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Earth & Ocean ScienceS

Diploma in Gemmology

Programme content	This Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology) provides an introduction to the science of gemmology for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades. The programme aims to provide the student with a broad introduction to the study of gemstones. It covers a range laboratory – based techniques used to identify gemstones and provides the student with hands-on experience in gemstone identification protocols. The programme covers the typical geological settings of gemstones. The course includes two 1-day field trips in Connemara to observe crystals in their natural setting.
Duration	The course is open to everyone and is designed for people with no previous training in gemmology. It is suitable as an introductory course for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades.
Entry Requirements	There are no formal entry requirements to this programme.
Summary of Course Content	The programme consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practicals, including tuition on good microscope practise in the identification of gemstones (teaching collection comprises some 200 cut stones including diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds), examination of gemstones using a range of laboratory instruments including binocular microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, polariscope, dichroscope and conoscope. The programme includes the following topics: The Dynamic Earth Earth History Earth Materials The Formation and Geological Settings of Gemstones Global Distribution of Gemstones The Crystallography and Mineralogy of Gemstones The Optical Properties of Crystals - the path to gemstone identification Gemstone properties and Instrumentation for their determination Recording gemstone properties/indentification protocols Fashioning of gemstones Synthetic gemstones/ gemstone enhancements and imitations Systematic recording of the physical and optical properties of a wide range of gemstones There are also two, 1-day field trips to Connemara to study crystals and minerals in their natural settings.
Application Info	Application forms are available from: Admissions Office NUI, Galway Phone: 091 750437 Fax: 091 750436 Email: admissionsnuigalway.ie Please return completed applications to the Admissions Office. Places on the programme are restricted to approximately 25. Application Form (PDF, 100 kb) Galway Diploma Series 2010 Brochure (PDF, 280 kb)
Award	NUI Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology)
Info Contact	Professor Martin Feely Course Director Earth and Ocean Sciences Quadrangle Building, NUI, Galway Phone: 091 492129 Fax: 091 750533 Email: martin.feelynuigalway.ie
Schedule	Students attend for 3 hours per week over 2 years, for a total of four semesters. The rogramme includes lectures, practicals and the two 1-day field trips form an important eement of the programme.

Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
Phone: +353 (0)91 492 126, E-mail: Earth and Ocean Sciences
This page was last updated Monday, September 12, 2011

Earth & Ocean ScienceS

Diploma in Gemmology

Programme content

Duration

Entry Requirements

Summary of Course Content

Application Info

Award

Info Contact

Schedule