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Earth Composition, Minerals and Magmas (GEOL20003)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will provide an understanding of the composition of the Earth in space and time. The first part of this subject will investigate the composition of the Earth on accretion and its differentiation into core, mantle and crust. This will be followed by an investigation of the minerals and rocks that make up the mantle and the crust, what these minerals and rocks are made of, how minerals and rocks form, and what information these provide about how the Earth works. These questions are central to the science of Geology and will be addressed using field observations and measurements, and examination of minerals, rocks and petrographic thin-sections in the laboratory. Our ability to answer geological questions invariably requires such observations to underpin any final interpretations we make. This subject introduces a wide range of new minerals from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and provides knowledge and practice to aid in their identification in both hand-specimen and thin-section. An important focus of the subject is the link between the chemical composition of mantle and crustal magmas and the minerals they crystallise (i.e., igneous rocks). Students will learn to appreciate that magma chemistry and the mineralogy of igneous rocks (i.e., once the magmas have cooled and crystallised) are directly related to each other. Thus, if we can identify the minerals present in an igneous rock, we already know a great deal about its composition (and therefore the processes by which it formed).
Intended learning outcomes
This subject builds upon some skills that students have already developed in first year (e.g., the identification of rocks and minerals in hand-specimen). In this subject, these skills will be developed and augmented through the examination of rocks and minerals in thin-section. Although much of this subject deals with igneous rocks, the minerals that students will be required to identify include others formed in metamorphic and sedimentary environments. Thus, many of the techniques learned here will apply to a broad range of geological situations. For those students wishing to pursue their study of Geology, other second-year subjects and almost all third-year subjects will use or build upon the information gained here. It needs to be understood that the identification of rocks and minerals is usually a means to an end, and only seldom an end in itself. Before we can proceed to use more sophisticated methods of unravelling Earth processes however, a solid background is required in understanding the fundamental insights that can be provided by careful observations of rocks and minerals
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific information, this subject will help students to develop their ability to synthesize data and interpret observations. The ability to apply analytical skills will also allow students to tackle the description and identification of unfamiliar samples. Opportunities will be provided for students to work with other students during laboratory, field and tutorial classes, but students will need to manage their own time effectively in order to complete tasks in preparation for ongoing assessment and the end of semester examinations.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ERTH10002 | Understanding Planet Earth | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
VCE Chemistry is desirable.
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Portfolio assignments totalling no more than 4,000 words (10%),
- 4 tests/quizzes (3 x 30mins, 1 x 60mins) each worth 5% (20%),
- Field trip attendance (5%),
- A 2-hour practical examination held towards the end of semester (25%);
- A 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%).
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Andrea Giuliani Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week; 3.5 days of field work (held on weekends throughout the semester). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Previously known as 625-222 Minerals and Magmas (prior to 2009)
Special Requirements: Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Students should consult the Earth Sciences web site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- 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.
Last updated: 27 April 2024