Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL305
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Extend your specialised geology knowledge with this advanced, work-ready unit, focused on developing your academic and applied skills.
Exploring ore formation and the economic and exploration issues relating to mineral deposits, this unit will develop your understanding of the key principles of ore deposit geology, including geochemistry, practical applications of geophysics, mineralising environments and metallogenic mapping.
Laboratory work and field excursions during the intensive school offer you a holistic approach to understanding mineral deposits using cutting-edge analytical techniques, applied geochemistry and geophysics in ore geology. Using transmitted and reflected light microscopy, you will gain first-hand experience in identification of ore minerals, textures and paragenesis of mineral deposits from around the world. You will also gain valuable field skills in ore geology, examining hand samples and drill core in a real-world geological context.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for all students. 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:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the alteration and mineralisation characteristics of the more economically important ore deposit types;
- identify and recognise the geological implications of ore textures, alteration and mineralization styles through practical and field excursion experience; and thereby demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and apply information;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of exploration methods and their complexities; and
- synthesize observational and other data and produce a geologic interpretation; this will demonstrate the student's ability to analyse, generate and transmit solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex solutions.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Practical Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No Words: 1200 Duration: 30 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
| Practicum | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Theory Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 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 Theory Examination – Assurance Task, and Practical Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
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.
Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes
ISBN: 9781119967507
Robb, L., Wiley 2nd ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Manual of Mineral Science
ISBN: 9780471721574
Klein, C. and Dutrow, B., Wiley 23rd ed. 2007
Text refers to:
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