Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL209
*You are viewing the 2026 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
Interested in pursuing further, advanced study in geology? Delivered using an innovative virtual microscope, this unit is designed to help you hone the background knowledge and practical skills needed for specialised geology study.
Studying this unit, you will learn how to use a petrographic microscope, identify igneous rocks and understand the key concepts of geochemistry.
With these fundamental earth science skills as a foundation, you will be able to conduct analyses of rocks and minerals to determine the nature of their formation, composition and relationships to other rocks.
Weekly tutorials will build your knowledge and practical skills, assessing your understanding of the theoretical aspects of microscopy, and ensuring you are equipped to continue to study more advanced geology units.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 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
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:
- competently use a petrographic microscope (real or virtual);
- utilise knowledge of diagnostic properties of rocks and minerals to autonomously identify these under the microscope;
- independently apply knowledge of their characteristics and features to identify rock types under the microscope and intelligibly discuss their textures and mineralogical relationships;
- demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the fundamentals of mineralogy, crystallography and geochemistry; and
- apply the fundamental skills of microscopy, mineralogy and geochemistry to understand the formation of common minerals and apply this to petrology.
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 | 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 Practical Examination – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Major Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Combines aspects of microscopy and geochemistry to solve a geological problem. This draws on aspects of practical and theoretical material taught in the unit. No. Words: 900 |
| Practical | Yes | 20% | All offerings | 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. No Words: 1200 equivalent |
| Practical Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1200 equivalent |
| Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 900 equivalent |
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.
A Practical Guide to Rock Microstructure
ISBN: 9781108427241
Vernon, R. H. , Cambridge University Press 2nd 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals
ISBN: 9780903056274
Deer, W., Howie, R. A., and Zussman, J. , Mineralogical society of Great Britain and Ireland 3rd 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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