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Earth Structure, Geophysics, Geodynamics (GEOL20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will explore the structure and dynamics of planet Earth. It focuses on the large-scale processes that control the distribution, composition and structure of rocks and the position and evolution of surface features such as mountain belts and basins. As such, this subject provides the essential theoretical and practical framework to understand the fundamental geological processes involved with the rock cycle, including the later modification of rocks through deformation and metamorphism. These topics build on the understanding of geological systems attained in Level 1 subjects and provides key conceptual framework for later Level 2 and subsequently Level 3 geology subjects. Lectures, practicals and fieldwork will cover two linked themes: (1) large scale tectonics, its drivers and its links to the formation of different rock types, and (2) deformation and secondary structures in rocks.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain the gross structure of planet Earth and how it is understood from geological and geophysical observations
- Evaluate large-scale geophysical datasets that can be used to investigate the structure and evolution of Earth
- Identify and describe the key controls on plate tectonics at a large-scale
- Investigate the dynamic linkages between rock forming processes in different tectonic settings
- Identify what factors control rock deformation and how these are central to tectonic and orogenic processes
- Interpret deformation features in rocks in three dimensions including on geological maps and in cross-sections
- Discuss the position of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks within the rock cycle and how this links to the atmosphere and biosphere
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Critical thinking skills including the ability to conceptualize complex and abstract ideas
- Time and workload management skills
- Problem-solving skills for new and unfamiliar tasks
- Collaboration and team-work skills
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
At least one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
EVSC10001 | The Global Environment | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ERTH10002 | Understanding Planet Earth | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assessment of field trip in the form of an individual assignment
| Two weeks after the field excursion OR week 6 if a virtual excursion is run | 25% |
Online structural geology practical test
| Week 11 | 25% |
Practical exercises in tectonics and geophysics (two 500-word assignments equally weighted)
| Week 4 and week 8 of the semester respectively | 25% |
Online written examination
| During the examination period | 25% |
Additional details
A decision on whether an in-person field trip will run will be made as far in advance of the proposed excursion as practicable, following University and Government Health advice. If an in-person field trip cannot be run, a virtual excursion will take place.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Sandra Mclaren Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x two hour practical classes per week, and a two-day (6-hour per day) weekend field trip at Cape Liptrap held during semester (typical in Week 4 but timing dependent on tides). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject includes a field trip. Students should consult the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences website for field trip dates, associated costs and safety requirements: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/study/field-trips
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- 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 625-202 Earth Structure and Dynamics (prior to 2010)
Previously known as 625-202 Sedimentary Basins to Mountain Belts (prior to 2009)
Special Requirements: Students should consult the Earth Sciences web site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements related to the field component. Virtual field work options are available for students who may not be able to fully participate in the excursion, please discuss your circumstances with the subject co-ordinator
Costs: Costs will be levied for fieldwork components. Details will be available on the school webpage prior to commencement of the semester
- Incidental costs
Field trip costs including: travel, accommodation and food of approximately $160. Please note that this price listed is indicative and students will be advised of the exact price closer to the field trip date.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- 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 (Production)
- 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: 31 January 2024