Gemmology and Applied Mineralogy BSc(Hons) top-up

Why choose this course?

This Level 6 course takes students with approved prior learning and training in the field of gemmology through to a full BSc honours degree.

Gemmology spans a variety of disciplines. Its practitioners are frequently business people, often owning their own trading companies, or they may be designers of fine jewellery. But at heart they need to understand the origin, structure and signature of the stones with which they work.

The modern gemmology market is a fascinating and increasingly complex one. The political and ethical boundaries within which gemmologists work are changing. How should the market treat conflict stones? How can these stones be identified? Increasingly subtle techniques are being used to generate synthetic stones and to treat stones – chemically or physically. What equally subtle, modern analytical techniques can be used to recognise them? This unique degree in Gemmology and Applied Mineralogy aims to provide the answers to some of these questions.

What will you study?

The course is designed to develop an overview of the field of gemmology and applied mineralogy. In particular we aim to explore:
• the geological settings and evolution of gem and mineral deposits;
• modern analytical methods that might shed light on their evolution; and
• how those methods may be used to address some of the critical issues in modern-day gemmology – especially those that relate to conflict stones, treated stones and synthetic stones.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Full time

• Bridging Course

• Bridging Course

  The Bridging Course is a one-week introductory programme. It includes a three-day residential field trip to South West England to visit some of the mineralogical heritage of this metal-rich region. The bridging course will run in mid-September shortly before the start of the academic year.

  The aims of the Bridging Course are to:

  • introduce incoming students with a weak geological background to some basic geological concepts - we will build on these during the degree course when we discuss the geological controls on the origin of gem deposits and how gems from different regions can be distinguished; and
  • give our students the chance to meet their new colleagues and begin to team build and network - key members of the staff team will be present to identify what the students wish, both individually and as a complete group, to take out of the degree programme.

  If you have a strong geological background, you may be excused attending the bridging course. However, if you do so, you may find that you miss out on some important early discussions as new friendships are built and priorities identified.

  
   
• Geology and Mineralogy of Gems

• Geology and Mineralogy of Gems

  This module aims to develop an understanding of:

  • the geological setting of gem deposits;
  • the magmatic and/or metamorphic processes responsible for their evolution;
  • the role of trace elements in controlling the nature of precious stones; and
  • the crystal structure of gem stones.
  
   
• Geology of Earth Resources

• Geology of Earth Resources

  This module focuses on the occurrence and distribution of the Earth's physical resources, including gemstones. It explores the geological controls of their evolution and the major theories for their genesis.

  
   
• Mineralogical Methods and Applications

• Mineralogical Methods and Applications

  This module will:

  • introduce you to the modern techniques available to investigate the physical and chemical properties of minerals (especially gemstones and related compounds) on micro and macro scales; and
  • develop a critical assessment of their application in the field of gemmology and applied mineralogy.
  
   
• Recent Developments in Applied Mineralogy and Gemmology

• Recent Developments in Applied Mineralogy and Gemmology

  This is an advanced critical thinking module which addresses key issues in the world of gemmology, including:

  • the identification of treated and synthetic gems; and
  • current socio-economic, environmental and political issues relating to mineral production and usage.
  
   
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

  This module explores the evolution of the main igneous and metamorphic rock suites. It links fluid processes in the crust related to igneous and metamorphic activity to the evolution of gem and precious metal hosting pegmatites.

  
   
• Study Skills and Research Methods

• Study Skills and Research Methods

  This module will:

  • introduce you to the ethos and methodology of scientific research in the 21st Century;
  • improve the quality of your scientific thought and procedures; and
  • provide extensive experience of computers for data analysis and other applications.
  
   
• Independent Project (Dissertation)

• Independent Project (Dissertation)

  This double module enables you to carry out a detailed piece of research on a topic of your own choice, including:

  • formulating a research proposal;
  • developing and implementing a research methodology; and
  • demonstrating the ability to develop a logical chain of thought and to handle data (in the course of writing up a dissertation).

  We will encourage you to discuss potential projects with the course director and, if possible, bring suitable material with you.

  
   

Part time: Year one

• Bridging Course

• Bridging Course

  The Bridging Course is a one-week introductory programme. It includes a three-day residential field trip to South West England to visit some of the mineralogical heritage of this metal-rich region. The bridging course will run in mid-September shortly before the start of the academic year.

  The aims of the Bridging Course are to:

  • introduce incoming students with a weak geological background to some basic geological concepts - we will build on these during the degree course when we discuss the geological controls on the origin of gem deposits and how gems from different regions can be distinguished; and
  • give our students the chance to meet their new colleagues and begin to team build and network - key members of the staff team will be present to identify what the students wish, both individually and as a complete group, to take out of the degree programme.

  If you have a strong geological background, you may be excused attending the bridging course. However, if you do so, you may find that you miss out on some important early discussions as new friendships are built and priorities identified.

  
   
• Mineralogical Methods and Applications

• Mineralogical Methods and Applications

  This module will:

  • introduce you to the modern techniques available to investigate the physical and chemical properties of minerals (especially gemstones and related compounds) on micro and macro scales; and
  • develop a critical assessment of their application in the field of gemmology and applied mineralogy.
  
   
• Recent Developments in Applied Mineralogy and Gemmology

• Recent Developments in Applied Mineralogy and Gemmology

  This is an advanced critical thinking module which addresses key issues in the world of gemmology, including:

  • the identification of treated and synthetic gems; and
  • current socio-economic, environmental and political issues relating to mineral production and usage.
  
   
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

  This module explores the evolution of the main igneous and metamorphic rock suites. It links fluid processes in the crust related to igneous and metamorphic activity to the evolution of gem and precious metal hosting pegmatites.

  
   
• Study Skills and Research Methods

• Study Skills and Research Methods

  This module will:

  • introduce you to the ethos and methodology of scientific research in the 21st Century;
  • improve the quality of your scientific thought and procedures; and
  • provide extensive experience of computers for data analysis and other applications.
  
   

Part time: Year two

• Geology and Mineralogy of Gems

• Geology and Mineralogy of Gems

  This module aims to develop an understanding of:

  • the geological setting of gem deposits;
  • the magmatic and/or metamorphic processes responsible for their evolution;
  • the role of trace elements in controlling the nature of precious stones; and
  • the crystal structure of gem stones.
  
   
• Geology of Earth Resources

• Geology of Earth Resources

  This module focuses on the occurrence and distribution of the Earth's physical resources, including gemstones. It explores the geological controls of their evolution and the major theories for their genesis.

  
   
• Independent Project (Dissertation)

• Independent Project (Dissertation)

  This double module enables you to carry out a detailed piece of research on a topic of your own choice, including:

  • formulating a research proposal;
  • developing and implementing a research methodology; and
  • demonstrating the ability to develop a logical chain of thought and to handle data (in the course of writing up a dissertation).

  We will encourage you to discuss potential projects with the course director and, if possible, bring suitable material with you.