Metamorphism in the Hellenic Region

Typically, there are not prerequisite course.

Essentially, the students should possess:

(a) knowledge provided through the previously taught theoretical course of ‘'Petrology of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks”.

By the end of this course the student will be able to:                    

1. Understand the distribution and petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks within the Hellenide orogen
2. Develop skills for writing a scientific report on metamorphism and the metamorphic rocks of an area

By the end of the course the student will have further developed the following skills/competences:

1. Capability of using the polarizing microscope for recognizing the metamorphic processes through the study of thin sections of metamorphic rocks.
2. Develop skills needed for the interpretation of metamorphic processes within the Hellenide orogen and its relations with adjacent regions and their geotectonic regime. 

By the end of this course the student will, furthermore, have developed the following skills (general abilities):

1. Ability to exhibit knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and applications which are related to the metamorphic conditions of a specific area.
2. Ability to apply this knowledge and understanding to the solution of problems related to the metamorphic processes in the Hellenic region.
3. Αbility to adopt and apply methodology to the solution of non familiar problems of other metamorphic terrains
4. Study skills needed for continuing professional development.
5. Ability to interact with others in issues concerning the metamorphic processes in an area and its relation to the wider geotectonic regime.

Searching, analysis and synthesis of facts and information, as well as using the necessary technologies

• Autonomous (Independent) work
• Group work

Lectures

1. The metamorphic history and metamorphic rocks of the Rhodope Massif.
2. The metamorphic history and metamorphic rocks of the circum-Rhodope zone.
3. The metamorphic history and metamorphic rocks of the Serbo-Macedonian massif.
4. The metamorphic history and metamorphic rocks of the Cyclades.
5. The metamorphic history and metamorphic rocks of the external HellenidesPlate tectonics and metamorphism in Greece.

Laboratory work

• Microscopic and petrological characterization study of sets of thin sections from each one  of the main metamorphic terrains comprised in the Internal and External Hellenides 

• Lectures, seminars and laboratory work face to face.
• Lectures: using slides for overhead projector and/or power-point presentations.
• Open eClass - Asynchronous eLearning Platform: storage and presentation of teaching material.
• Laboratories:  Students are assigned a thin section suite to work out an essay on the metamorphic conditions and processes of a specific study area.

• Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (e.g. powerpoint) in teaching. The lectures content of the course for each chapter are uploaded on the internet, in the form of a series of ppt files, where from the students can freely download them using a password which is provided to them at the beginning of the course.
• Use of polarizing microscope employed with a digital camera for capturing and analyzing representative images through the use of specialized software packages (ProgRes CapturePro 2.9.0.1 by JENOPTIC)

• Written examination (50% of the final mark)
• An essay comprising the outcome of the exercise assignments on the metamorphic conditions of a specific study area (50% of the final mark).

Percentages are valid t only when the student secures the minimum mark of 5 in the final written examination

Greek grading scale: 1 to 10. Minimum passing grade: 5.

Grades <3 correspond to ECTS grade F.

Grade 4 corresponds to ECTS grade FX.

For the passing grades the following correspondence normally holds:

Suggested bibliography:

1. Metamorphic Petrology», C. Katagas, Patras, 2009 [A textbook in Greek language)
2. «Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology», M. Best, 2003, Blackwell Publishing.
3. «An introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology», J.D. Winter,2001, Pentice Hall.
4. «An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology», B.W.D. Yardley, 1989, Longman/Wiley.
5. «Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Under the Microscope: Classification, Textures, Microstructures and Mineral Preferred Orientation», D. Shelley, 1992, Springer.

Related academic journals:

1. Journal of Petrology
2. Metamorphic Geology
3. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece