Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL313
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Without the geologic environment – the rocks, soil, air and water – that surrounds us, there would be no life on Earth. Environmental and geological processes shape human life, while human activity impacts the environment in significant ways.
This unit introduces you to current topics and controversies in environmental geology. You will explore geological hazards, and a range of issues related to human impacts on the environment, including land use and resource management.
Learning about volcanic hazards, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, ground water resources, mineral resources and mining, soil resources and aspects of Earth’s climate, you will be ready to apply your knowledge to community and industry-based problems.
A research project and a forum where you present your findings offers you the opportunity to investigate an environmental geology problem of your choice, in a location that suits you.
Fine tune your critical thinking, analytical and scientific communication skills.
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 |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
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 theoretical/technical understanding of the geological processes and their controls and influences on many aspects of environmental science;
- apply independent research skills and well developed judgement to analyse and evaluate source reliability and data evaluation;
- communicate effectively through report writing using appropriate referencing;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject using geological concepts in applications regarding community-based, and industry-based issues; and
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject by using those skills to solve unpredictable and sometimes complex problems arising within the subject.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Group exercise | Yes | 20% | All offerings | The discussion group exercise is a two hour exercise that introduces the students to existing river catchment and geology data from the Armidale region as a means to studying the link between local geology, water quality and land use. No. Words: 1000 |
| Major project report - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Assessment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | A series of quizzes. No. Words: 2000 |
| Presentation and questions - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | 15 minute presentation Oral assessments will be done in real time either face to face (on campus students) or via online video conferencing technology (off campus students). Supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by the School. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Major project report - Assurance Task and Presentation and questions - 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.
ISE Environmental Geology
ISBN: 9781266113710
Montgomery, C. W., Seegers-Szablewski, G., McGraw-Hill Education 12th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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