3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Mineral Physics is the study of mineralogical problems through the application of condensed matter physics and solid-state chemistry. Investigations of the thermodynamic and transport properties of minerals at the atomic scale are used to interpret observational data from seismology, geodynamics, geochemistry, and planetary science, an important step toward solving many geologic and geophysical problems. Students in this course will also be introduced to the high pressure and high temperature experiments that measure the physical and mechanical properties of minerals, which is crucial to understanding planetary interiors. Recommended prerequisites: introductory chemistry, physics, mineralogy, or structure of materials.