Metallic Ore Deposits
Geology 125
Professor Greg Wheeler
Office: Placer Hall 1007
Office Hours: Mon. 3-4, Thur. 1-2
Or by appointment
Tues-Thurs 7:30-8:45
Classroom: Placer Hall 1006
Office Phone: 278-3919
Definitions:
Metallic: Any of a class of substances that typically are fusible and opaque, are good conductors
of electricity, and exhibit metallic luster. Examples include copper, iron, aluminum, lead, and
zinc.
Ore: Anything that can be mined at a profit.
This course will take an explorationists approach to the study of ore deposits. The weekly
assignments will give a broad overview of metallic ore deposits, supplemented with specific examples.
Learning Objectives:
1) Students will understand the various factors involved in differentiating a mineral concentration
from an ore deposit.
2) Students will be able to recognize geologic conditions conducive to ore formation.
3) Students will understand the terminology associated with ore deposits.
4) Students will be able to explain classic ore deposit models.
Tests:
There will be three tests, and each test will be in two parts. Part I will be closed notes and will be
drawn from the study questions handed out in class. Part II will be open notes and text. The tests are
roughly divided 80% Part I and 20% Part II. All tests are comprehensive over all previous material.
Test Dates:
February 25
60 points
1 hour long
April 8
80 points
1 hour and 10 minutes long
May 19
100 points
8-10 am--Final
30 points total from five, six-point Wednesday quizzes on lecture notes of previous week.
30 points total from three journal article outlines worth 10 points each. You are required to
outline articles derived from at least two different journals published in the last two years. The
articles must be related to metallic ore deposits. One outline is due at each midterm and at the
final, but they may be turned in at any earlier time. Economic Geology and Mining Engineering
are both available in the periodical section on the third floor of the library, and contain
appropriate articles. There are many other possible article sources, including some online, like the
Prospecting and Mining Journal.
Grades:
Total of 300 points possible for class:
100-85% = A = 255 points
84-75%
= B = 225 points
74-55%
= C = 165 points
54-50%
= D = 150 points
49-0%
= F = below 150 points
Plus and minus grades will be assigned near grade boundaries.
Field Trip:
There will be at two field trips. A one day field trip on a weekend day will occur in
March. A 3 day field trip will be scheduled in April or early May.