Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL318
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In this unit, you will explore the physical and chemical properties of some of the common Earth materials, with a focus on why specific elements/groups of elements can be concentrated in certain geological environments. Topics include exploring a crystal lattice, appreciating the structure of atoms, understanding the use of trace elements and exploring different geochemical reservoirs observed in/on the Earth.
You will be introduced to the theory and practical aspects of conducting geochemical/mineralogical analysis, and gain a working knowledge of how a geologist may apply different analytical techniques to environmental management and mineral exploration.
Practical exercises include making meaningful calculations with real-world datasets to explore thermobarometry, geochronology, and trace element data evaluation. Additionally, you will learn about minerals and metals of the future – what and where they are and why they’re important to a changing society.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
07 April 2024 | 11 April 2024 | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Both on campus and online students must attend the mandatory intensive school. This Intensive School contains a field trip. Therefore teaching activities will occur on Sunday |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate geology datasets, with a particular focus on why specific trends are important for exploration/environmental/hazard management;
- provide the “state of the art” knowledge required of professional geologists in an industry, government and/or graduate school capacity. This includes a working knowledge of the common minerals;
- interpret the geological history of rocks based on the observed mineralogical, textural and geochemical trends;
- demonstrate knowledge of the material properties of minerals and how/why specific elements are found in certain environments (for both economic or environmental reasons);
- use geochemical data – particularly the distribution of key elements (e.g., use things like partition coefficients and REE) to help constrain/interpret petrogenetic processes; and
- understand the importance of minerals, fluids and geology to society – with a particular focus on understanding the changing face of technology and how we use specific resources.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Major Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Major report based on intensive school and datasets explored during unit. |
Practical Exercises | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
Final Examination | Yes | 30% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
ISBN: 9781108492881
Philpotts, A.R., and Ague, J.J., Cambridge University Press 3rd Edition 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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