Optical and Physical Behaviour of Gemstones

GEM 3004SED

Course Guide

OPTICAL AND PHYSICAL BEHAVIOUR OF GEMSTONES

GEM 3004SED

Course Guide

OPTICAL AND PHYSICAL BEHAVIOUR OF GEMSTONES

Course Start Date

Spr 2026

Course Level

3000

Length in Terms

1 term

Credits

3

Language

English

Fees ($) (including lab fees)

16,500

Future Terms

Quota and Schedule

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
Spr 2026	3000	1 term	3	English	16,500

Quota and Schedule

Course Coordinator:

Ms. Carman MA (MUST)

Course Developer:

TBC

This course is a 3-credit-unit, 3000-level course offered by the School of Science and Technology in distance learning mode. It is a core course in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies programme.

Aims

This course aims to:

demonstrate an applied understanding of fundamental gemmological knowledge with direct relevance to gemstone identification, processing and trade practices;
explain the optical and physical properties of common gemstones, and articulate their significance in cutting, treatment and jewellery manufacturing decisions;
differentiate gemstones in the marketplace by integrating knowledge of physical and optical features with considerations of authenticity, treatment disclosure and commercial classification;
evaluate gemstones using conventional and advanced analytical techniques, and interpret results in the context of quality control, processing suitability and value determination; and
analyse and discuss the role of physical and optical properties in gemstone identification, pricing, market positioning and consumer confidence, connecting scientific principles with practical trade applications.

Contents

This course covers the following topics:

Introduction to general characteristics of gemstones
Basic optical behaviour of gemstones
Basic physical behaviour of gemstones
Optical and physical characteristics of common gemstones
Techniques to assess optical and physical behaviour of gemstones

Learning support

This course includes 33-hour lectures and six-hour workshops. In the lectures, the lecturer will carry out a mix of teaching and learning activities, including explanations, discussions and demonstrations. Students can take the opportunity to interact and ask questions. The course will also provide telephone consultations.

Assessment

The course assessment includes two assignments (60%) and a project-based assessment (40%). Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

There are a number of rules and regulations relating to assessment and these are provided in the Student Handbook. Students are strongly recommended to read this handbook, as it explains the general requirements for all assessment and the way grades are actually determined.

Online requirement

This course uses the Online Learning Environment (OLE). There students will find course materials and the latest course information. Students can also make use of the platform to communicate with their tutor, Course Coordinator and fellow students. Students are recommended to visit the OLE regularly. For details about the OLE and how to access it, please refer to the Online Learning Environment User Guide.

Equipment

Students will need a computer to do some exercises and access the Internet and the Online Learning Environment (OLE) of the course. We recommend the following computing requirements:

A PC or equivalent
An email account
Internet connection

Software

Windows 10 or equivalent
A Web browser: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari

Set book(s)

Dominy, G. M. (2024). Handbook of Gemmology (5th ed., Vol. 1 to Vol. 3). Amazons Gem Publications.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs

The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties for students with hearing or vision impairment. They are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course.