Applied Mineralogy and Laboratory

A.Y. 2024/2025
9
Max ECTS
84
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/09
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide advanced knowledge of the mineral commodities (geomaterials) used for the production of Portland cements, special ceramic materials, nuclear waste disposal materials, amorphous materials, gemstones.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding : Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with Bachelor's level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context. By the end of this course, students will be able to have an advanced knowledge of the geomaterials and of the industrial processes to produce Portland cements, special ceramic materials, nuclear waste disposal materials, amorphous materials, gemstones.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Students are expected to apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study, and in particular industrial mineralogy. Making judgements: Students are expected to have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements.

Communication skills: Students should be able to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously. Learning skills: Students are expected to have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
If mandatory (due to the COVID pandemic), this course will be delivered online using a synchronous format via the TEAMS platform, on the basis of the calendar lesson plan for the academic year 24/25.
Course syllabus
First part:
- Clinker for Portland cements
- Porous materials
- Special ceramic materials
- Nuclear waste disposal materials

Second part (with practicals):
- Amorphous materials and glass technology
- Study of commodities
- Practicals: materials identification by XRDpw data
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Mineralogy and Petrology
Teaching methods
The main part of the course is delivered as traditional lessons in Italian. If required, lectures can be delivered in English. The course also features hands-on sessions at department labs and seminars held by industry experts and managers (subject to availability). However, lab activities cannot be done if this course will be delivered online (due to the COVID19 pandemic). Students' questions and interaction are welcome and encouraged. Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged, but is not considered compulsory.
Teaching Resources
All text and picture slides presented at classes are available in digital format (.pdf).
The following textbooks are recommended for reference and further reading:
- (2005) "L'Industria e l'amianto - I nuovi materiali e le nuove tecnologie a dieci anni dalla Legge 257/1992", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 541 pp.
- D.L. Bish and D.W. Ming, Eds., (2000) Natural zeolites: Occurrence, properties, application.
- Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Vol. 45,. Mineralogical Society of America and Geochemical Society, Washington, U.S.A.
- H. F. W. Taylor (2004) Cement Chemistry (2nd edition). Thomas Telford. ISBN-10: 0727725920.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments cover the entire program and are usually carried out by means of an oral exam.
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 9
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tue, Wed and Thu: 2.30-6.30 p.m. (please, contact me via email too)
Via Botticelli 23 (first floor). Postal address: Via Botticelli 23, I-20133 Milan (Italy)
Reception:
send an e-mail for appointments