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Regolith Geoscience (ERTH90031)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25Not available in 2017
Overview
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This course is focussed on regolith, a vital part of Australian landscapes that is becoming increasingly important in mineral exploration and land management. We begin by presenting basic and advanced concepts in the formation and evolution of regolith, including its physical and chemical characteristics, the physical and biogeochemical processes that affect its structure and composition, and the dispersion and concentration of elements. We follow with concepts and applications focussed specifically on geochemical and geophysical exploration methods that are used to assess mineralisation potential within and underneath the regolith. Field excursions will help to consolidate knowledge and understanding developed in lectures and practical exercises.
Intended learning outcomes
- This subject aims to equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise appropriate for post-graduate research in the field; equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise enabling them to take their place as professional geologists in industry or government organisations;
- to gain an understanding of key concepts of regolith characteristics and evolution;
- biophysical processes that affect the regolith, e.g., weathering, erosion and transport;
- regolith materials, including mineralogy and geochemistry;
- element dispersion and/or concentration in the regolith; exploration methods using geochemistry and geophysics for mineralisation within and below the regolith;
- and sampling and analytical methods for regolith, water and biota.
Generic skills
- Exercise critical judgement;
- undertake rigorous and independent thinking;
- adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks;
- develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills;
- interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature;
- work as part of a team.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Knowledge of third-year geology strongly recommended.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Practical exercises equivalent to 1250 words, due by the end of the teaching period (50%)
- Report equivalent to 1250 words, due by the end of the teaching period (50%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2017
Time commitment details
85 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject is taught through the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences: https://vieps.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Pain, C.F., Pillans, B.J., Roach, I.C., Worrall, L. and Wilford, J.R., 2012. Old, flat and red - Australia's distinctive landscape. In: R.S. Blewett (Editor), Shaping a Nation: A Geology of Australia. Geoscience Australia and ANU E Press, Canberra, pp. 226-275. (available for free download from ANU Press).
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Earth Sciences) Course Master of Geoscience Informal specialisation Earth Sciences Major Honours Program - Earth Sciences - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022