Spring 1997

Professor: Mickey "Lefty" Gunter

Office: Rm. 309, McClure Hall

Phone: 885-6015 (office), 885-6192 (Geology Department)

Internet: gunter@uidaho.edu, http://www.uidaho.edu/~mgunter

Office Hours: 10:30-11:30 M,W,F; or whenever find me

Required Texts: Manual of Mineralogy, 21st edition, C. Klein & C.S. Hurlbut

Introduction to Optical Mineralogy, 2nd edition, W.D. Nesse

TA: Ryean-Marie Woods

Course Objectives

1. introduce crystallography, crystal chemistry, and systematic mineralogy

2. relate the physical properties of minerals to their crystal structures

3. introduce analytical methods used in modern mineralogy, especially the polarizing light microscope

4. learn how minerals are classified and named

5. identify minerals in hand specimen and thin section and with the aid of various analytical techniques

6. appreciate the influence of crystal chemistry on mineral assemblages and mineral weathering

7. develop your ability to research and learn mineralogical topics individually and in groups

Comments and Helpful (?) Hints

This course will differ from any college course you have taken - much of the responsibility of learning will fall on you and you will be actively involved in the lectures and lab. Our role will be to provide a framework for you to successfully accomplish this. Assignments will be made daily. It will be critical for you to do the assignments before you come to class; you should always assume there will be a quiz over assigned material. We will concentrate on meeting the course objectives, and hopefully enjoy learning about the most interesting, intriguing, and important aspect of geology - minerals!

Grading

Your grade will be based upon a series of different components as listed below. There may be some small redistribution within these categories.

11 lecture quizzes 220

13 lecture problem sets 130

2 lecture tests (each worth 100) 200

Laboratory 300

Latah County mineral collection 50

Class and laboratory participation 100

Total 1000

The final grades will be determined at the semester's end. If everyone understands all the material, you all get A's -- the other extreme is also possible. You will be informed of your class standing and your current grade throughout the semester. Late assignments will not be accepted, and no make-up quizzes or tests will be given unless there is a justifiable excuse (e.g., death in family, serious illness).

Mickey Gunter, Spring 1997

McClure 309, 885-6015, gunter@uidaho.edu

               Monday     Tuesday       Wednesday     Thursday      Friday        
      7:30                                                                        
      8:30                                                                        
      9:30    Geol 249                  Geol 249                    Geol 249      
     10:30  Office hours                Office hours                Office hours  
     11:30                                                                        
     12:30                                                                        
      1:30                Geol 249                    Geol 249                    
      2:30                Geol 249                    Geol 249                    
      3:30                                            4-5 Seminar                 
      4:30                                                                        
      5:30