Very easy self-directed course. Basically a GPA booster. The course covers a wide range of content and appear messy, but you can bring a cheat sheet to the exam, so it won't be too troublesome. The score is divided into three parts: each lesson has a very short quiz, then there will be 3 projects for you to design teaching; and then there is the final exam.

The content can be divided into four parts: minerals, diamonds, gemstones, metals+mining. Minerals mainly study the definition, general classification and physical properties of minerals. Diamonds are mainly about light, including the elements inside diamonds, diamond cutting, diamond classification, and some light phenomena. Gemstones mainly include beryl, corundum and pegmatite. Mainly about their classification, treatment and variants. Metals include precious metals such as gold, PGMs, and silver, covering their physical properties, mining, and uses. Mining includes the world's major mines, the classification of mining methods, and their impact.

The professor gave feedback of assignments really quickly. But he didn't play any role on teaching since this is a fully online course.

Don't be too lazy and at least go through major topics before final session. And you need to leave 4 days for reviewing and writing cheat sheet. The textbook is not helpful.