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Introduction to Forensic Geology / Petrography


American Institute of Professional Geologists
  1. Course Number

    AIPG013
  2. Classes Start

  3. Estimated Effort

    1 hour
  4. Classes End

Forensic Geology/Petrography is not a new tool in the construction industry; however, it is generally not a well-known discipline. Observations detailed in this course are not typically covered during university geological studies. Most of these skills are learned on the job and do require a minimum of 5 years of experience directly under a Petrographer to earn a Petrographer title. This course will provide the standards followed, typical observations, and a few fun projects. Petrography has proven a beneficial tool in the assessment of concrete and construction stone to aid in engineering and construction applications.

Course Objectives

Students are expected to learn the following when they take this course:

  • How and why forensic geology and petrographic analysis are used
  • The basic steps of a petrographic analysis
  • Common issues found in a petrographic analysis, and the associated minerals that contribute to these issues

Course Format

This is an asynchronous short-course that contains videos, resources for learning more, and a set of questions in each section to help facilitate learning. An asynchronous course is a course that can be done on your own time. Feel free to pause, take a break, and come back to your saved progress to continue with the course. There is no deadline for completion of this course.

Note: For tips on taking this course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.

Obtaining Continuing Education Units

If your course grade is at least 70%, you may apply for 0.1 CEU credit. There is an administrative fee for the issuance of the CEU, and you can view the fee structure here. You can check your final grade by clicking on the Progress menu item in the course navigation menu at the top of the page.

Requirements

There are no pre-requisites for this course.

Course Staff

American Geosciences Institute staff serve as the facilitators for this course. If you have questions at any time during this course, you can email your questions to learning@americangeosciences.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above.

See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.

How do I take the course using the edX mobile app?

For tips on taking the course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.

Do I have to take this course all at one time to pass it?

No, in fact that's the advantage of offering asynchronous online courses. You can go through the course at your own pace, pause when you wish, save your progress, and resume the course when it’s convenient for you to do so.

Do I have to pay a registration fee for the course?

There is no registration fee for the course. You may view the entire course, and complete all the assessments, assignments, and exams at no cost.

Are Continuing Education Units available for this course?

If you would like to receive credit for the course and obtain CEUs, you will need to pass the course with a minimum of a 70%, fill out a form to register for the CEUs, and pay an administrative fee. The administrative fee for CEUs varies for each course. Please see the details in the “How to Obtain CEUs” section at the end of the course.

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