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Geochemistry & Petrogenesis (GEOL30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: jhergt@unimelb.edu.au
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Solving geological problems requires unravelling what happened and when. Petrogenesis is literally 'the origin of rocks' and in this subject several essential tools geologists employ to unravel the complexity of earth processes using chemical information preserved in rocks and minerals will be presented. These include the major, trace element and isotopic compositions of rocks and minerals. Most of this subject relates to igneous processes, however many of the tools can be applied to a broad range of geological problems. These include dating the formation of sedimentary rocks and ore deposits, constraining the ages of metamorphic events, and unravelling palaeoclimate records.
In addition to learning the principles that underpin these techniques, emphasis is placed on how or when they are best applied. It is expected that by the end of the semester you will be able to explain how specific tools work and demonstrate both when it is appropriate, and how to apply them, to resolve petrogenetic problems.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject builds upon many skills you have already developed in first and second year. The application of geochemical data requires you to have a sound background in field observations, a broad knowledge of rock-forming processes, and an ability to identify minerals (and interpret textural information) preserved in thin-section.
For those wishing to pursue their study of Earth processes and petrogenesis, almost all third-year Geology subjects will deal with this in some form, and many Masters projects will draw upon topics included in this subject. In addition, the broad application of skills similar to those you will learn about in this subject are frequently well-illustrated in departmental seminars. You are strongly encouraged to form the habit of attending these.
Generic skills
In this subject, students should recognise the importance of integrating the knowledge and skills obtained through years of study to tackle new and unfamiliar problems. This will require critical thinking and the organisation of materials delivered in lectures, together with the development of problem-solving skills via the laboratory exercises.
The group assignment is designed to enhance the ability for students to work as part of a team as well as improve their oral communication skills. The individual written assignment will provide an opportunity for students to further develop their written communication skills.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GEOL20003 | Earth Composition, Minerals and Magmas | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Subjects selected from
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GEOL20001 | Geology of Southeast Australia | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ERTH20001 | Dangerous Earth | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GEOL20004 | Field Mapping and Sedimentary Geology | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
GEOL20002 | Structural and Metamorphic Geology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A practical examination
| During the teaching period | 25% |
A group project undertaken throughout the semester and presented to the class towards the end of semester | End of the teaching period | 10% |
An individual written assignment based on the group project of up to 2000 words
| End of semester | 10% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 55% |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Janet Hergt Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x two hour lecture per week; and 1 x two hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Email: jhergt@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
- Marjorie Wilson Igneous Petrogenesis, a global tectonic approach: (Unwin Hyman: ISBN 0-04-552025-9)
- Gunter Faure Principles of Isotope Geology (Wiley & Sons: ISBN 0-471-86412-9)
- 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.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Geoscience Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Geology Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Geology Major Geology Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 22 March 2024