CSM2327 | 2025/6 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Igneous and Metamorphic Geology	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	CSM2327	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Kathryn Moore (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	35

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will provide you with the tools you need to characterise and record the geological materials that form as a result of magmatic and metamorphic processes. You will describe and identify igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section. We will place this learning in a tectonic context, to provide some understanding of where and why the rocks form. Field classes will allow students to apply their theoretical learning in a real-world setting.

This module can be suitable for non-specialist students, but some prior knowledge of geology is recommended. This module is compulsory for Geology, Resource and Exploration, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics and Environmental Geoscience students. It provides the foundation for the modules CSM3070 Volcanology and CSM3059 Evolution of the Earth and Planetary Systems.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module introduces you to igneous and metamorphic products and their plate tectonic context. The module develops the skills that will enable you to describe, identify and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks. You will consider the characteristics of igneous and metamorphic rocks in a mineralogical context.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Identify, describe and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks;

2. Interpret field structures, rock textures and mineral assemblages

3. Synthesise and interpret the occurrence of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. Appreciate deep processes in the lithosphere and asthenosphere that affect the nature of rocks observed at the surface of the Earth

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Demonstrate personal observational and descriptive skills, along with self- and time-management skills

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The crystalline structure of the silicate-rock forming minerals
The occurrence of igneous and metamorphic minerals and rock textures;
Igneous and metamorphic rocks on geological maps and cross-cutting relations;
Classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks
Ultramafic rocks and the mantle
Igneous rocks at oceanic spreading centres, subduction zones, in collisional settings, oceanic islands & at continental rifts.
Regional and contact metamorphic environments;
Metamorphic structures and rock textures
Metamorphism of pelites, calcareous, ultramafic rocks and basic igneous rocks;
Metamorphic zones and facies.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	54	Guided Independent Study	96	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	20	Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	20	Lab sessions
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	14	Fieldwork
Guided independent study	96	Private Study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Practicals	2-hour duration each week	1-5	Verbal summary and online model solutions, Principles covered in lectures are reinforced in practicals.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	10	Written Exams	50	Practical Exams	40

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Online quiz	10	30 minutes	1-4	Online
Practical examination	40	2 hours	1-5	Summative assessment statement online
Theoretical Examination	50	1.5 hours	1-4	Exam mark and general statement online

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Online quiz	Online quiz (30 minutes, 10%)	1-4	Referral/deferral period
Practical examination	Practical examination (2 hours, 40%)	1-5	Referral/deferral period
Theoretical Examination	Theoretical Examination (1.5 hours, 50%)	1-4	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above, On-line quizzes (10%), and/or practical examination (40%), and/or 1 Exam (50%)

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Frost BR & Frost CD, 2014. Essentials of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Cambridge University Press ISBN 9781107027541, 1107027543
Winter JD, 2010. Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Pearson Education ISBN 0321592573
MacKenzie WS, Donaldson CH & Guilford C, 1982. Atlas of Igneous Rocks and Their Textures. Longman ISBN 0582300827
Yardley BWD, MacKenzie WS & Guilford C, 1990. Atlas of Metamorphic Rocks and Their Textures. Longman ISBN 0582301661
Rollinson HR, 1993. Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation, Interpretation. Longman Geochemistry Series ISBN 9780582067011

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	5	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 11th March 2025	LAST REVISION DATE	Wednesday 12th March 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Igneous; metamorphic; rocks; minerals; Earth science; geology.

Igneous and Metamorphic Geology - 2025 entry