A mine is a hole in the ground owned by a liar.  
Mark Twain

Therefore a miner, since we think he ought to be a good and serious man, should not make use of an enchanted twig, because if he is prudent and skilled in the natural signs, he understands that a forked stick is of no use to him, for as I have said before, there are the natural indications of veins which he can see for himself without the help of twigs. 
Georgius Agricola, De Re Metallica, 1556 translated by Hoover and Hoover.

Long has man travelled in the realms of gold.
John Keats

GEOLOGY 430:   
Geology 430 will be a lecture class with two exams (Mid-term and Final).
There will be assignments which will be part of your grade.  One principal assignment will be the review
of a junior exploration/mining company.  I will assign the company for you to review.
Other assignments may consist of readings and short reports, and problem solving.
Participation in discussions will be part of your grade.

GEOLOGY 530:
Those in Geology 530 will be required to do the same work as described above under Geology 430.  In addition, those participating in Geology 530 will be assigned advanced readings (generally weekly).  These reading will be covered on the Mid-term and Final for GEOL 530.
 

GRADING:

I hate tests but many folks actually prefer them.  It is a more objective form of evaluation but far from perfect.
:

 However!
If the company investigations go well, and people are "into it," we will de-emphasize the tests to as little as 25% - 30% of the grade (making them essentially glorified quizzes).  The percentage of the grade that is classified as "Assignments & Other" will go up.