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GEOL303 Exploration and Environmental Geochemistry

Updated: 29 November 2012
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
10 February 2013 15 February 2013 Mandatory Both on- and off-campus students must attend the mandatory intensive school which includes a two-day field excursion. Ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approx two days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school.
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites GEOL120 and CHEM120
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes

Offered On/Off-campus in odd numbered years.
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Nancy Vickery (nvicker2@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit explores the theory, practice and interpretation of chemical analysis of geological materials. Students will learn principles of trace element geochemistry, exploration geochemistry, stable isotope applications, and methods of geochemical data interpretation. Students will undertake exercises in laboratory, field sampling, identification of environmental geochemical hazards, and data evaluation. Students will develop their communication skills through oral presentation and report writing.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

The Environmental Geochemistry of Mineral Deposits
ISBN: 9781934969199
Plumlee, G.S. and Logsdon, M.J. (Part A); Filipek, L.F. and Plumlee, G.S. (Part B), Society of Economic Geologists Inc. 1999
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Exploration Geochemistry: Design and Interpretation of Soil Surveys. Reviews in Economic Geology Vol. 3
ISBN: 9781887483728
Fletcher, W.K., Hoffman, S.J., Mehrtens, M.B., Sinclair, A.J. and Thomson, I., Society of Economic Geologists Inc. 1986
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 40% 2500
Assessment Notes
Data analysis problem sets
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-5 GA: 1, 2, 6
Intensive School Assessments 40% 2500
Assessment Notes
Excursion reports, oral presentation, test
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-5 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Test (1; online) 20% 1000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-5 GA: 1, 2, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand theoretical and practical aspects of geochemical analyses of geological materials, streamwater, rock and sediment and express this verbally and through written means;
  2. apply sampling techniques in practice;
  3. apply sample preparation techniques and understand their limitations;
  4. understand the limitations in data interpretation due to sample density and contamination issues; and
  5. interpret and present geochemical data and explain the distribution of data and identification of geochemical anomalies verbally and in written reports.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students receive discipline knowledge through lecture, eReserve materials, and online readings. They focus on learning the geochemical behavior of different elements under different physicochemical conditions, and the processes which disperse and concentrate elements in the natural and urban environment. They are assessed on their acquisition of the concepts delivered during the semester in practical assignments, written reports, verbal presentations and online activities 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will develop and improve communication skills through verbal delivery (critiqued) and written reports and exams. Students are to be able to express acquired knowledge and personal observations in written reports and on exams. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Not explicitly addressed although the students will be able to recognise the local, regional and global issues associated with environmental problems in geology, and how these issues affect society even distal to the source of contamination. 		True
4 Information Literacy
Students are taught to utilise different sources of information (eg, online resources, foundational literature) to develop ideas relating to the discipline and then express their discoveries by written communication in research reports, verbal presentations and written exams. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students will be able to reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge as they are assessed on practical work. They will be presented with readings, lectures and applied practicals which will help them evaluate their understanding of geochemical problems, sampling issues and the interpretation of data. These skills will be of great value in future work experience in the environmental industry. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students should be able to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to problems relating to environmental contamination and geochemical exploration. They will be assessed on this knowledge in practical tests and exams. They should be able to identify critical issues in the practice of the discipline through exposure to practical experience and field excursions, including sampling strategies and data interpretation. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be able to recognise the environmental and social implications of mineral extraction and municipal contamination in their communities, and their social responsibility in their potential future role in environmental investigations and remediation. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students will learn cooperatively as they work through practical material in groups/teams. They will be able to recognise value of team work and also the difficulties associated with it. 		True
   

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