12.108 Class Home

12.108 Structure of Earth Materials

Spring 2009

Instructor: Sang-Heon Dan Shim

TA: Terrence Joseph Blackburn

Lecture: TR9:30-11:00am (54-317)
Lab: TR TBA (54-317)

Information:

Knowledge on the properties of minerals is fundamental to understand geologic processes. This course begins with crystallography and crystal chemistry which form foundations for understanding the physical properties of minerals. We also discuss theoretical background on some important analytical methods, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and optical spectroscopy, and provide opportunities to use them. This course also surveys various different minerals groups and discusses their importance in geology, geophysics, planetary sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering.

Announcements

12.108 final

Hi,

You may pick up final from my office 616. Today before 4:30pm. Or after this long weekend.

Thanks.

Dan

Announced on 22 May 2009 2:35 p.m. by Sang-Heon Dan Shim

12.108 final

Hi,

Thanks for your effort for 12.108. Final exam was graded and ready for you to pick up.

Average was 57 and standard dev is 16. Max was 71 and Min was 31.

Thanks.

Dan

Announced on 22 May 2009 2:18 p.m. by Sang-Heon Dan Shim

12.108

Hi Alex and others,

When I asked about if Thursday makes any difference there were no clear responses. Therefore, I concluded that Tuesday works for everyone. However, because I gave that impression to at least a few of you, I feel it is appropriate to be more flexible on this. So there will be no penalty for the papers submitted until Thursday. Ealier ones submitted by tomorrow would get extra-credit. Does it sound resonable?

Thanks.

Dan

Hi Dan,

I thought that last week you had said in class that we could submit the papers
on Thursday in class at no penalty. I will not have my paper completed by
tomorrow, because I was under the impression that I had until Thursday. Will I
still be penalized for turning my paper in Thursday?

Alex

Announced on 11 May 2009 3:42 p.m. by Sang-Heon Dan Shim

Term paper due

Hi,

A few asked me possible extension of the deadline for their term papers. Since I announce the deadline while ago, I still want to stick to the original deadline, which is tomorrow. Those who need extra time can send me their papers by this Friday. However, those who submit after the deadline would not get full credit. After Friday I cannot accept any more papers.

Thanks.

Dan

Announced on 11 May 2009 11:53 a.m. by Sang-Heon Dan Shim

12.108 Data analysis session next week

Hi,

Next tuesday afternoon in the lab we will have data analysis session. So please bring your laptop.

For X-ray diffraction, you need to install "Powdercell" software. You may download the software from:

http://www.ccp14.ac.uk/ccp/web-mirrors/powdcell/a_v/v_1/powder/e_cell.html

I will teach you how to use this software to get unit-cell parameters from your X-ray diffraction pattern.

You may already have your micro-probe result. So you need to finish the calculation of chemical composition for your sample before coming to the Tuesday's data analysis session next week. In the session, I will also explain how to relate your Raman spectroscopy with your X-ray diffraction pattern.

Finally, you should also include optical microscopy observation of your mineral.

Thanks.

Dan

Announced on 28 April 2009 10:24 p.m. by Sang-Heon Dan Shim

View archived announcements