Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL208
*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
Offering in-depth knowledge of two key sub disciplines of earth science, structural and metamorphic geology, this unit adds to your capacity to understand and interpret the scientific challenges you may encounter in the field or lab.
Integrating theory, practicals, field and laboratory-based learning, the unit will equip you with field and observational skills that can help you to stand out in your career.
In the lab, you will explore metamorphic petrology, recognition of metamorphic facies, identification of rock structures and structural analysis, classification and interpretation.
Field work will fine tune your skills recognising and interpreting complex geological structures and field relationships, metamorphic facies and processes.
Focusing on applied skills and observations on natural outcrop, geological mapping, structural analysis, interpreting metamorphic records and constructing geological histories, field studies give you hands-on experience with real-world scenarios.
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 | 8 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on campus students. This Intensive School contains a field trip. The off-campus Intensive School may incur additional expenses, for further information please contact the unit coordinator. In addition, students will be responsible for travel to and from the Intensive School as well as all meals. |
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 understanding of metamorphism, metamorphic rocks and the agencies of change in metamorphic rocks;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the geological settings in which metamorphic changes take place;
- demonstrate field skills acquired to interpret metamorphic facies and the type of metamorphism in the field;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the fundamentals of structural geology;
- demonstrate an ability to produce a geological map based on structural and lithological observations in the field; and
- demonstrate an ability to identify, describe and analyse common structures related to deformation and understand the significance of these structures. This will also demonstrate the ability to transmit information to others in written and/or verbal form.
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 | 30% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Intensive School component - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Field Mapping No. Words: 1500 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Metamorphic assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Online quizzes and practicals | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 250 |
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.
Geological Field Techniques
ISBN: 9781444330625
Coe, A. L., John Wiley & Sons (UK) 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology
ISBN: 9781108456487
Yardley, B. and Warren, C., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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