Course Name:
Course Level:
Course Credit:
Petrology 3 (2-1) (GLO 1202)
1
3 CU
Description:
This is an introductory course on what rocks are, the different rock types, their genesis and
evolution processes as well as their relationship to the theory of plate tectonics.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Describe the different rock types and how they are formed.
2. Identify different rocks.
3. Relate the different rocks to various tectonic processes.
4. Describe the principles of optical mineralogy, structural and other more
advanced courses in geology.
Course Outline
Content
Introduction: Definition, rock types, structure/texture.
Rock cycle,
petrology and plate tectonics.
Igneous rocks: Magma evolution. Magma differentiation. Textures of
igneous rocks. Classification.
Metarmorphic rocks: Metamorphism. Types of metamorphism. Textures.
Rock types. Nomenclature. Classification. Metamorphic facies.
Sedimentary rocks: Classification sedimentary environments. Clastic and
non-clastic sedimentary processes. Composition. Textures of clastic and
non-clastic sedimentary rocks.
Hours
10
15
18
17
Mode of delivery
The course will be lecture-oriented with tests, assignments, and practicals.
Assessment
Assignments, practicals and tests
Final examination
40%
60%
Reading List:
 HAUNG W.T. (1962): Petrology; Mc Grow Line, London, 480pp.
 MONTANA A, CRESPIS, R & LIBORIO, G. (1978): Simon and Schestens guide to
rocks and minerals; Simon and Schuster Inc.; New York; 607pp.
 SIEVER, R. (1985): Earth. W.H Freeman & Co. NY, 4th edition; 656pp.
 RAO, B.B. (1998): Metamorphic Petrology. Taylor & Francis

WINTER, J. (due 2009): Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 2nd ed.
Pearson
BLATT, H., TRACY, R. & OWENS.B. (2005): Petrology: Igneous, Sedimentary, and
Metamorphic. (3rd ed). W. H. Freeman. 530p.