, covering igneous petrology and metamorphic petrology, respectively. In this case, the grade for the practical component is calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the two tests. In examination sessions following the completion of the course, the practical test must instead be taken in full, through the examination of both thin sections, even if the student chooses to take the two components of the theoretical test separately. Fieldwork report At the end of the fieldwork activity, students are required to prepare a report on the activities carried out and the observations made. The report may be prepared individually or in groups of up to three students. The report is designed to assess the student’s ability to select, organize, and critically interpret field observations, integrating them with the theoretical knowledge and petrographic skills acquired during the course, as well as to present and discuss the results using appropriate scientific language. The report therefore provides a specific means of assessing the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, make independent judgements, and communicate effectively. The report contributes to the final grade through the award of up to 2 additional points, according to the following criteria: • 0 points: insufficient or predominantly descriptive report, showing limited ability to interpret and integrate observations; • +1 point: good, accurate, and complete report, showing adequate interpretation of observations and integration with theoretical and petrographic knowledge; • +2 points: very good or excellent report, characterized by accurate observations, critical interpretation and integration of data, and clear and appropriate scientific communication. Discussion of the submitted work At the end of the tests, a brief discussion of the submitted work is held, allowing the student to discuss and justify the answers and interpretations provided and enabling assessment of the appropriateness of the scientific language used. The discussion does not constitute a separate assessment component and is not assigned a separate grade. Assessment criteria and determination of the final grade The assessment takes into account the student’s level of theoretical knowledge, ability to apply this knowledge to the interpretation of petrogenetic processes, ability to recognize, describe, and classify minerals and rocks under the microscope, independence in interpreting and integrating data, and clarity and appropriateness of the scientific language used. Taken together, the different assessment methods allow the evaluation of competences related to the five Dublin Descriptors: the theoretical test primarily assesses knowledge and understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and understanding; the practical test assesses the ability to apply knowledge and methods, independent judgement, and the ability to independently apply acquired knowledge and skills to cases not previously examined; the fieldwork report and the discussion of the submitted work also assess independent judgement and communication skills. To pass the examination, students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 18/30 in both the theoretical and practical components. The base grade is expressed on a scale of 30 and is calculated by assigning a weight of two-thirds (2/3) to the theoretical component and one-third (1/3) to the practical component. If the theoretical component and/or, during the course, the practical component have been taken as two separate tests, the average of the respective test grades is calculated first. The resulting grade for each component is then used to calculate the weighted base grade. Up to 2 additional points awarded for the fieldwork report may be added to the weighted base grade, up to a maximum final grade of 30/30. The award of 30/30 with honours (lode) does not result automatically from the additional points assigned for the fieldwork report, but is reserved for cases in which the overall assessment of the student’s knowledge and competences demonstrates a level of excellence.

Programme

Third part: practical teaching in the mineralogy and petrology laboratory. The teaching consists in the study and recognition in thin section of the most common igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Core Documentation

First (igneous petrology) and second part (metamorphic petrology):
- An Introduction To Igneous And Metamorphic Petrology. John D. Winter.Prentice Hall New Jersey.
- Magmatismo E Metamorfismo. D’amico C., Innocenti, F., Sassi F.P. Utet.

Third part (practical teaching):
- Petrografia Microscopica. Zezza U. La Goliardica Pavese

Reference Bibliography

- An Introduction To Igneous And Metamorphic Petrology. John D. Winter.Prentice Hall New Jersey. - Magmatismo E Metamorfismo. D’amico C., Innocenti, F., Sassi F.P. Utet. - Petrografia Microscopica. Zezza U. La Goliardica Pavese

Type of delivery of the course

In order to acquire the projected skills, the course is organized with theoretical lectures and practical teaching which will be held in the optical mineralogy and petrography laboratory.

Attendance

The attendance of theoretical lectures and practical teaching in the optical mineralogy and petrography laboratory is mandatory.

Type of evaluation

The exam consists in 3 hours written test, organized with open questions on the theoretical aspects of petrology. The exam consists in questions related to igneous petrology and questions related to metamorphic petrology, both oriented to verify the overall comprehension of the concepts of petrology and the students capability to apply this knowledge to natural cases. After the written test, a practical test will be administered consisting in the recognition and description of 1 igneous and 1 metamorphic rock in thin sections under optical microscopy. The oral examination will be based upon the written and practical tests.

Programme

Field activity dedicated to the observation and description of the petrographic and mineralogical aspects of igneous, metamorphic, and metasomatic rocks.

Core Documentation

For the field activity, reference texts will be indicated on a case-by-case basis.

Reference Bibliography

For the field activity, supplementary texts will be indicated as needed.

Attendance

To be admitted to the exam or midterm tests, attendance of at least 75% of both lectures and practice sessions is mandatory. Working students are exempt from the attendance requirement for lectures, but they must still attend at least 75% of the laboratory sessions.

Type of evaluation

The exam consists of a written test plus a practical exam with a discussion of the practical exam results.

Programme

Criteria for recognition of magmatic and metamorphic rocks and relative textures in the field and their cartographic representation

Core Documentation

Lecture notes provided by the teacher

Attendance

Mandatory attendance

Type of evaluation

The exam consists in an oral examination aimed at verifying knowledge of the basic concepts for field analysis in igneous and metamorphic environments and application to natural cases. The preparation of a written report and the execution of geological sections as derived from the geological mapping is required