GEO4810 – Deformation of Earth Materials
Course content
This course is designed to provide an overview and practical training in the deformation of the Earth materials. Analysis, interpretation and application of structural data will be undertaken along with analysis of metamorphic and fluid flow processes at lectures and practical sessions. Important concepts that will be discussed include deformation mechanisms, frictional and viscous deformation, fluid-rock interaction and mineral reactions, metamorphic and deformation fabrics, lithosphere rheology.
Practical classes will focus on the description of deformed rocks at both hand specimens and thin sections scale using polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
The course’s aims are the following:
- To provide a basis for the identification and classification of deformed rocks developed at different depths in the Earth’s lithosphere
- To introduce the analytical tools for investigating and interpreting structural and metamorphic processes quantitatively
- To provide insight and understanding of deformation and metamorphic processes
The course is principally aimed at geologists but may be relevant for solid-state chemists and material scientists working with analyses of solid materials at microscopic scales.
Learning outcome
After taking this course, you will be able to
- demonstrate a sound knowledge of major theories of deformation processes and show an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks under which deformation and metamorphism may occur
- analyze deformed rocks in hand specimen and thin section with microscopy techniques, using given classifications and principles with minimum guidance
- interpret common microstructures in terms of the underlying rock-forming and rock modifying processes
- evaluate the relevance and significance of structural and metamorphic data in terms of tectonic and geodynamic processes, and communicate results in a professional scientific manner
Admission to the course
Students admitted at UiO must?apply for courses?in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may?apply to take this course as a single course student.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- GEO2110 – Mineralogy / GEL2110 – Mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry (continued) or equivalent knowledge
The following HSE-course must be taken before the first lecture:?
Recommended previous knowledge
Teaching
This course will be held throughout the semester. The course consists of lectures, mandatory exercises, and practical sessions using the scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the course responsible.
We reserve the right to change the teaching?form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.
Examination
The course has two obligatory elements of assessment during the semester, and no final examination. The two assessments consist of
a microscope test that counts 50% towards the final grade, where the students are asked to identify and interpret deformation microstructures with the microscope. The test takes place in the final third of the semester.
- an end-of-course individual presentation on a chosen topic that counts 50% towards the final grade.
Mandatory exercises must be approved in order to be admitted to both elements of assessment.
Mandatory assignments are valid for 5 semesters starting from the semester they were approved the first time.
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Language of examination
The examination language is English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.