PETROLOGY OF MINERAL DEPOSIT

Module Further didactic activity

The course provides theoretical and applied knowledge of the formation, distribution, characterization, and utilization of mineral deposits and associated georesources. Students will acquire:

• knowledge of the geological, geochemical, petrological, sedimentary, and structural processes responsible for the formation of mineral deposits;
• experts on the main magmatic, sedimentary, and hydrothermal mineralogenetic processes;
• the ability to recognize and interpret mineralization;
• knowledge of critical raw materials and their strategic role in the modern economy;
• the ability to use mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical methodologies to characterize geological materials;
• knowledge of mining activity in Sicily, Italy, and Europe;
• the ability to evaluate environmental, economic, and sustainability aspects related to the extraction and utilization of mineral resources.

The expected learning outcomes are:

• Knowledge of the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic properties of geological materials and understanding their origin and transformation in natural and anthropogenic contexts.
• Knowledge of the main sedimentary, tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic geological processes that control the formation and evolution of geological systems within the Earth System, and the methods for reconstructing their history.
• Understand environmental systems, georesources, and geological heritage in relation to sustainability and interactions with anthropogenic activities.
• Ability to integrate different types of geological data—structural, stratigraphic, petrographic, and hydrogeological—to produce interpretive models of the geological and hydrogeological setting at different spatial and temporal scales within the Earth System.
• Ability to apply geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis techniques to characterize the composition, origin, and properties of geological materials.
• Ability to translate geological knowledge into operational assessments to support sustainable land management and the valorization of georesources and geological heritage.

Through assessment methods, students will acquire:

• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and effectively communicate technical and scientific results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to independently consult databases, scientific literature, and regulatory references.

Lectures will be supported by PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available to students via the Studium platform.

The course will include field trips and visits to mines.

To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, students may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the Department’s CInAP representative (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders).

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus

The assessment includes:

• Oral presentation - Presentation of a short PowerPoint presentation on an agreed-upon topic covered during the course.
• Oral exam - Questions on the topics covered in the modules.

Assessment criteria

• Knowledge of the topics;
• Interdisciplinary networking skills;
• Scientific accuracy;
• Clarity of presentation;
• Independent judgment.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)