Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL316
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
The Earth’s crust and upper mantle, or lithosphere, are a consequence of dynamic and thermal processes operating since the beginning of the Archaean. Tectonic, metamorphic, and magmatic processes are the key to Earth’s formation and evolution. Gain an understanding of these processes through topics such as: the formation and evolution of oceanic and continental lithosphere; structural deformation, magmatism and metamorphism at plate boundaries; and the mesoscopic and microscopic analysis of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Competently and independently identify common crystalline rocks in hand-specimen and under the microscope; and gather and interpret the structural field data which enables the determination of the structural style and deformational history presented in particular tectonic settings.
The concepts and content presented in this unit are considered to be essential knowledge for geologists and geophysicists and provide a conceptual framework for their professional practice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 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. |
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:
- identify common rock forming minerals (magmatic and metamorphic) in hand specimen and thin sections;
- interpret common mineral textures, finite strain fabrics (i.e. foliations and lineations), kinematic indicators, and the relative timing of mineral growth and fabric development;
- understand the tectonic, metamorphic, magmatic and geochemical processes involved in key geodynamic settings, their products and be aware of assumptions underlying their interpretation;
- explain the various modes of lithospheric deformation (extension, contraction, strike-slip) and how they affect the temperature and pressure evolution of crystalline rocks; and
- when presented with a geological problem, observe and interpret the key data and relationships and provide a satisfactory explanation or interpretation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practicals - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assured Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Major Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Major report is based on intensive school and datasets explored during unit. |
| Practicals - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | A series of practicals completed at the mandatory Intensive School To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practicals - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assured Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Quizzes | Yes | 15% | All offerings | A series of Quizzes No. Words: 750 |
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.
Plate Tectonics: Continental Drift and Mountain Building
ISBN: 9783030889982
Frisch, W., Meschede, M. and Blakey, R.C., Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2nd edition 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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