Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL207
*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
Global consumption of mineral resources has reached a critical stage. Increasingly the importance of mineral extraction to society, and the environmental consequences of this, are topics of international discussion.
An understanding of resource geology, and its associated environmental issues, can help you to approach wide-ranging problems – from mining and mineral discovery, to land rehabilitation, environmental consultancy and the renewable energy sector – with a different perspective.
This unit provides you with an overview of the basic processes leading to ore deposit formation, ore mineralogy and hydrothermal alteration, the environmental consequences of mining and mineral economics.
Through practical and field work you will consolidate your understanding of important concepts including ore minerals, mineralising environments and the environmental challenges and opportunities of resource extraction.
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 | This Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on-campus students. |
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:
- explain basic concepts of ore formation for select ore deposit types;
- identify different styles of alteration and mineralisation from hand samples and from field context;
- explain the geologic plate tectonic context of the selected ore deposit types;
- express an understanding of the geologic processes which produced the mineralogical changes observed in different rocks;
- communicate their observations effectively via written reports and exams; and
- demonstrate cognitive skills to research information, identify and evaluate sources and use the information in critical and creative written report 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Field Excursion Report No. Words: 1500 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Literature Review No. Words: 1500 |
| 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. |
| Practical Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Based on practical knowledge gained during the intensive school (in the field and lab) and relies on some knowledge gained during lectures before the intensive school. No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this 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
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